Guro-gu turns idle rail-side land near Guil Station into 4,600-square-meter green space

Seoul's Guro-gu has transformed a 4,600-square-meter idle rail-side site near Guil Station into a green recreational space. The district signed an agreement with the National Railway Network Authority, which owns the land, in March last year to develop the underused corridor.

The project drew a total of 1.55 billion won — 550 million won ($356,000) in district funds combined with 1 billion won in special grants.

The district designed the space to serve residents of all ages, distributing play, exercise and rest areas throughout the site. Amenities include a children's playground, a loop walking path, a badminton court and fitness equipment, along with outdoor tables, pergolas, bench chairs and low seating walls so residents can walk, work out and relax in one place.

Landscaping added 107 trees — including Chinese fringe trees — along with 3,900 shrubs such as royal azaleas and 12,000 flowering plants to improve the appearance of the rail corridor and bring seasonal color.

The district drew up the development plan in January last year, carried out detailed design work from February through April, held a community briefing in August and broke ground in September. Construction wrapped up May 22.

"The Guil Station rail-side green belt is an example of turning low-use idle railway land into a living space for residents," district mayor Jang In-hong said. "We will continue to expand neighborhood green spaces so residents can enjoy walking, exercise and rest close to home."