750 million won earmarked for aging trail repairs at Songpa Naru Park
300 million won to improve pedestrian environment near Eoulmok Bridge
Worn pavement replacement and bike path repairs to boost safety
'Creating a safe, comfortable environment residents can feel in daily life'
Aging walking trails and bicycle paths around Seokchon Lake and Seongnae Stream — two of Songpa-gu's most popular green spaces — are set for a comprehensive overhaul. The project aims to address longstanding complaints about deteriorating infrastructure and safety hazards, and to create a more comfortable everyday environment for residents.
Yun Yu-jin, a People Power Party member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council's education committee representing Songpa District 1, announced that 1.05 billion won ($784,000) in special adjustment grants from the Seoul Metropolitan Government will be allocated to lifestyle environment improvement projects in Songpa-gu in the second half of 2026.
The funding is split between two projects: 750 million won for trail repairs at Songpa Naru Park and 300 million won to improve the pedestrian environment near the Eoulmok Bridge on Seongnae Stream.
The largest share goes to the Songpa Naru Park renovation, which covers a 10,000-square-meter area around the east and west lakes of Seokchon Lake. The centerpiece of the work is replacing the rubber surface of the lower walking trail, which has deteriorated over more than 15 years, along with upgrades to rest facilities and signage.
Seokchon Lake is one of Songpa-gu's signature urban retreats, drawing not only residents but also tourists. Worn pavement on parts of the trail has consistently raised concerns about pedestrian inconvenience and accident risks. The renovation is scheduled to run from this month through May next year.
The 300 million won earmarked for the area around the Eoulmok Bridge on Seongnae Stream will fund 200 meters of bicycle path repairs near the waterfront activity hub in Sincheon-dong, as well as the planting of flowering plants across 200 square meters of embankment slope to enhance the riverside landscape. That work is planned for completion by December.
The Eoulmok Bridge area has faced particular scrutiny: on top of the deteriorating bike path, the stretch where the pedestrian walkway and bicycle lane intersect has raised concerns about collision risks between users. The repairs are expected to improve safety for both pedestrians and cyclists while making the waterfront space more accessible.
The special adjustment grants are notable for focusing on everyday infrastructure — walking trails and bicycle paths that residents use daily — rather than large-scale development projects.
"Seokchon Lake and Seongnae Stream are precious living spaces where residents walk, rest and spend their leisure time every day, so we can no longer leave the inconveniences and accident risks caused by aging facilities unaddressed," Yun said. "I will ensure these special adjustment grants translate into a safe and comfortable living environment that residents can feel in their daily lives."
7toy7@heraldcorp.com
