Seoul is set to exceed 2,000 km of connected green spaces this year as part of the ‘Seoul Greenway Project,’ which aims to link fragmented green areas and expand urban greenery.
To put this into perspective, the distance from Seoul to Busan is approximately 384 km, meaning the Greenway will cover the equivalent of five round trips between the two cities.
Launched in 2022, the Greenway Project addresses urban green space gaps by integrating forests, parks, gardens, and other green areas into a continuous linear network. The ultimate goal is to ensure that every resident can access greenery within a five-minute walk from anywhere in the city. The project originally set a target of 2,000 km and is on track to meet this milestone.
Beyond simply expanding green areas, the project seeks to enhance urban aesthetics, improve pedestrian convenience, reduce fine dust, and restore urban ecosystems by organically connecting forests, rivers, and parks.
Key Achievements in 2024
Several significant projects were undertaken last year to connect and enhance urban greenery:
- Connecting Fragmented Green Corridors: A 20-meter green corridor was established to link Noksabong and Sangdo Park in Dongjak-gu, creating both a walking path for people and a passage for wildlife, contributing to urban ecological restoration.
- Bukhan Mountain Forest Experience Shelter: A 3 km, 50,000㎡ forest retreat was developed in Suyu-dong, Gangbuk-gu, featuring play areas for children, a meditation space, and barefoot trails, along with upgraded hiking paths.
- River Ecological Restoration and Greening: A 1 km stretch along the embankment of Godeok Stream in Gangdong-gu was planted with diverse vegetation to improve the ecosystem, enhance the landscape, and provide habitat for various species.
- Street Tree Growth Environment Improvement: A 330-meter-long green belt was created along Yeouidaebang-ro in Yeongdeungpo-gu, improving the growing conditions for street trees and increasing urban greenery.
- Accessible Hiking Trails: In Onsugongwon, Yangcheon-gu, a 0.35 km barrier-free forest trail and a 468㎡ walking path were built, allowing people of all mobility levels to enjoy nature.
- Green Art Paths under Overpasses: Shady and underutilized spaces, such as the area beneath the elevated road at Hongun Intersection in Seodaemun-gu, were revitalized with water features and gardens, enhancing urban scenery.
- ‘Seoul Below-Ground Forest Path’ Initiative: A unique underground forest trail (0.02 km, 500㎡) was created inside Wangsimni Station, bringing greenery to an area where green spaces were previously lacking.
Expansion Plans for 2025
Seoul aims to extend the Greenway network by an additional 75.58 km this year through 165 new projects. The city has already established 1,777 km of greenways, with 210.45 km newly developed since 2022. This expansion is part of a long-term vision to transform Seoul into a walkable city where nature is seamlessly integrated into everyday life.
1. Expanding Greenery
- New ‘strip gardens’ will be introduced along sidewalks and roadsides, with 19.58 km of such green spaces planned across 39 locations this year.
- The ‘Safe Green School Project’ will add 1.75 km of green spaces around schools and kindergartens, creating safer and more pleasant environments for children.
2. Enhancing Accessibility
- Hiking Trail Improvements: 54 hiking trails, totaling 24.75 km, will be upgraded, including trails in Inwang Mountain and Bukhan Mountain.
- River Green Space Expansion: 23 river areas, spanning 8.15 km along Jungnang Stream and Tancheon, will be planted with trees and flowers to improve walking paths and biodiversity.
3. Strengthening Ecological Connectivity
- The city plans to further integrate natural and urban spaces by connecting mountains, rivers, and parks into a cohesive ecological network.
- Six overpass areas will be transformed into green corridors through the ‘Green Art Path’ and ‘Seoul Below-Ground Forest Path’ initiatives, making nature more accessible in artificial environments.
“The Seoul Greenway Project is not just about creating gardens; it’s about integrating the entire city into a green and ecological network. This initiative will contribute to addressing climate change, enhancing biodiversity, and reducing urban heat island effects. Even after reaching the 2,000 km milestone, we will continue to integrate green pathways into all public and private projects, making gardens an everyday experience for all citizens,” Lee Soo-yeon, Director of the Seoul Green City Bureau, stated.
