[One Day Walk] Olle Trail in Seoul, Not Jeju... 'Yeongdeungpo Olle Trail' Walking Amid Urban Nature

If Jeju Island has the Jeju Olle Trail, Yeongdeungpo-gu in Seoul has the 'Yeongdeungpo Olle Trail.' The Yeongdeungpo Olle Trail is a path that passes through narrow lanes connecting the city to nature. Yeongdeungpo-gu includes Seonyudo, Bamseom, and Yeouido, making it the district with the most islands in the Han River. Walking along the 19.5 km-long trail, you can experience the rich water environments of the Han River, Saetgang, and Anyangcheon.

The first course of the Yeongdeungpo Olle Trail is an 8.2 km waterside path along the river. Starting from Dorimcheon, passing through Anyangcheon, and arriving at Yeomchanggyo Bridge, the course takes about two hours. Walk along the nature-friendly riverside and breathe in the fresh air. Dorimcheon is a river more frequently visited by local residents for walking, cycling, and saxophone playing than by transient visitors from outside the district. Walking along the course, you can see a landscape where the river flows beside you and the subway passes overhead, creating an intersecting scene.

On the path crossing Anyangcheon, you can encounter an ecological network forest that spreads air created in the outskirts' forests into the city. This forest was created by Yeongdeungpo, Seoul City, and the Korea Forest Service, playing a role in reducing fine dust and alleviating the urban heat island effect. Alongside the trail, there is a cherry blossom path, a popular spot visited by many in spring. Also, various wildflowers and plants grow here, allowing you to visually enjoy the changes of all four seasons.

Walking along the river, you will reach Yeomchanggyo Bridge, the endpoint of Course 1 and the starting point of Course 2. The 11.3 km ecological circular trail of Yeongdeungpo Olle Trail Course 2 passes through Hangang Yanghwa Park, Yeouido Hangang Park, and Saetgang Ecological Park, making it pleasant to walk while feeling the cool river breeze. Hangang Yanghwa Park is located on the southern bank of the Han River and is conveniently accessible on foot from Dangsan Station. The wide grassy riverside offers an open view. Walking while enjoying the scenery of Seoul, you will soon reach the familiar Yeouido Hangang Park.

Next is Saetgang Ecological Park, hidden behind Yeouido Hangang Park and not well known to many. Saetgang Ecological Park, Korea's first ecological park, preserves willows, reeds, and silver grass as much as possible. The forest is so dense that it is hard to believe it is in the middle of the city, and you can easily find shaded resting spots to take a break even on hot afternoons.

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