Completion of Mapo-gu World Cup Metasequoia Road... Transformed into a Healing Themed Walking Trail

Mapo-gu Renovates 395m Metasequoia Road Along World Cupcheon-ro...Reborn as a Healing-Themed Walking Path
Completed Walkway Preserves Metasequoia Vegetation While Ensuring Pedestrian Safety and Healing Theme

Mapo-gu (Mayor Park Gang-su) has finally reborn the 395m-long Metasequoia Road along World Cupcheon-ro (Bulgwangcheon) as a walking path that adds healing to safety.

This walking path, adjacent to the World Cup Stadium and Seongsan Siyoung Apartments, is lined with Metasequoia trees reaching up to 20m in height, creating an exotic spectacle in every season.

However, the existing walking path was narrow, about 1m wide, with many interruptions along the way, and the stairs and ramps leading to the path were old and damaged, raising concerns about urban aesthetics and pedestrian safety.

Accordingly, under the basic policy of preserving and utilizing the natural Metasequoia vegetation, the district planned to create a healing walking path where residents can enjoy walking and resting, and began construction last March.

The district utilized the embankment slope, which had been left as an eyesore, to build a deck road and renovated the old stairs and ramps, while expanding the walking path width from the existing 1m to up to 8m. On the roadside, trees resistant to cold and pollution were planted to create a more nature-friendly walking environment.

A village bus stop facility and benches that provide shelter from snow and rain were also added. Inspirational quotes and healing phrases were placed throughout the walking path to offer mental relaxation amid busy daily life, and the partitions were carefully designed to include information about Mapo’s history, major tourist attractions, and festivals, helping residents better understand and feel affection for their living area.

Kim Hyung-nam, a resident of Seongsan-dong who frequently uses the walking path, said, “In the past, the path was narrow and uneven, making it difficult to push a stroller or ride a bicycle, but now I can safely walk side by side with my child, which is really great.”

The district plans to renovate and expand the walking space for the remaining sections next year, as the response from residents to the walking path creation has been very positive.

Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, said, “The priority is to create an environment where seniors, children, and residents with strollers or bicycles can all walk safely and comfortably,” adding, “I sincerely hope many residents will use the newly renovated World Cup Metasequoia Road and gain both physical and mental health.”

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