Songpa Trail fully opened after 51 years

Residents take a walk along a Songpa Trail course in Songpa District, southeastern Seoul. Courtesy of Yim Hong-soon

By Bahk Eun-ji

When thinking of Songpa District in Seoul, images of large apartment complexes and skyscrapers may come to mind. But the district's network of walking trails, named Songpa Trail or Songpa Dullegil in Korean, is a hidden treasure of the area, created along four streams flowing through its landscape.

Songpa has had three walking courses along Seongnae and Jangji streams as well as the Han River, and the district office opened another one recently along Tan Stream, which had been off-limits for the last 51 years.

Now with the trail along the Tan Stream added, a 21.2-kilometer-long circuit has been created.

“We wanted to create walking paths or parks that residents can access in five minutes from their home and relax at any time,” said Park Sung-soo, head of Songpa District Office.

Each course of Songpa Trail has different things to see and enjoy, including a rice farming experience center, bird observatories, cherry blossom roads, a forest playground for children and Jamsil Hangang Park.

The circular course take walkers to attractions in the district such as Mongchon Earthen Fortress, Seokchon-dong Ancient Tombs, Bangi Wetland and Lotte World Tower.

A bird is spotted on Seongnae Stream, one of three streams surrounding Songpa District, Seoul. Courtesy of Yim Hong-soon

“Walking along rivers, lakes, and wetlands, you can also find ecological resources that are usually found in the countryside, such as kestrels, white-necked plovers and otters,” Park said.

Not everything has gone well for creating the trail since the basic plan to refurbish the Tan Stream section was prepared in October 2018.

Public access to the Tan Stream section had been restricted due to embankments and roadways. In addition, the area was designated as an ecological conservation area in 2002 for rare birds and endangered species.

Since announcing the plan, the district office underwent briefing sessions for residents twice, and consulted experts in environmental science, birds and landscaping. Through this process, it sought ways for residents to use the trails while preserving nature.

An entry into the Tan Stream Course of Songpa Trail in Songpa District, Seoul. Courtesy of Songpa District Office

“We sought to create a nature-friendly walking path without damaging the conservation area,” Park said.

So in the Tan Stream section, bicycles are prohibited, nighttime access is restricted and streetlamps give off weaker light, in order to protect the birds and amphibians in the area.

Residents' voluntary participation in the creation of the trail is also notable, with those in 15 neighborhoods of the district organizing groups named Guardians to protect the environment of the streams.

The district office said it is preparing various events for residents, including a walking marathon and autumn foliage festival. Ecological exploration programs will also be prepared especially in the newly opened Tan Stream course.

Park said he plans to continue linking the Songpa Trail with other tourist attractions, traditional markets and shops to revitalize the local economy.

“We will make Songpa Trail as a place where visitors can have unique memories, and residents can enjoy a quality daily life,” he said.

Songpa District Office head Park Sung-soo, fourth from left, poses with other dignitaries during a groundbreaking ceremony for construction of the Tan Stream course of Songpa Trail in this Nov. 26, 2020 photo. Courtesy of Songpa District Office