Seoul’s Gangbuk District has completed the construction of the ‘Forest Healing Trail’ near the temple forest at Hwagyesa Temple in Suyu-dong by the end of July and opened it to the public.
The project to create the Forest Healing Trail was promoted to provide a relaxation and meditation space for citizens and tourists in the temple forest, which has a high ecological preservation value. The project was carried out with financial support from the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
The target area is approximately 700 meters in the vicinity of San 164-5 Suyu-dong within the national park area. The existing hiking trails were utilized as much as possible and the installation of artificial structures was minimized to consider harmony with the natural landscape.
Four deck rest areas have been created in this section. Themes such as ‘Space of Righteousness’ and ‘Space of Serenity’ have been assigned to these rest areas, and the project includes the improvement of forest paths, a contemplation garden, and the planting of native plants from the national park, creating a nature-friendly forest relaxation space.
In November 2023, Gangbuk District signed a green space utilization contract with Hwagyesa Temple covering an area of approximately 294,123 square meters. As a result, the temple forest, which was centered on temple devotees and practitioners, has been expanded into a green space shared with residents.
This area will be used to operate forest healing programs in connection with temple stays. It is also expected to function as a meditative wellness space based on the tranquil atmosphere of the temple forest.
The Forest Healing Trail is also connected to the experiential forest rest area of Bukhansan Mountain nearby. Gangbuk District plans to increase its utility as a hub for leisure spaces in urban forests.
Gangbuk District Chief Lee Soon-hee stated, “The temple forest at Hwagyesa Temple has been transformed into a space for all residents,” and added, “We will continue to expand the urban healing space in connection with surrounding green resources.”
