A tree-shaded forest deck trail on Byeogosan at Buk Seoul Dream Forest [Seoul Metropolitan Government]
A tree-shaded forest deck trail on Byeogosan at Buk Seoul Dream Forest [Seoul Metropolitan Government]

Seoul's Northern Park and Leisure Center has opened a 500-meter shaded forest deck trail and four new viewpoints on Byeogosan within Buk Seoul Dream Forest, the city announced Saturday.

Buk Seoul Dream Forest, located in the Beondong area of Gangbuk-gu, is a large park situated between Byeogosan and Opaesan, on the former site of Dreamland amusement park. The renovation was undertaken to upgrade aging facilities and improve visitor convenience, 17 years after the park first opened.

The new deck trail and four viewpoints were built on Byeogosan to let visitors enjoy forest shade even during peak summer heat. The trail was constructed along a section previously difficult to access due to steep slopes, connecting the popular Olmangzolmang children's play forest to the park's west gate. The city said the deck was installed while preserving the existing woodland as much as possible, allowing families to walk comfortably and safely through the shade while taking in the natural scenery.

The viewpoints along the trail were designed to offer sightlines to landmarks across the park, including Changnyeongwigung Jaesa, Wolyeongji Pond, Aewoljeong Pavilion, Wolgwang Waterfall, Cheongun Dabwon Garden and the Buk Seoul Dream Forest observation tower.

A 1,500-square-meter outdoor deck cafe space near Opaesan's Cheongun Dabwon Garden has also been refurbished. The city repaired the aging deck and reduced the height difference at the entrance to improve accessibility for people with limited mobility. Flowering trees, including snowbell and hydrangea, were planted on part of the deck area to create a shaded garden where visitors can rest.

Park Mi-ae, director of the center, said the project was "not simply a facility repair, but an effort to elevate the quality of the park so that citizens can enjoy nature more safely and comfortably."


ken@heraldcorp.com