Uljin-gun Installs Pedestrian Deck on Seongryugul-gil... Residents Anticipate the Nation's Best Tree-lined 'Tree Walk'

Uljin-gun, Gyeongbuk Province (Governor Son Byeong-bok) is connecting the previously disconnected pedestrian deck from Noeum-ri, Geunnam-myeon, at Susan Bridge to Seongryugul Cave, creating a path where visitors can enjoy the riverside scenery and cherry blossom road.

Installation work of pedestrian deck on Seongnyugul Cave path.

The street trees along Seongryugul-gil were planted during the development of the Seongryugul tourist site and are cherry trees over 50 years old. In spring, the cherry blossoms hanging along the river embankment create a spectacular view, making it a representative cherry blossom road in Uljin-gun that attracts many spring visitors to Seongryugul.

The pedestrian deck installation project on Seongryugul-gil was realized for the first time in over 10 years following dialogues between local residents and the governor, as well as continuous proposals from the Geunnam-myeon Regional Development Council since the start of the 8th term of the local government in 2022. With a supplementary budget of 2.5 billion KRW last year, an 800-meter design was completed, and installation work has been underway since February this year, with completion expected by July.

During the construction of the pedestrian deck on Seongryugul-gil, there was controversy due to complaints requesting that the deck road be installed 1 meter lower than the road to preserve the branches of the street trees hanging over the riverside. In response, the county held a residents' briefing session on April 6 at the site to gather opinions. To connect the previously disconnected pedestrian deck on Seongryugul-gil, a long-awaited project by the residents, the plan prioritizes pedestrian safety and minimizes pruning of the cherry tree branches.

At the residents' briefing session, a local resident of Geunnam-myeon said, “If the deck is lower than the road, there is a higher risk of inhaling vehicle exhaust, water splashing from passing vehicles during rain, and accidents caused by falling objects. Also, the view of the riverside scenery is diminished.” They added, “Proper pruning of cherry tree branches is necessary for balanced street tree management against typhoons and snowfall.”

The Construction Department, which is overseeing this project, stated that it will comprehensively consider the opinions of local residents and complainants, prioritize minimizing damage to the street trees and pedestrian safety, and ensure appropriate pruning work. They pledged to thoroughly manage the site until the project is completed so that the ‘Tree Walk,’ the best street tree path in the country, can be established.