10 separate projects unified into one; three rest zones and a trail network to be built
Barrier-free path linked to hiking trail to ensure accessible walkways for all
Seoul's Eunpyeong-gu announced it will push ahead with the "Baengnyeonsan Major Overhaul Project," an initiative to transform 200,000 square meters around Baengnyeonsan into a large-scale composite rest park representing northwestern Seoul — one that any resident can visit with ease.
The project carries a total budget of 7.05 billion won ($5.2 million) and brings together 10 previously separate initiatives under a single coordinated framework, with a focus on organically connecting the mountain's rich urban forest resources with the surrounding residential areas.
Eunpyeong-gu plans to develop three signature rest zones that draw on the mountain's natural character, and will link a 1.5-kilometer trail with a barrier-free environment to improve mobility throughout the area.
The three key spaces are "Kkummaul Seopjeong-i," which will feature a rest shelter and an ornamental garden connected to the Chorokkkumteo social welfare facility; "Noeulchae," a renovation of the aging Eunpyeongjeong pavilion into a space with scenic outlooks and community gathering functions; and "Nokbeon Station Plaza," which will reinforce the symbolic gateway role and rest functions at the main entrance to Baengnyeonsan.
To improve access for people with mobility challenges, the district will install an elevator on the steep slope at the mountain's entrance and connect it to a roughly 0.7-kilometer barrier-free path. The district secured 600 million won through a competitive grant from the Korea Forest Service's Green Fund support program to fund the work.
The district will also collaborate across transportation, road and parks departments to simultaneously pursue the designation of a child protection zone, sidewalk widening and the construction of erosion-control facilities, creating a safer and more convenient pedestrian environment.
Around Baengnyeonsan, the district is also developing distinctive gardens cultivated together with residents. These include the nation's first "Baby Birth Memorial Garden," a garden created with youth aging out of the foster care system called "Tomorrow's Garden," and gardens linked to community garden coordinators — efforts to spread a sustainable garden culture that have earned the district a Seoul Garden City Award.
The project will actively incorporate resident input from the planning stage through to completion. The district will use participatory budgeting to carry out environmental improvements, signage upgrades and garden development, and plans to expand resident participation throughout the entire process through public briefings and on-site inspections after completion.
Through this project, Eunpyeong-gu aims to create a green pedestrian corridor linking Baengnyeonsan's urban forest, the Seoul Dulle-gil trail and the key spaces within the park. The district intends to improve access to the mountain and develop it into northwest Seoul's premier composite rest park, where residents can enjoy nature and leisure as part of their daily lives.
"The Baengnyeonsan Major Overhaul Project goes beyond renovating aging facilities — it is about improving access and convenience at Baengnyeonsan by reflecting what residents want," Eunpyeong-gu District Mayor Kim Mi-kyung said. "We will make it a space where anyone can enjoy nature and relaxation close to their everyday life."
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