A Urban Oasis and Night View Spot... Geumcheon-gu Develops 'GC Observatory'

Creating a walking trail themed on music (樂) with an observatory and various sculptures
Attractive spaces born with colorful roses and gardens around the observatory
Completion of the 2.18km 'Dynamic Park' featuring 'Barrier-Free Forest Path', 'Starlight Bridge', and 'GC Observatory'

Geumcheon-gu (Mayor Yu Seong-hoon) announced that it established the ‘GC Good City Geumcheon Observatory’ at Geumcheon Sports Park last October to provide residents with a resting space and enhance the utilization of the park.

Geumcheon Sports Park is a representative park of Geumcheon-gu, where natural terrain and forests harmonize. It is easily accessible and frequently visited by residents for walking and exercising.

The 176㎡ observatory was designed with the theme of music (樂), shaped like musical notes. The 155m-long wooden deck walkway leading up to the observatory features various sculptures shaped like musical instruments, creating a space where residents can enjoy strolling and relaxing.

From the observatory, visitors can enjoy an unobstructed view of the cityscape. During the day, they can appreciate the surrounding greenery and tranquil scenery, while at night, they can enjoy the splendid city night view combined with lighting.

During the construction of the observatory, the district preserved the existing pine trees on the hillside to minimize environmental damage. Around the observatory, colorful roses and gardens were created, transforming the area into an attractive space.

In addition, the district has been promoting the ‘Geumcheon Dynamic Park’ project since 2021 to allow residents to enjoy Geumcheon Sports Park in various ways and increase satisfaction.

‘Geumcheon Dynamic Park’ is a project to create themed parks around Geumcheon Sports Park, modernize the sports field, provide sports spaces for residents, establish a circular walking trail, install the Starlight Bridge, and expand convenience facilities for residents.

First, in 2021, the district created a barrier-free forest trail (1.18km) at Geumcheon Sports Park, connecting Geumcheon Reservoir to the Doksan Badminton Court. In 2023, an additional 755m of forest trail was constructed around Gamrocheon Ecological Park to complete the circular route.

The barrier-free forest trail is designed with a width of over 2m and a slope of 8.3%, making it convenient for people with disabilities, the elderly, and other mobility-impaired individuals to use. It is a space where anyone can enjoy the beautiful forest scenery and relaxation.

Also, in January, inspired by the old name of Doksan-dong, Munseong-dong, which originates from the Big Dipper constellation, the district constructed the ‘Gamrocheon Starlight Bridge (93m)’ featuring lighting that represents 12 constellations.

The ‘Starlight Bridge’ connects the barrier-free forest trails at Geumcheon Reservoir sports field and Geumcheon Sports Center area, crossing over the pond in Gamrocheon Ecological Park. The bridge serves as a symbolic feature within the park, and from the bridge, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Doksan-dong area and the Gamrocheon scenery.

With the creation of the ‘GC Observatory,’ a total of 2.18km of circular routes connecting the ‘Barrier-Free Forest Trail,’ ‘Gamrocheon Starlight Bridge,’ and ‘GC Observatory’ has been completed. This allows residents to walk conveniently through the park while enjoying rest and leisure, and Geumcheon Sports Park has been reborn as a representative park of the region.

Yu Seong-hoon, Mayor of Geumcheon-gu, said, “I hope the observatory, together with the nearby Starlight Bridge, will enhance the prestige of Geumcheon Sports Park and become a representative attraction that residents can enjoy. I also hope many residents use the park conveniently, and we will continue to strive to create resting spaces for residents.”