A Rail Line Was Cut Twice, and Became a Forest

The Gyeongchun Line's Seoul section was cut in two separate stages, in 1970 and 2010, and the decommissioned land was gradually redeveloped into a forest path starting in 2013.

Key takeaways

In 1970, when the Gyeongchun Line's starting station changed to Cheongnyangni Station, the Seongdong–Gwangun University Station section was decommissioned; in 2010, double-tracking and electrification eliminated the Gwangun University–Galmae Station section as well. Fact The city of Seoul developed a forest path across a total 6.3-kilometer stretch from Gwangun University Station through the old Hwarangdae Station to the city boundary, in three phases; construction on Phase 1 (from the Gongdeok 2 railway crossing to Yuksa Samgeori intersection, 1.9 km) broke ground in October 2013 and was completed roughly a year and nine months later. Fact

The city chose to leave the rail tracks in place rather than remove them, preserving the original character of the site as it built the park. Fact

What to look for on site

Differences between sections decommissioned at different times
The boundaries of each development phase
The distinctive walking-path scenery created by the preserved rail tracks

Editorial note

It's inaccurate to say "the Gyeongchun Line was decommissioned all at once." Keep the correct sequence: it was cut in two separate stages, in 1970 and 2010.