Ogum Waterfall Area Renovated... Returning to the Community

Songpa-gu Renovates ‘Ogeum Waterfall’ Halted Due to Aging... Completion on July 31
Maximum Height 7m, Freshwater Capacity 150 Tons... Barrier-Free Forest Path and Charming Garden Also Created
Development Around Ogeum Station Accelerates, Expected to Be a Popular Urban Retreat

Songpa-gu (Mayor Seo Gang-seok) has revitalized 'Ogeum Waterfall' to provide residents with a cool resting place within their living area during the hot summer, adding more attractions by creating a barrier-free forest trail and garden.

Ogeum Park, where 'Ogeum Waterfall' is located, is a mountainous neighborhood park frequently visited by Songpa residents. The dense forest makes the temperature about 3 to 4 degrees Celsius lower than outside the park, making it a beloved summer retreat.

The waterfall, established in 2005, spans 70 meters in width and 7 meters in height, serving as a symbol of the park. However, after 20 years, discoloration and cracking of the rock walls, leakage, and aging facilities caused the waterfall to stop operating two years ago.

In response, the district renovated 'Ogeum Waterfall' and its surroundings over five months.

First, most structures such as the artificial rock walls and water tanks, which were severely aged, were preserved through partial reinforcement to improve efficiency and minimize waste. The stream area beneath the waterfall was slightly expanded, transforming it into a water-friendly space with a total area of 1,628 square meters and a freshwater capacity of 150 tons.

At the top of the waterfall, visitors can enjoy the sight of water cascading down in four streams amid 'Chungminjeong' pavilion and about 100 pine trees. Chungminjeong is a traditional pavilion named after General Im Gyeong-eop, whose story is passed down in Songpa-gu.

Next to the pavilion, a 'barrier-free forest trail' connecting to the park was created. Since Ogeum Park is located on a 200-meter-high hill, it had limitations for elderly, disabled, and stroller users. A 700-meter-long deck path was built to allow everyone to visit the park without obstacles and enjoy forest bathing while walking through the woods.

In front of the waterfall, a 'Charming Garden' was established to offer diverse sights. The district removed unused pavement blocks and planted 2,000 trees of 20 species including white horse chestnut, golden sarcandra, and golden trumpet flowers, along with over 2,500 herbaceous plants of 17 species such as Heuchera and Canna. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful summer scene with the deep pink crape myrtle flowers.

Additionally, the district operates a total of 21 water features to cool down the urban heat. These include 15 locations within parks and green spaces, 4 along roadsides, and 2 by Seongnae Stream, featuring ground fountains, stream-type fountains, and small creeks.

The district held a completion ceremony on July 31 and officially started operating 'Ogeum Waterfall.' The operating hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, running 12 times a day for 50 minutes each at the top of the hour.

Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, said, "The transformation of Ogeum Waterfall is part of our service administration to create a 'Garden City, Songpa' and make residents' daily lives happier. Along with the recently confirmed development around Ogeum Station, we will continue to expand convenience and infrastructure for residents to become a premium residential complex."

The area near Ogeum Park is seeing growing development expectations following the approval of the 'Ogeum District Center Unit Plan' on the 5th of last month. Buildings up to about 20 stories can now be constructed around Ogeum Station, and development of the former Seongdong Prison site is also set to begin in earnest.