Poppies in full bloom along Mapo-gu's World Cup Stream Trail

The World Cup Stream trail, a popular riverside walkway in Mapo-gu, is bursting into color as vibrant poppies and lush green barley transform the path into a seasonal spectacle.

The World Cup Stream trail, a popular riverside walkway in Mapo-gu, is bursting into color as vibrant poppies and lush green barley transform the path into a seasonal spectacle. Flowers swaying in the breeze, rolling waves of barley and the sound of flowing water have combined to create a distinctive escape in the heart of the city.

Mapo-gu planted poppy and green barley seeds across roughly 17,000 square meters on both sides of the trail in November 2025, aiming to give residents a scenic attraction and improve the overall stream environment.

The planting followed a major restoration effort the district undertook in 2024, after localized heavy rain and other extreme weather caused soil erosion, flooding and odor problems along the stream. Once the waterway was cleaned up, Mapo-gu sowed poppies, green barley and other varieties as part of a broader landscaping project. The flowers began blooming in earnest in spring 2025 and quickly drew an enthusiastic response from residents.

Building on that success, the district has committed to cultivating the flower path every year, giving residents a chance to experience the changing seasons up close along a comfortable riverside walkway.

This year's display is further enhanced by a scenic waterfall near Seongmi Bridge, which has been in operation since March 2026. The waterfall's rushing water and nighttime lighting add another layer of charm to the trail.

A waterside cafe space has also recently opened across from the waterfall. Mapo-gu has selected a professional cafe operator and, after interior fit-out and facility inspections, plans to open the venue for full operation in June.

Once the cafe opens, residents will be able to sit behind floor-to-ceiling glass windows and take in views of the flower path and the scenic waterfall — a welcome retreat even during the sweltering summer months.

"The World Cup Stream trail, where a flower path, a scenic waterfall and a waterside cafe all come together, is becoming Mapo's signature waterfront rest space — a place where residents can enjoy nature and a moment of calm in their everyday lives," a Mapo-gu official said. "We hope everyone comes out to enjoy the fully bloomed poppies along the World Cup Stream trail."