[One Day Walk] From Cherry Blossom Path to Crossing the Han River... Gwangnaru 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 walking-friendly places around subway stations.

Today's walking course takes us to Gwangnaru Station in Gwangjin-gu. The name Gwangnaru Station originates from the name of a village in Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, where there were wide river crossings (naru) and a ferry to Gwangju, hence the name. Near Gwangnaru Station, there is Achasan Mountain, and the Han River is not far away, making it a great place to enjoy leisure and romance within the city. In spring, the path from Achasan Ecological Park to Walkerhill Hotel is famous for its cherry blossoms.

The walking course starts from Exit 1 of Gwangnaru Station and first heads about 1 km to Achasan Ecological Park. Created under Seoul City's five-year plan to expand park green spaces, Achasan Ecological Park is located at the foot of Achasan Mountain and features well-developed garden wetlands and ecological farms. Major facilities within the ecological park include the ecological park itself, Meeting Plaza, clay paths and acupressure walkways, pine forests, mineral springs, ecological observation trails, and pergolas.

Next, the course goes along the Walkerhill Cherry Blossom Road on the way to Walkerhill Hotel. This path, stretching from Achasan Ecological Park past Walkerhill Apartments to Walkerhill Hotel, is famous as a walking and driving course, especially crowded in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The king cherry trees planted around the Walkerhill apartment complex and Walkerhill Hotel create a spectacular spring view.

Then, the route heads to Gwangjin Information Library, which boasts a 'Han River view.' Opened in 2000, Gwangjin Information Library is a public library and cultural space where visitors can enjoy reading while overlooking the Han River. It consists of two buildings, the Library Building and the Culture Building, connected by a passageway between them.

Now, leaving the library, it is time to head to the Han River bridge. Gwangjin Bridge 8th Street is located at the 8th pier under the deck of Gwangjin Bridge and serves as a citizen cultural space with a panoramic view of the Han River. Here, visitors can enjoy cultural activities such as performances and exhibitions while relaxing comfortably. Half of Gwangjin Bridge 8th Street is a performance hall for small shows, and the other half houses the Han River Renaissance Promotion Center. Crossing Gwangjin Bridge leads to Han River Park, Gwangnaru District.

The final destination is the Seoul Municipal Observatory. Located inside the Gwangjin Youth Training Center, the Seoul Municipal Observatory is equipped with a planetarium, an astronomical observation room, and telescopes, offering various hands-on experiences.