Creation of Green Connection Road on Haedeung-ro, Dobong-gu

Resumption of the Temporarily Suspended ‘Haedeung-ro Green Connection Road Construction’ in San 87-19, Banghak 3-dong Area... Reflecting Residents' Opinions to Enhance Ecological and Scenic Functions, Removal of Bridge-Top Observation Deck Rest Area, Narrowing of Walking Path, Additional Planting of Native Trees and Food Plants... Reduction of Bridge-Top Concrete Thickness, Wall Greening with Vines, Installation of Landscaping Stones and Shrubs on Bridge Sides to Minimize Concrete Exposure

Aerial View of Haedong-ro Green Corridor Improvement

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Dobong-gu (Mayor Dongjin Lee) announced that the temporarily suspended construction of the ‘Haedeung-ro Green Corridor’ in the area of San 87-19, Banghak 3-dong resumed on the 24th.

The ‘Haedeung-ro Green Corridor Project’ is a Seoul city policy project promoted by Dobong-gu after being selected as a priority project site according to the results of a Seoul city survey.

This project aims to connect the green axis linking Ssangmun Neighborhood Park and Bukhansan National Park, which were cut off by road construction, securing free movement paths for flora and fauna, while restoring the natural framework to enhance biodiversity and facilitate residents’ park access.

Dobong-gu has been carrying out this project since January 2019 and held a residents’ briefing session at the Ssangmun 1-dong Community Center in December 2019 to explain the project objectives and gather residents’ opinions.

However, when the construction of the Haedeung-ro Green Corridor Project began at the end of February this year, questions about the construction site were raised by residents, leading to a temporary suspension from March 8. The reasons included lack of communication with residents, ecological damage due to tree cutting, and concerns about landscape degradation.

Facing opposition from residents, the district office launched an emergency countermeasure plan. From the suspension date until May 25, Dobong-gu conducted 10 resident interviews and resident forums with expert consultations to further supplement the landscape and ecological functions.

Additionally, by preparing landscape simulations and showing residents the actual completed appearance, the district alleviated residents’ concerns and discussed additional improvements.

Subsequently, Dobong-gu went through the Civil Complaints Mediation Committee in April and held another residents’ briefing session in May. In particular, Mayor Dongjin Lee met with resident representatives and civic groups to coordinate opinions until the end of May.

Going forward, Dobong-gu plans to enhance the ecological function of the Haedeung-ro Green Corridor by removing the observation deck rest area on top of the bridge, reducing the width of the walking path, and planting additional native trees and food plants in its place.

Also, the walking path will be separated from the ecological corridor to allow small creatures to move more freely through the green corridor.

Regarding the landscape, the district plans to minimize concrete exposure by reducing the thickness of the concrete on top of the bridge, implementing wall greening, installing landscaping stones on the bridge sides, and planting shrubs, so that the green corridor does not feel like an artificial structure.

The results of the consultation between Dobong-gu and residents are scheduled to be completed and unveiled in December this year. The Parks and Greenery Division, the department in charge, stated that since the project experienced many twists and turns, they will prioritize residents’ ‘safety’ and ecological ‘preservation’ to ensure that expert advice and residents’ demands are well reflected in the green corridor.

Mayor Dongjin Lee of Dobong-gu said, “Although the construction period was extended, it was a valuable time to listen to residents’ opinions. The ecological corridor is an essential project for a sustainable natural environment, and species diversity and survival are closely related to human prosperity. Dobong-gu will continue to strive to create a living environment where flora, fauna, and humans coexist and mutually agree, and will constantly monitor whether residents experience any inconvenience or concerns during the construction period.”

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