Yongsan-gu Opens Seoul Underforest Path at Samgakji and Noksapyeong Stations

On the 5th, green space opened utilizing underground idle spaces at Samgakji and Noksapyeong subway stations... Secured a total of 540㎡ with wall greening and floor planters, planting 6,557 shrubs and herbaceous plants... Establishing a green corridor connecting key local hubs in the future

Yongsan-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Park Hee-young) has completed the creation of the Seoul Underground Forest Paths at Samgakji Station and Noksapyeong Station and will open them to the public on the 5th.

The Seoul Underground Forest Paths create green spaces in underground idle areas such as subway stations to improve indoor air quality and provide resting spots within the city.

The district secured a total of 540㎡ at Samgakji Station and Noksapyeong Station, where an average of about 25,000 and 10,000 people pass daily, respectively, and planted 6,557 shrubs and herbaceous plants. This corresponds to a forest path of approximately 110 meters.

At Samgakji Station, a 340㎡ green space was created near exits 11 and 12 leading to the War Memorial and near exits 13 and 14 connecting to Yongridan-gil and the Ministry of National Defense. Vertical greening was installed on the walls of the exit corridors, and floor planters were arranged. Especially in the direction of exits 11 and 12, stainless steel mirrors were installed to enhance the sense of openness.

The Noksapyeong Station underground forest path was installed on the 4th basement floor where the ticket gates are located, covering an area of 200㎡, providing green rest areas for all subway users. Plants were planted on walls and pillars, and decorative planters were placed on the floor.

The newly created underground forest paths at Samgakji and Noksapyeong Stations were designed considering the characteristics of underground spaces and station interiors, focusing on ▲safety ▲aesthetics ▲maintenance ▲comfort. Measures to prevent structural overturning and falling were implemented, passenger flow was examined, and the design was harmonized with existing buildings. Plants suitable for underground growing conditions were selected, and measures to minimize insect occurrence and pollution were applied.

Based on the creation of these Seoul Underground Forest Paths, the district plans to connect major green corridors within the area by developing green spaces along the streets from Samgakji to Noksapyeong Station and rooftop greening of the War Memorial, contributing to providing urban forests closely linked to residents' daily lives.

Park Hee-young, Mayor of Yongsan-gu, said, “The bleak image of underground spaces has been transformed into a fresh and pleasant environment through the creation of the Seoul Underground Forest Paths,” and added, “We will continue to strive to create spaces where people can directly and indirectly feel the forest in their daily lives through this project.”

Meanwhile, the district secured a project budget of 500 million KRW (city funds) in 2022 and collected citizens' opinions through an idea contest held from March to May last year. Since this project is located within the station, it was carried out in close cooperation with Seoul Metro, and construction proceeded after Seoul City’s design review in September last year.

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