"A Barrier-Free Walk to Namsan Library"... 'Namsan Sky Forest Trail' Opens

[Financial News] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 23rd that it will open the 'Namsan Sky Forest Trail,' which connects the Namsan Fitness Center to the library, to the public starting on the 25th.
The Sky Forest Trail offers expansive city views, with vistas extending as far as the Hangang River and Gwanaksan. The trail has been redesigned to address steep slopes and narrow walkways, making it a 'barrier-free trail' accessible and safe for everyone, including those with limited mobility.
The city explained, "By making effective use of Namsan's natural environment, we have established eight scenic viewpoints and eight attraction points," adding, "It has been created as an ecological, healing, and cultural space where visitors can walk, observe, relax, and even participate in hands-on experiences all at once."
The entrances and exits have also been newly renovated. At the Namsan Fitness Center, which is frequently used by citizens, a 'Pergola-type Outdoor Fitness Equipment' has been installed to provide shelter from rain and wind, enhancing user convenience.
Eco-friendly construction methods were used to minimize forest damage. The deck route was selected to preserve the terrain as much as possible, focusing on open spaces without trees, while areas with trees were either protected with structures or the route was diverted. Additionally, manual labor was used during construction to reduce environmental impact, and waste was kept to a minimum.
In areas around the Sky Forest Trail where the lower vegetation was poor or damaged by invasive vines, native Namsan trees and ground cover plants were planted. In the existing pine forest zone, young pine trees grown from seeds collected in Namsan were added to help restore the area's ecosystem.
Sooyeon Lee, Director of the Garden City Bureau at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "Following the construction of the safety deck connecting the southern ring road and the creation of the northern forest trail in the first half of this year, the opening of the Namsan Sky Forest Trail in the second half will allow citizens and tourists to access Namsan more comfortably and safely." She added, "We will continue to expand various infrastructure so that Namsan, a symbol of Seoul, can be fully enjoyed by all citizens."
chlee1@fnnews.com Changhoon Lee Reporter