Seoul Metropolitan Government announced plans to open the Namsan Sky Forest Trail. (Image courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government)
SEOUL, March 26 (Korea Bizwire) — Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on March 25 plans to open the Namsan Sky Forest Trail, a new barrier-free pathway designed to make the iconic mountain more accessible and safer for all visitors.
The 1.43-kilometer trail, a joint project with the Korea Forest Service, will transform the currently steep and narrow walkways into an accessible route that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. The path will stretch from the Huam-dong fitness area to Namsan Library in Yongsan District.
The city plans to install wooden decks along the forest trail to protect tree roots and prevent soil erosion while improving visitor safety. The new route will feature several observation points offering panoramic views of the Han River and Gwanaksan, creating a scenic destination that showcases Seoul’s urban and natural landscapes.
The project includes a tracking course featuring various attractions: a sunset observatory, valley observation bridge, suspension bridge, phytoncide rest area, and adventure deck. To address safety concerns on the existing southern circular route, where pedestrians and cyclists currently share a narrow 2-meter path, the city will add a dedicated 0.5-kilometer pedestrian deck.
Additionally, a new northern forest trail with walking decks and gardens will be constructed to reduce congestion at the summit and improve access from the Myeongdong area. This 0.5-kilometer route will offer a significantly shorter alternative to the existing Hanyang City Wall Trail (1.6 kilometers) and Namsan Circular Trail (2.7 kilometers).
The city emphasized its commitment to environmental preservation during construction, implementing eco-friendly methods, closing unauthorized paths, and establishing wildlife corridors. The project will maximize the use of wood in deck construction for carbon storage benefits. The approximately 181,488 cubic meters of timber used will store 63,520 tons of carbon, equivalent to the annual CO₂ emissions of 50,679 vehicles.
“The new trail network will diversify routes up Namsan while creating a more convenient and safer walking experience,” said Lee Su-yeon, head of Seoul’s Parks and Recreation Bureau. “We are committed to transforming Namsan into an even more walkable space.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
