5.4 billion won invested to expand trail from behind Geukdong Apartment in Junghwa 1-dong to mountain summit
Existing 4.3 km trail to grow to 6.3 km total, improving access for wheelchair users and families with young children
Cumulative visitors surpass 5.5 million; full route set for completion by December 2027
Seoul's Jungnang-gu will extend its barrier-free forest trail on Bonghwasan — known as the Bonghwasan Donghaekkil — by 2 km toward Junghwa-dong.
The district announced Wednesday that it has begun Phase 1 construction of the Bonghwasan Donghaekkil Expansion Project, aimed at allowing all residents to enjoy the mountain forest with ease.
The project will add a new barrier-free trail section within the Bonghwasan neighborhood park in the Junghwa 1-dong area and connect it to the existing trail. It is designed to address the difficulties posed by steep staircases and slippery surfaces typical of hillside parks, and to improve access for wheelchair users, families with young children and others with limited mobility.
The existing Bonghwasan Donghaekkil stretches 4.3 km. The gently graded deck-style walkway runs from Bongsu-dae Park behind the Jungnang-gu office and the Mukdong infant forest experience center up to the summit of Bonghwasan, with steps and raised edges kept to a minimum. As of Saturday, cumulative visitors had surpassed 5.5 million.
The new section will run approximately 2 km from behind Geukdong Apartment in Junghwa 1-dong to the summit. Once connected to the existing trail, the total barrier-free route will reach 6.3 km. The total project cost is 5.4 billion won ($4.03 million), to be carried out in two phases.
Phase 1 covers roughly 0.6 km from behind Geukdong Apartment to the mid-slope of Bonghwasan. Phase 2 will then extend the trail from the mid-slope to the summit, with the full route set to be completed by December 2027.
Along the trail, rest areas and photo zones will be installed at points where the new path meets existing hiking routes, along with an observation deck and relaxation spaces that take advantage of Bonghwasan's terrain and forest scenery. The district said it will focus on minimizing damage to existing trees and the forest ecosystem while creating facilities that blend with the surrounding natural environment.
Jungnang-gu expects that once the project is complete, the expanded trail will allow more residents — including those in Junghwa-dong — to enjoy the forest conveniently.
"We will extend the Bonghwasan Donghaekkil toward Junghwa-dong so that more residents can enjoy the forest with ease," Jungnang-gu District Mayor Ryu Gyeong-gi said. "We will preserve Bonghwasan's natural environment while creating a park where everyone can walk safely and comfortably."
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