'Spring'... Shall We Go Play in the Forest Path Near Our Neighborhood?

Boom in Creating Barrier-Free Forest Trails in Districts
Umyunsan Barrier-Free Forest Trail in Seocho, Namsan Foot Forest Trail in Jung-gu
Bongsan Hinoki Cypress Forest Trail in Eunpyeong Gaining Popularity as Healing Spots

The 'Barrier-Free Forest Trail,' a deck-type walking path with gentle slopes and no stairs or curbs, is gaining popularity among residents as a healing spot within the city. Thanks to its popularity, many new forest trails are being created throughout Seoul.

The barrier-free forest trails being developed by Seoul's autonomous districts are gaining attention as healing spots. From the left in the photo are Umyeonsan Barrier-Free Forest Trail, Bongsan Cypress Forest Trail, and Namsan Foot Forest Trail. Provided by each autonomous district.

The Barrier-Free Forest Trail maintains a slope of less than 8% throughout and secures a width of at least 1.2 meters, making it easily accessible for residents using wheelchairs or strollers.

Seocho-gu, which opened the first phase (Donghaeng-gil) of the 'Umyunsan Barrier-Free Forest Trail' in May last year, opened the second phase (Sogeoreum-gil) this month. The second phase covers about a 1 km section from the National Gugak Center to across from BTN Buddhist Broadcasting Station. Seocho-gu named this section Sogeoreum-gil, meaning "slow steps like a cow," encouraging visitors to walk slowly and enjoy the tranquility and leisure of nature.

Located deeper within the forest than the first phase, the second phase offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere along with rest areas such as shelters and barefoot paths, providing a cozy resting space for residents tired from daily life, according to Seocho-gu. The first phase, opened last year, is a 3 km section connecting Seocho Yaksooter to the National Gugak Center.

Seocho-gu plans to create and connect a total of four phases of the Barrier-Free Forest Trail, spanning 8.69 km, by next year. The third phase is about a 2.5 km loop inside Bangbae Neighborhood Park, and the fourth phase is approximately 2.19 km connecting Bangbae Neighborhood Park and Bangbae Sports Park.

Eunpyeong-gu is home to Seoul’s unique 'Bongsan Hinoki Cypress Forest Trail.' Since 2014, 13,400 hinoki cypress trees have been planted around the wooden deck path over 11 years. Hinoki cypress is known for its excellent carbon dioxide absorption and fine dust reduction capabilities, as well as anti-inflammatory, sterilizing, and purifying effects, making it effective in treating atopic dermatitis. Because of this, many visitors come to this forest trail not only from nearby but also from afar, according to Eunpyeong-gu.

Eunpyeong-gu plans to create a total of 9.8 km of Barrier-Free Forest Trail here by next year. Currently, some construction on the final sixth phase is underway, with 6.1 km of the trail completed. The district has installed convenience facilities such as rest shelters and restrooms along the trail and is creating and exhibiting woodcrafts made from recycled wood. Defective acacia trees that were cut down are being repurposed at the Eunpyeong Hope Wood Workshop into chairs, insect hotels, birdhouses, and woodcrafts, adding visual interest to the walking path.

A notable urban Barrier-Free Forest Trail is the 'Namsan Foot Forest Trail.' The 5.14 km trail from Muhakbong Park in Jung-gu to the Banyan Tree Hotel fully opened at the end of last year. As an urban course, some sections are equipped with landscape lighting, allowing safe forest walks even at night. The Namsan Foot Forest Trail consists of wooden decks and dirt paths, including a loess path where visitors can feel nature barefoot. The observatory overlooking the entire Seoul city and the zigzag deck path are hidden gems of the Namsan Foot Forest Trail.

Jung-gu aims to make Namsan an 'everyday forest' accessible within 15 minutes from anywhere in the city center. The district plans to connect the green axis of Namsan, which was previously fragmented, by linking the Namsan circular road. This year, Jung-gu is conducting a feasibility study for creating a new green connection route from the Banyan Tree Hotel to the National Theater.