Improved Walking Environment and Ecological Landscape
A Complex Space for Citizens and Tourists to Enjoy
Emerging as an Ecological Tourism Destination Blending Nature and Gardens
The newly created lotus deck path and the expanded stepping stones at Yeongsan River Garden. Provided by Naju City
Naju City in South Jeolla Province has transformed the festival venue into a healing space in nature by newly creating a lotus deck path and a barefoot trail ahead of the 2025 Naju Yeongsan River Festival.
The city has completed preparations to allow visitors to fully experience the charm of the Yeongsan River with all five senses, by expanding the stepping stones and improving accessibility, creating an ecological observation landscape connected to the wetland trail, and adding a cosmos field with 100 million blossoms.
According to Naju City on October 5, the city expanded and refurbished the existing stepping stones and newly created the lotus observation deck path to improve visitor movement and enhance the Yeongsan River Garden infrastructure ahead of the 2025 Naju Yeongsan River Festival, which will be held from October 8 to 12.
Reflecting feedback from last year's festival that the stepping stones connecting Parking Lot 1 (Retention Ecological Wetland Baseball Field) to the festival grounds were too narrow, the city improved the walking environment.
The width of the existing 1-meter stepping stones was expanded to 2.5 meters with a two-row structure, enabling two-way passage and enhancing both safety and scenic value.
In particular, during sunrise and sunset, sunlight reflecting off the water creates a cinematic landscape, offering visitors the experience of walking across the water.
Near the stepping stones, a new lotus observation deck path has been built, measuring 124 meters in length and 2.5 meters in width.
The central section is designed in a three-dimensional lotus leaf shape, allowing visitors to observe the lotuses up close as they approach the water, making it a space that serves as both an observatory and an ecological learning area.
Another new attraction in Yeongsan River Garden is the "barefoot trail."
Of the total 1,159-meter section, 800 meters will be opened first, offering visitors a unique opportunity to fully experience nature during the festival. With a generous walking space of 2.2 to 3.7 meters in width, families can enjoy the trail comfortably.
What sets this trail apart from others is the use of "sand" as the main paving material.
Instead of artificial drainage facilities, a natural drainage system has been applied, maintaining consistent humidity even on rainy or dry days, so visitors can feel a moist and soft sensation when walking barefoot.
Located adjacent to the lotus field, the trail offers a special experience where visitors can walk while viewing blooming white lotuses up close and enjoying their fragrance.
The barefoot trail is organically connected to the retention ecological wetland exploration trail, allowing visitors to walk along reed and silver grass paths and enjoy different landscapes throughout the seasons.
Beyond being a simple walking space, it will function as a complex zone for ecological observation and relaxation, allowing people to sense changes in the natural ecosystem. The remaining section will be developed in the future, completing a signature attraction that connects over 1.1 kilometers of the main route.
Yoon Byungtae, Mayor of Naju, stated, "The two-way stepping stones and lotus deck path will become the core viewing routes and symbolic spaces of the 2025 Naju Yeongsan River Festival," adding, "We will continue preparations so that Yeongsan River Garden can emerge as a leading ecological tourism destination in the region through the festival."
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