Completion of Facility Improvements on the Choaansan Hiking Trail in Nowon-gu

From Aging Trail Facilities to Summit Amenities, Comprehensive Maintenance for Increased Safety and Comfort
Restoration of Damaged Forests, Creation of Hydrangea Garden, and Trail Upgrades at Choansan

Nowon-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it has completed the maintenance of the trails on Choansan Mountain, significantly improving convenience for residents visiting the mountain from the New Year.

Nowon, which boasts forest assets such as Suraksan, Bulamsan, Choansan, and Yeongchuksan, sees a steady flow of hikers throughout the year. Among them, Choansan, which spans Dobong-gu and Nowon-gu, is relatively low in height but frequently visited by residents of nearby areas such as Wolgye-dong in Nowon-gu, Beon-dong in Gangbuk-gu, and Chang-dong in Dobong-gu.

The district has renovated the hiking environment on Choansan, including the summit area and surrounding trails.

The main improvements include ▲maintenance of aging trail facilities ▲installation of restrooms at the summit and refurbishment of the aerobics area ▲replacement of safety fences and installation of dust removers.

First, the trail from Nokcheon Station to the summit, continuing to Biseokgol Neighborhood Park and near Nokcheonjeong, was the focus of the improvements. Approximately 628 steps of timber stairs, one deck stair, and a 400-meter section of walking mats were installed, prioritizing safety for hikers on the mountain paths.

Considering that the trail is mainly used by elderly visitors, four resting platforms and 20 backrest benches were installed to create an environment where visitors can rest comfortably in the shade of newly planted trees. Additionally, 14 directional signboards were refurbished.

At the summit, notable improvements were made to exercise and convenience facilities. The aerobics area and Sansu-jang (a coined term meaning “mountain gym”), which had become outdated and underutilized, were renovated along with the flower beds. Furthermore, two pergolas were refurbished, and a new flush toilet, which did not exist before, was installed.

Choansan, which has a unique historical significance with the Joseon Dynasty eunuch tomb cluster, had suffered from forest damage and neglect for some time. However, through the district’s continuous management and environmental improvement efforts, it is emerging as a new attraction. The initiative began in 2019 with the cleanup of an area known as Jaegundae Village, which was plagued by garbage accumulation and unauthorized buildings, transforming it into an ecological park and establishing a pottery experience center.

Following this, the Biseokgol Neighborhood Park was refurbished, a picnic area was created, and with the opening of the 'Choansan Hydrangea Hill' this spring, the completion of the healing town by zone was announced. The Choansan Healing Town, which symbolizes the restoration of damaged land and is recognized for its high-quality landscape value, was selected as an award-winning project at the '2024 Korea Land Grand Prize' hosted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. This achievement marks Nowon-gu as the only local government nationwide to win awards at the Land Grand Prize for four consecutive years.

District Mayor Oh Seung-rok said, “Choansan, as a forest resource, holds core value for Wolgye-dong, which is set to change with the development of the Kwangwoon University Station area and the reconstruction of nearby large apartment complexes. We will continue to nurture the natural blessings that Nowon is proud of so that all residents can enjoy them more closely.”

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