[One Day Walk] Geumcheon-gu Barrier-Free Happy Trail from Hoam Neulsolgil to Siheung Valley

In Siheung-dong, Geumcheon-gu, there is Hoamsan Mountain. Hoamsan is a 393-meter rocky mountain connected to Samsungsan, famous as an urban hiking healing course. The mountain is especially named 'Hoamsan (虎巖山)' because its shape resembles a tiger.

Hoamsan features many historical sites and traditional temples such as Hoamsanseong Fortress, Hanumul Well, Seokgusang, and Hoapsa Temple. Visitors can enjoy magnificent views of downtown Seoul without much effort, attracting many people.

Entrance of Hoamsa Temple with cherry blossoms in bloom.

A particularly popular spot is Hoam Neulsolgil, a trail that runs through the Hoam pine forest bathing area. The walking course starts at Hoamsanmun, located at San 100-43, Siheung-dong, Geumcheon-gu. If coming by subway, get off at Geumcheon-gu Office Station on Line 1, take village bus number 1 heading to Siheung-dong, and get off at the Hoapsa entrance stop.

At the entrance of Hoamsan, visitors are welcomed by Hoamsanmun (虎巖山門), a gate with a tiled roof resting on two wooden pillars. About 10 minutes uphill from Hoamsanmun leads to Hoapsa Temple, a traditional temple from the Joseon Dynasty. It is said that the temple was built at the tiger’s tail position to suppress the tiger’s energy.

Hoam Neulsolgil

Walking while feeling the atmosphere of Hoapsa, you will reach Hoam Neulsolgil, where the pine breeze always blows. The 1.8 km barrier-free forest trail, from Hoapsa through the pine forest bathing area to Heungsan Badminton Court, is designed so that people with disabilities and the elderly can enjoy the beautiful forest scenery.

Following the well-laid deck path, you will find a rest pavilion offering panoramic views of Geumcheon-gu’s downtown and the boundary of Hoamsan. This spot is ideal for enjoying the red sunset at dusk.

Along the deck path crossing the pine forest bathing area from the rest pavilion, tall pine trees stand densely on both sides, creating a magnificent sight. Walking calmly while breathing in the forest scent, you can feel your body and mind healing with the fresh air. Hoam Neulsolgil has resting spots throughout, allowing anyone to easily enjoy the unique charm of Hoamsan. Thanks to lighting installed along the entire trail, it is also a great place to relax with nature at night.

Geumcheon-gu Siheung Valley

While enjoying healthy forest bathing, you will come across a fork in the path. It is highly recommended to follow the signpost to Siheung Valley and go down. After about 30 minutes passing the badminton court with birdsong, you will reach the recently restored Siheung Valley.

Geumcheon-gu completed the first phase of an ecological stream restoration project last August, restoring the old charm of Siheung Valley, where urbanization had interrupted water flow, and creating a waterfront space utilizing beautiful natural resources. Groundwater circulates daily, keeping the valley water flowing year-round. The slope is gentle, and the surroundings are surrounded by dense forest. Downstream, there is a water inlet rest area with shade where visitors can dip their feet and relax, and upstream, a spring and a wooden bridge serving as an observatory are installed, making it perfect for family outings in summer.

Especially, the ecological pond in Siheung Valley is home to the endangered second-class species, the Mongolian toad, which can only live in clean areas. Thanks to creating a new habitat here for the Mongolian toads discovered during local development in 2021, they have safely migrated. Starting with the restoration of Siheung Valley’s ecosystem, plans are underway to create a resident-friendly ecological park, expected to become an ecological tourism attraction visited by all generations from children to adults.

For busy modern people with no time to breathe in the barren city, Hoam Neulsolgil and Siheung Valley Trail in Geumcheon-gu are undoubtedly healing retreats where you can recharge yourself with nature. Whether alone or together, spending quiet time here will help you discover a purified self in green surroundings, so it is highly recommended to start your journey now.<Provided by Geumcheon-gu Office