36 Years Neglected Land Reborn as Eco-Friendly Forest Trail and Leisure Space... Gangbuk-gu Opens Bukhansan Experiential Forest Shelter

Created as a healing, health, interaction, and experience space... 3km forest trail linked with Seoul Dulle-gil Sections 8 to 4... 2km section is a barefoot walking path... Toddler play area for children to run and play... Healing forest trail and forest interpretation programs also offered

Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (Mayor Lee Soon-hee) is creating the ‘Bukhansan Experiential Forest Rest Area’ (hereinafter referred to as the Forest Rest Area) in the area of Suyu-dong San 123-11 (a total of 17 parcels) and will open it to the public on the 25th.

The Forest Rest Area, developed on approximately 50,000㎡, is a healing, health, interaction, and experiential space linked with the Seoul Dulle-gil trail and Bukhansan. Utilizing Bukhansan’s excellent natural scenery and the district’s historical and cultural resources such as Hwaggye Temple and Samsungam Hermitage, construction has been underway since September last year to create a harmonious forest trail.

The area of Suyu-dong San 123-11 (72,978㎡), where the experiential Forest Rest Area is located, is private land owned by Daewoo Construction. This area has been designated as a natural scenic district, making development impossible, and has been neglected for about 36 years. However, in December 2020, Gangbuk-gu signed a green space utilization contract with Daewoo Construction, providing an opportunity to transform it into a forest leisure space for citizens. The remaining approximately 20,000㎡ of land is planned for the creation of a Hanok village.

The district has created various forest leisure spaces throughout the Forest Rest Area, along with a total of about 3 km of forest trails, so that visitors can fully experience the healing power of Bukhansan’s nature.

First, the approximately 3 km forest trail is designed to allow circulation within the space by linking with section 8-4 of the Seoul Dulle-gil trail. The constructed forest trails are themed into four types: Healthy Pine Forest Trail, Imaginative Acacia Forest Trail, Reassuring Oak Forest Trail, and Sensory-rich Chestnut Forest Trail. Access routes have been improved and decks installed to allow various age groups, including young children and the elderly, to use the previously inaccessible forest.

Among these, about 2 km of the trail has been developed as a barefoot walking path reflecting the demands of local residents. To support this, a foot-washing station was installed at the entrance of the barefoot trail, and a contemplation rest area where visitors can enjoy the natural scenery was created at the center of the barefoot trail.

In the central part of the Forest Rest Area, a 1,500㎡ play area for young children was created so that even little kids can enjoy the space. The play area is equipped with net play facilities, salamander tables, balance play equipment, log crossing, and disc crossing, allowing children to run and play freely.

Additionally, sunbeds and reclining chairs were installed in sunny spots to create a sunlit forest. Various plants such as common privet, mountain hydrangea, spiraea, and azalea were planted along the trails, and benches and chairs were placed so visitors can comfortably rest while enjoying Bukhansan’s nature.

Furthermore, the district repaved part of Insubong-ro 55-gil, which borders the Forest Rest Area, to improve the landscape. Areas damaged by illegal dumping and unauthorized cultivation were restored by planting hydrangeas and birch trees to prevent illegal activities within the forest.

In particular, starting from mid-April, the district plans to operate healing forest trail programs using the Forest Rest Area, including sensory stimulation healing and mental health recovery for office workers, as well as customized forest education programs such as forest play and plant identification tailored to different participants.

Lee Soon-hee, Mayor of Gangbuk-gu, said, “The Bukhansan Experiential Forest Rest Area, created by preserving the beautiful nature of Bukhansan, will become a unique landmark in Gangbuk-gu where people can feel the healing and relaxation that nature provides within the city.” She added, “We will continue to create eco-friendly spaces utilizing the district’s green areas to improve the quality of life for our residents.”

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