The city of Suwon in Gyeonggi Province recently completed the 'Suin Line Sky Forest Path Project,' which transforms the upper space of the Suin Line in the areas of Pyeong-dong, Gosaek-dong, and Omokcheon-dong in Gwonseon-gu into a park, and has opened it to the public.
The Suin Line Sky Forest Path Project involves undergrounding the Suin Line and creating a nature-friendly community convenience space in the upper area. Construction began in 2020, and the transfer of maintenance and additional management responsibilities is currently underway with the Korea Rail Network Authority. The additional construction of Exit 4 at Gosaek Station is scheduled to be completed by December.
The Sky Forest Path project spans 3.5 km and covers an area of 102,997 square meters. It consists of six components: ▲ installation of a connecting passage to the Omokcheon Station transfer parking lot (61.2 m) ▲ two pedestrian overpass facilities ▲ maintenance of the narrow-gauge tunnel (189 m) ▲ installation of an additional exit at Gosaek Station (91 m) ▲ creation of a bicycle path along the Seryu Triangle Line (1.6 km), among others.
Previously, Suwon City actively gathered residents' complaints regarding the division between regions caused by the above-ground Suin Line railway, hindrance to urban development, various environmental pollution, and lifestyle inconveniences, and engaged in undergrounding negotiations with the Korea Rail Network Authority for several years. As a result, in March 2013, a consignment agreement for the undergrounding project of the Suwon section of the Suin Line's second construction zone was signed with the Korea Rail Network Authority.
Through this project, the upper space of the Suin Line was reborn as the 'Suin Line Sky Forest Path,' a nature-friendly space featuring a 3.5 km linear green axis with bicycle paths, walking trails, and fine dust blocking forests. Additionally, a railway walking trail containing the history and traces of the Suin Line and sculptures utilizing the narrow-gauge railway bridge piers were installed.
Currently, the Suin Line Sky Forest Path serves as a community space where citizens gather and functions as green infrastructure. Alongside redevelopment projects around the Suin Line Sky Forest Path, various commercial cafes and residential housing are planned to be established, expected to lead regional revitalization.
A Suwon City official stated, "The Suin Line Sky Forest Path will serve as the starting point for the emergence of green infrastructure in the western Suwon area," adding, "It is expected to be a good example of regenerating the old downtown, revitalizing the region, and creating a sustainable virtuous cycle."
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