Completion of Healing Town by the Waterside at Byeokun Valley, Suraksan, Nowon-gu

Seoraksan Byeokun Valley Trail in Nowon-gu Selected by Seoul City as One of 40 Themed Walking Paths, Named 'Valley Scenic Route'

Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced the completion of the waterfront healing town at Byeokun Valley in Suraksan Mountain.

Suraksan, known as one of the four famous mountains near Seoul, attracts visitors year-round with its mountain trails along the valley, various ridges, and rock formations. Many people consider summer hiking in Suraksan the highlight, thanks to the Byeokun Valley that harmonizes beautifully with the forest paths.

The Surak Byeokun Valley Trail has been selected as a 'Valley with a Good Path' among the 'Seoul City Themed Walking Trails,' receiving much love from many visitors. Additionally, since the opening of the Suraksan Barrier-Free Forest Trail with wooden decks last June, convenience for those with mobility challenges has improved, steadily increasing usage by nearby residents.

Accordingly, the district decided to develop the valley area into a representative 'urban natural retreat' by leveraging the advantages of Byeokun Valley.

First, the district carried out stream maintenance to secure water areas suitable for water play. To maintain an appropriate water depth, 5 to 6 leakage-type ecological dams, designed to allow water to flow naturally once it reaches a certain height, were installed per stream.

Also, to allow visitors to rest comfortably without tents, a waterfront deck was installed to create a nature-friendly resting area, and the adjacent walking trail section was paved with hardened masato soil to provide a pleasant walking environment.

Efforts were also made to create auxiliary facilities for visitors' convenience. However, to avoid damaging the surrounding scenery and natural environment due to indiscriminate construction, existing facilities were maximally supplemented and utilized except for essential convenience facilities such as restrooms.

Furthermore, the district expanded forest resting spaces considering visitors arriving through various routes, including the healing and meditation forest and the children's forest experience center located near Byeokun Valley. Hydrangeas were planted around the area to provide a healing time while enjoying beautiful flowers.

The district is also fully committed to disaster preparedness by installing erosion control facilities such as check dams and foothill barriers to prevent safety accidents caused by valley flooding during heavy rains.

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “The Suraksan Byeokun Valley Waterfront Healing Town is a representative urban retreat utilizing a pristine natural environment,” adding, “We will continue to maintain Nowon's natural environment so that all residents can fully enjoy it.”