The Banpo Subyeon-gil trail leads you down to the Hangang riverbank, rustling with the golden ripples of reeds and willow branches. Here you can take a breezy stroll during the day, and enjoy the views of Seoul’s nightscape during the evenings.
The days of autumn, with their crystal-clear skies and rustle of red leaves, are now upon us.
As we face the final stretch of the year’s most colorful season, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has recommended its top five trails along the Hangang River to explore with your family and friends.
First on the list is the Banpo Subyeon-gil trail (반포 수변길), stretching from the Banpodaegyo Bridge toward Dongjak Station along the banks of the Hangang River. During the day, you’ll see willow trees, reeds and silver grass rippling in the cool breeze, while at night you can enjoy the festive display of lights created by the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain along the Banpodaegyo Bridge. To get to the trail, walk from the Express Bus Terminal Station (subway line No. 3), and depart exit No. 8-1 in the direction of the Banpo Hangang Park.
Nanji Hangang Park’s reed trail (갈대바람길) stretches from the Nanji water park all the way to the Nanji wetlands.
Next is the Ttukseom Hangang Park forest trail (뚝섬 숲속길), known also as the “Lover’s Trail.” Here you can walk along a winding path in a forest filled with the scent of pine. Quince, persimmon, Cornelian cherry, plum and apricot trees add a lushness to the woods. At the end of the trail, you can take in a long breath in the Healing Forest made up of 1,200 evergreens. To get there, depart from exits No. 2 or 3 of Ttukseom Resort Station (뚝섬유원지역) (subway line No. 7) and head toward the Jamsildaegyo Bridge.
If you’re an outdoorsy type and would like to camp by the riverbank, you can take a leisurely stroll along the Nanji Hangang Park reed trail (갈대바람길). Stretching from the Nanji water park all the way to the Nanji wetlands, this trail is especially beautiful at sundown when the reeds become illuminated in the rays of the setting sun. When you’re done walking, you can set up camp at the Nanji camping site for a fun night with family, friends and significant others. You can get to Nanji Hangang Park by taking a bus from the World Cup Stadium Station (subway line No. 6), outside of exit No. 1.
The Ttukseom Hangang Park forest trail (뚝섬 숲속길) is also known by many as the Lover’s Trail because of its romantic scenery. .
At the Gangseo Marsh Ecological Park (강서습지생태공원) you can observe a variety of migratory birds and other wildlife along the Water Bird Trail (물새길). Along this 1-kilometer dirt path stretching from the Gaehwa Interchange (개화나들목) to the Haengjudaegyo Bridge (행주대교), you can spot birds, like the cormorant and the bean goose, from several bird observation decks. To get to the path, come out Banghwa Station (subway line No. 5) exit No. 1 and take the No. 7 bus to the park.
Finally, if you’re in need of some peace and quiet, you can visit the Subyeon Ecological Park in Godeok (고덕 수변생태공원) and walk along the Godeok gravel path (고덕 자갈길). Strolling along this path at sunset, you’ll get to the enjoy the sun disappearing into the Hangang River. To get there, get off at Myeongil Station (subway line No. 5), walk out of exit No. 3, and take bus No. 2 or 3 to the park.
By Lee Hana
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Seoul Metropolitan Government
hlee10@korea.kr
