Gyeongui Line Forest Park is one of Seoul’s coolest urban regeneration projects — a 6.3km stretch of green space built along an old railway line (originally built in 1905 to connect Seoul to North Korea). Locals have nicknamed it “Yeontral Park” (a playful nod to Central Park) because it’s the heartbeat of the neighborhood: a mix of walking trails, small streams, cherry blossoms in spring, and lined with cafés, wine bars, and quirky shops.
It’s not one big park, but a series of connected sections — each with a slightly different vibe. You can walk the whole stretch in about 2 hours, or just hang out in one section and people-watch.
Address & Directions
Forest Park walk runs from Yeonnam-dong (Hongdae) → Gongdeok, Yongsan (6.3km)
Start here Hongik Univ. Station (Line 2, Exit 3)
Walk towards –Daeheung–Yeomni-dong
Naver map of walking path: https://naver.me/GypEp9B0
Sections to Explore
Yeonnam-dong Section (1.3km – the busiest & trendiest)
The most popular stretch near Hongdae and Yeonnam-dong.
Think: picnic mats, brunch cafés, indie shops, and a stream where kids play in summer.
The start near Hongik Station is packed, but walk further in for calmer vibes.
Perfect for café-hopping or grabbing takeout and finding a bench under the trees.
Wau Bridge Section (a.k.a. Book Street)
Small but charming, with bookstores, art installations, and sculptures.
Hosts book fairs, exhibitions, and cultural programs.
Easy to reach from Hongik Univ. Station (Exit 6) or Sogang Univ. Station (Exit 2).
Sinsu–Daeheung–Yeomni-dong Section
Quieter, more residential, with wine bars, small cafés, and playgrounds.
Lovely cherry blossom-lined paths in spring.
Mapo Arts Center is nearby if you want to add a cultural stop.
Best for an evening walk away from the crowds.
Saechang Gogae & Wonhyo-ro Section
The least touristy stretch. Historically, this was a government storage site during the Joseon Dynasty.
Now it’s a mix of bushy greenery and walking paths.
Keep going east and you’ll find an observatory with views of Namsan & N Seoul Tower.
