Gyeongui line forest park: A Walk Down Seoul’s old train tracks
- Irina Radu
- 8 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Korea is a country rich in natural beauty and cultural history. Its parks are among the best ways to experience this unique blend. From lush green spaces to historic sites, these parks offer a peaceful escape and a chance to learn more about Korea’s heritage. Join me as we explore some of the most remarkable parks that make Korea truly special.
Everything to know about visiting the Gyeongui Line Forest Park
Gyeongui Line Forest Park is a long, narrow park located at Donggyo-ro- 51-gil Mapo-gu in Hongdae, is built on the old train tracks.
This 6.3 km (4 miles) park was created as a result of an innovative urban renewal project that transformed the old Gyeongui railway line. When the railway was partially undergrounded, the disused train tracks were covered over, opening up new possibilities for the city. Instead of leaving the space unused or abandoned, local planners and developers decided to turn it into a beautiful public park, offering residents and visitors a scenic and peaceful area to enjoy. This project not only preserved a piece of the city’s history but also revitalized the neighborhood, making it a popular spot for walking, relaxing, and connecting with nature amidst an urban setting.
What to look forward to when visiting Gyeongui Line Forest Park
The most famous spot is the Yeonnam-dong Section, or "Yeontral Park," right outside Hongik University Station (Exit 3). It is always packed with people picnicking on the lawns, drinking craft beer, and hanging out by the small artificial stream. The surrounding alleys are overflowing with trendy cafes, bakeries, and unique clothing shops. One of the very well known attractions is Dongjin Market which stands as a perfect busking spot for various artists.
If you walk a bit further east to Exit 6, you will hit the Waugyo Bridge Section, home to the Gyeongui Line Book Street. It is a quiet, artsy stretch featuring 14 cute booths shaped like old train cars that house independent bookstores and galleries. It is a great spot to take photos with the retro train platforms and sculptures.
Past that, things quiet down in the Sinsu, Daeheung, and Yeomni-dong Sections. This is a peaceful, residential stretch that locals love for jogging and relaxing. It is famous for massive cherry blossoms in the spring, and it feels much more like a calm neighborhood getaway than a busy tourist attraction.
The park finally ends at the Saechang Gogae and Wonhyo-ro Section near Hyochang Park Station.
This area feels like an open-air museum, where they have preserved the original century-old tracks, old crossings, and actual vintage train cars. It is a really neat look into Seoul's history right in the middle of modern high-rises.
Exploring the Gyeongui Line Forest Park gets even better with its organized activities, food tours, and creative workshops. For a taste of local nightlife, you can book the Moonlit Seoul Walking Tour on Viator This guided evening stroll takes you through the energetic Yeonnam-dong section to sample traditional Korean alcohol and local dishes, finishing with live K-pop busking nearby.
If you want a fun, interactive way to explore, you can try pop-culture walks or self-guided mobile games. The Hongdae Animation & Game Cafe Tour uses the park trail to connect you with local webtoons and gaming hubs, costing between $35 and $60. For an independent adventure, the Yeonnam-dong Scavenger Hunt on Questo is a highly budget-friendly, app-guided option.
Beyond walking, the park is surrounded by unique, hands-on craft experiences. You can join a Custom Perfume Blending Class at Greedy Scent, located just a 5-minute walk from the trail. The studio experience costs a flat rate of 50,000 KRW (approx. $33 to $35 USD) for a 70-minute session. You can also head over to the vintage train-carriage booths at the Gyeongui Line Book Street for live author talks and independent book-binding workshops.
Exit 3 or 4 of Hongik University Station, which provides easy access to the nearby Gyeongui Line Forest Park, a popular green space and cultural area in the Hongdae district, known for its scenic walking paths, art installations, and vibrant atmosphere.
Or you can use Exit 1 of Gongdeok Station, which offers convenient access to the Gyeongui Line Forest Park and the surrounding area, including popular local spots and cultural attractions in the Hongdae and Yeonnam-dong neighborhoods.
There is no gate and no published opening or closing times. The walking times provided by the operator for different sections are as follows: Yeonnam-dong is 1.2 km, which takes approximately 35 minutes; Wauigyo is 370 meters, taking about 15 minutes; Sinsu–Daeheung–Yeomni covers 1.3 km in roughly 35 minutes; and Saechanggogae–Wonhyo-ro spans 960 meters, estimated at 25 minutes. More over, entrance is completely free of charge.
Comments