Wonju City Opens Chiaksan Baramgil Forest; Opening Ceremony on the 23rd
Selected as an Excellent Case by the Korea Forest Service
Revitalizing the Old Downtown and Providing a Rest Area for Citizens After 80 Years
On October 17, the city of Wonju in Gangwon Province officially opened the entire Chiaksan Baramgil Forest, an urban forest project utilizing unused railway land.
This project aimed to create a unique forest where the clear and fresh winds of Chiaksan Mountain flow through the city. It transformed the abandoned Jungang Line railway into the Baramgil Forest.
Chiaksan Baramgil Forest is the longest urban forest in Korea, utilizing a total of 11.3 kilometers of abandoned railway that passes through six neighborhoods, starting from Usan-dong and extending to Bangok-Gwansal-dong. It is expected to become a major landmark in Wonju, helping to mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce fine dust, and significantly contribute to revitalizing the old downtown area.
After being selected for the Korea Forest Service’s public project in 2020, Wonju City went through various administrative steps, including design, community briefings, and signing an agreement with the National Railroad Authority. The first phase opened in December 2024. In 2025, the city completed the construction of Wonju Central Park (the former Wonju Station) and the remodeling of the Usan Railway Bridge (as a pedestrian bridge), marking the full opening of the entire section.
Major features include the Usan Railway Bridge, remodeled as a pedestrian-only space connecting the city’s green axis; Central Park, a rest area created by remodeling the old Wonju Station; the Daewang Oak and Hydrangea Path; Central Plaza, linked to four traditional markets in Jungang-dong; Bongsan Garden, with a large tree rest area; Wonju Tunnel, featuring barley field Milky Way lighting; Beonjae Village Forest, with a multipurpose lawn plaza and rest area; and Yugyo Station Plaza, with a rainbow railroad and parasols. Some sections have preserved the original tracks, creating nostalgic spaces such as the Hakseong-dong Railroad and the Jungang Line Reminiscence Forest in Bongsan-dong, which retain the history of the abandoned railway.
Additionally, a total of 230,000 trees have been planted along themed forest paths, including Ginkgo Avenue, King Cherry Blossom Avenue, Ipop Tree Avenue, Daewang Oak Avenue, Chinese Maple Avenue, Metasequoia Avenue, and Blue Maple Avenue, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of distinctive forest trails.
In recognition of these achievements, Chiaksan Baramgil Forest will receive the Excellence Award (Korea Forest Service Chief’s Commendation) in the 2025 National Green City Urban Forest Best Practices Contest, organized by the Korea Forest Service. This contest evaluated urban forests created by local governments nationwide, and Chiaksan Baramgil Forest received high marks in all categories, including the function of the urban forest, creation conditions, social and cultural roles, and ecological and maintenance management.
To commemorate the full opening, Wonju City will hold an opening ceremony at 2 p.m. on October 23 at the Central Plaza of Chiaksan Baramgil Forest (100 Pyeongwon-dong). A walking event with citizens will also take place to celebrate the return of Chiaksan Baramgil Forest to the people of Wonju after 80 years.
Won Kangsoo, Mayor of Wonju, stated, "Chiaksan Baramgil Forest holds symbolic significance as a new forest has blossomed where the railway once crossed the city, bringing rest and vitality to the daily lives of citizens. I hope that Chiaksan Baramgil Forest will continue to provide a new place of relaxation for citizens and contribute to the revitalization of the old downtown area."
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