Untact Healing on Ansan Jarak-gil in Seodaemun-gu While Wearing a Mask

Seoul Tourism Foundation Recommends 'Forest Healing Spaces' for Citizens Tired of Staying Home

Metasequoia Forest Trail of Ansan Jarak-gil

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seodaemun-gu (Mayor Moon Seok-jin) announced on the 23rd that Ansan (鞍山) Jarak-gil was recently recommended by the Seoul Tourism Foundation as a "forest healing space" where citizens tired of staying at home, known as "Jipkok," can enjoy a peaceful time in fresh air.

This trail was opened by Seodaemun-gu in 2013 to allow everyone, including those with mobility difficulties, men and women of all ages, to walk comfortably and safely.

Named Ansan (鞍山) because it resembles a horse saddle, it is located in the center of Seodaemun-gu, and at its summit stands a beacon mound (bongsudae) used during the Joseon Dynasty. It is 296 meters high, slightly taller than Seoul’s Namsan (262m).

The Ansan Jarak-gil has a total length of 7.0 km and is characterized by being a barrier-free forest trail designed in a circular route, allowing walkers to return to their starting point.

The slope is less than 9%, and the ground is made of flat wooden decks, eco-friendly masato soil, and coarse sand to prevent wheelchair or stroller wheels from getting stuck.

While enjoying magnificent views of Seoul city, Inwangsan, and Bukhansan in all directions, it takes about 2 to 2.5 hours for an adult to complete one round of this trail.

The Seoul Tourism Foundation especially recommended the dense forest of metasequoia and pine trees near Seodaemun-gu Office as the most beautiful section of Ansan Jarak-gil during this season.

They added, "Just walking through the forest that stretches straight up to the sky, away from the stuffy city, is healing, and the dense forest is perfect for escaping the early summer heat."

Ansan Jarak-gil has been continuously evolving since its opening. In December 2017, the district opened the 22-meter-high "Muakjae Sky Bridge" (80m) crossing Tongil-ro, connecting Ansan and Inwangsan as green spaces. In May last year, a 300㎡ forest stage was created in the Shinamu tree cluster.

Also, in April this year, a 400m hiking trail was connected from the Seodaemun Library side for easier access, and a citizen reading space called "Sanchaek Library" was established at the junction with Ansan Jarak-gil.

Mayor Moon Seok-jin of Seodaemun-gu said, "I hope the COVID-19 pandemic will end soon so that more people can freely enjoy the true value of Ansan, which boasts cherry blossoms in spring, metasequoia forest trails in summer, and beautiful autumn foliage and snowy landscapes in fall and winter."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.