Pyeongtaek Baramgil Forest Named Gyeonggi Province's Only "Top Urban Forest for Walking"

'Pyeongtaek Baramgil Forest,' which stretches from the source of the Anseongcheon Stream in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, past Yangseonggyo Bridge to Dongsak District, has been named one of the "Top 10 Urban Forests for Walking" selected by the Korea Forest Service this year.

Earlier, on July 1, the Korea Forest Service announced its selection of 10 urban forests that are ideal for citizens to escape the heat and enjoy pleasant walks under the shade of trees, ahead of the full onset of summer. In particular, the agency narrowed down the list by comprehensively considering accessibility, greenery, and scale among the "50 Beautiful Urban Forests" chosen last year. In Gyeonggi Province, 'Pyeongtaek Baramgil Forest' is the only one to make the list.

Pyeongtaek Baramgil Forest is an urban greenbelt created over three years, from 2019 to 2021. It was established along four main watercourses and road axes: Tongbokcheon Stream, National Routes 1 and 38, and Anseongcheon Stream. The entire forest stretches 70 kilometers, and within it are themed forest trails, barefoot walking paths, rest areas, and nighttime lighting, all serving as spaces for citizens' health and relaxation.

Pyeongtaek Baramgil Forest

Urban forests serve to lower temperatures during summer by absorbing carbon dioxide and promoting evaporation, reducing the average temperature by about 3 to 7 degrees Celsius, making them a "natural daily refuge." These forests are representative green spaces that contribute to citizens' health and relaxation, as well as to climate crisis response.

Gyeonggi Province is actively promoting the creation and maintenance of urban forests through a national and local government-funded project in the urban park sector, investing a total of 67.5 billion won in 31 cities and counties within the province. This is part of a policy to expand green infrastructure in order to proactively respond to climate change and provide residents with a pleasant living environment.

Lee Jeongsoo, Director of the Garden Industry Division of Gyeonggi Province, stated, "Pyeongtaek Baramgil Forest is a representative model of urban green infrastructure for climate change response," and added, "We will continue to expand the creation of urban forests to enhance the quality of life and protect the health of our residents."