[One Day Walk] Streams and Green Spaces at the Eastern Edge of Seoul... Gangil Station

Editor's NoteThe subway is a transportation method that anyone can easily access and travel safely, and it is also an important point for daily walking. We introduce walkable places around subway stations.

The course introduced this time is Gangil Station on Seoul Subway Line 5. Gangil Station is the easternmost subway station within the Seoul city limits. It opened in 2021 and is one of the newest stations. The area around Godeokcheon was traditionally divided into Sangil-dong (upper) and Hail-dong (lower), but Hail-dong was renamed Gangil-dong to reflect its location adjacent to the Han River. The area has been developed as a residential district with many apartments, but green spaces including Godeokcheon are well maintained, making it known as a pleasant neighborhood for walking.

The Gangil Station course starts from Exit 1. Right after exiting, there is a low hill called Gangdeok Neighborhood Park. It is a park created on a hill next to the Seoul Metropolitan Area 1st Ring Expressway. The area is covered with pine trees and resembles a small forest along a short hillside path. There are facilities such as a gateball court, a pavilion, and light exercise equipment, making it a place frequently visited by local residents. Walking a bit behind Gangil Station from Gangdeok Neighborhood Park, you cross over the 1st Ring Expressway, offering a fresh view of the highway traffic from above.

Godeokcheon Stream walking trail. [Photo by Asia Economy DB]

After crossing over the 1st Ring Expressway, if you turn left, you will find Beolmal Neighborhood Park. Currently, a trail maintenance project is underway, and once completed, the walking environment is expected to improve significantly. This park is also created on a hillside next to the expressway, providing well-maintained urban mountain trails. There are benches and exercise equipment along the way, as well as an air gun for dust removal and a water tap for drinking. Following the trail, you will see a road, and walking left along it leads to Gangdong Public Bus Garage. This garage serves most buses passing through Gangdong-gu and is an essential transportation hub for local residents.

Passing the garage, you will reach Godeokcheon Stream. Godeokcheon was once known as "Genaera" due to its abundance of crabs and its clear water. It has now been reborn as an ecological stream with well-maintained walking paths, trees, grass, and flowers, transforming it into a pleasant place for walking. Birds such as herons and ducks, as well as fish, are commonly seen, offering a unique atmosphere.

Main stops: Gangil Station - Gangdeok Neighborhood Park - Beolmal Neighborhood Park - Gangdong Public Bus Garage - Godeokcheon Stream

Course distance: 2.6 km Time required: 40 minutes