Starlit Naericheon 'Ecological Stream' Completed... Connecting Gwanaksan to Hangang's Nature and Culture

Completion of Gwanaksan~Hangang River Ecological Axis with Final Covered Section Restoration... Natural Stream Returns to Residents
Creation of Bicycle Paths and Walkways Connecting to Hangang River Alongside Ecosystem Restoration
▲Eutteum Park ▲Hwangtotgil Trail ▲Starlight Festival ▲New Park Leisure Bureau... Transforming into a Clean Living Space Harmonizing Nature and Culture

Gwanak-gu (District Mayor Park Jun-hee) has completed the restoration of the last covered section of Byeolbitnaerin Stream’s upper reaches, completing the river ecological axis connecting Gwanaksan Mountain to the Han River.

Byeolbitnaerin Stream (Dorimcheon) originates from Gwanaksan Mountain and flows through Dongjak-gu, Guro-gu, and Yeongdeungpo-gu before joining Anyangcheon and continuing to the Han River.

Since the 7th term of the elected government, the district has implemented a specialized project for Byeolbitnaerin Stream, giving it the brand name ‘Byeolbitnaerin Stream,’ the first of its kind for a stream in Seoul. Additionally, the district received city funds from Seoul for the ecological stream restoration project and invested a total of 37.5 billion KRW to fully commit to the restoration efforts.

The district completed the restoration of the last covered section of Dorimcheon’s upper reaches (from Seoul National University Main Gate to Dongbang 1-gyo Bridge), covering 1.35 km, and held an opening ceremony for the removal of the Dorimcheon covering and the creation of a waterfront space on September 5.

The flow of water returning from Gwanaksan Mountain to Dongbang 1-gyo Bridge and the freshwater fish that have come to this natural habitat make the reborn ecological stream of Byeolbitnaerin Stream tangible. The bicycle paths and walking trails along the stream leading to the Han River have been reborn as new healing spots for residents.

With the full restoration of Byeolbitnaerin Stream, it will harmonize with Gwanak-gu’s natural and cultural resources to provide a special experience for residents and visitors.

First, at the upper reaches of the restored Byeolbitnaerin Stream, visitors will be welcomed by ‘Gwanaksan Eutteum Park,’ a landmark of Gwanaksan Mountain and a representative park of Seoul.

Eutteum Park was created as an ‘open plaza type’ space covering 6,500㎡, the first of its kind in Gwanak-gu, alongside the construction of a new rest area on Gwanaksan Mountain. This space will be used for various cultural events and large-scale festivals, serving as a new cultural relaxation and meeting place for residents.

In particular, the ‘Art Walkway’ connecting ‘Gwanaksan Eutteum Park’ and ‘Gwanak Art Hall,’ the only public performance hall in the area, is expected to create a twofold effect, allowing people to enjoy culture and arts alongside the nature of Gwanaksan Mountain.

Walking along Gwanaksan, the starting point of Byeolbitnaerin Stream, visitors will encounter the cool valley and the ‘Sillim Valley District Hwangtotgil (Loess Road).’ Walking barefoot on the ground and listening to the sound of the valley water throughout offers a unique healing experience provided by nature.

Besides Gwanaksan, the district has created Hwangtotgil paths at 11 locations with excellent accessibility for residents. Gwanak-gu’s Hwangtotgil, which is highly effective in removing active oxygen accumulated in the body and reducing stress, allows residents to enjoy the fresh forest air while walking on dirt paths, receiving great positive responses from the community.

The district is continuously promoting the ‘Byeolbitnaerin Stream Landmark Project,’ which specializes key points along Byeolbitnaerin Stream into unique spaces in line with the opening of the Sillim Line light rail.

At the third Byeolbit Festival, residents can enjoy various events such as lights decorating the waterside terrace space of Byeolbitnaerin Stream, food stalls, and flea markets, establishing the festival as a local event that provides relaxation in daily life for the residents.

In July of this year, the district established the Park and Leisure Bureau. It plans to provide various contents that allow residents to experience nature and culture together in green spaces within the city, contributing to healthy leisure activities and improved health for residents.

District Mayor Park Jun-hee said, “I am deeply grateful to be able to return a natural stream to the residents as the fruit of restoration efforts since the 7th term of the elected government,” adding, “We will become a clean living environment Gwanak that changes the lives of not only our residents but also Seoul citizens.”