Busan to revamp Galmaet-gil routes, seek public input

[Financial News] Busan City said it would comprehensively revamp the Galmaet-gil routes to reflect changing conditions for pedestrians and residents’ demand for walking, and would begin gathering public feedback on the proposed changes on the 26th.
The revamp focused on adjusting impractical sections of existing routes and identifying new routes connecting Busan’s coastal, riverside, forest and urban landscapes with its historical, cultural and tourism resources. 
First, the existing system of nine courses and 23 sections (278.8 km) will be consolidated and changed to 36 courses (295.3 km). The travel distances and times for Galmaet-gil will also be adjusted to reflect local characteristics, allowing users to choose courses suited to their purposes and circumstances.
Course numbers and names have been simplified to make route information more consistent. The changes include setting start and end points connected to public transit, creating an intuitive circular route system, aligning routes with the Korea Dulle-gil, and simplifying routes with the accessibility needs of people with limited mobility and tourists in mind. 
The city also plans to highlight Busan’s diverse landscapes and local characteristics by selecting optimal routes for coastal paths, riverside paths, forest trails and urban paths, and adjusting travel distances and times for each course. This will allow users to choose courses suited to their purposes and circumstances.
The proposed Galmaet-gil route changes will be available for review until the 8th of next month, and anyone can submit comments.
The city plans to continue identifying distinctive places that connect Busan’s natural, cultural and tourism resources, and to raise Galmaet-gil’s brand value through initiatives to develop these places into attractions.
[email protected] Kwon Byeong-seok Reporter