Once part of the Gyeongchun railway line that operated between Seoul and Chuncheon, the Gyeongchun Line Forest Park is more than just a linear park. The 6.3 kilometer trail serves a living archive of local history, transformed from disused railway tracks into a green space that weaves together memory, community, and development.

 

A Historical Railway Revived

Originally opened in 1939, the Gyeongchun Line was a major transportation route connecting central Seoul to Chuncheon in Gangwon Province. For decades, it supported the daily lives of local residents, passing through industrial and educational districts, including the area surrounding present-day Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SeoulTech).

In 2010, the Gyeongchun Line was relocated underground to improve transit efficiency. The abandoned surface tracks, rather than being removed, were preserved and incorporated into a city-led urban redevelopment project. The Seoul Metropolitan Government and Nowon District Office collaborated to convert the railway corridor into a linear park, with the first section opening to the public in 2013.

 

SeoulTech’s Role in Trail Development

SeoulTech’s relationship with the trail is rooted in shared geography and history. Established in 1910 as Gyeongseong Public Vocational School, SeoulTech has been part of Gongneung-dong’s landscape for decades. Especially, being close by the park has created opportunities for collaboration in both academic research and community engagement.

In 2019, SeoulTech participated in the Nowon Green Campus Town Project, a joint initiative with Sahmyook University and Seoul Women’s University. As part of this effort, the schools organized “Rest Forest,” a public festival held along the Gyeongchun Line Forest Park. The event featured nature-based workshops, wellness activities, and art programs aimed at fostering community engagement and promoting environmental awareness.

Beyond public events, SeoulTech researchers have studied how the redevelopment of the railway has influenced local architecture and land use. Their findings contribute to broader discussions on urban regeneration, specifically how old infrastructure can be reimagined as inclusive civic spaces. For students, the trail functions as a natural extension of campus—an everyday space to relax, reflect, or pass through on the way home.

 

Economic Impact and Local Business Shifts

The transformation as a park has reshaped Gongneung-dong’s commercial dynamics. Increased foot traffic has boosted visibility for existing shops while attracting new businesses such as cafés, small galleries, and boutique retailers. These additions have helped blend the area’s traditional identity with a modern sensibility, making the park a cultural and economic corridor.

In October 2024, this growth was formalized through a public-private digital partnership. The Win-Win Growth Committee, Nowon District Office, Kakao, Kakao Impact, and the Gyeongchun Line Forest Park Merchants Prosperity Society signed a joint agreement to promote smart commerce in the area. Participating merchants were trained to use KakaoTalk business channels and update their store profiles on KakaoMap, allowing them to engage more effectively with customers and adapt to digital retail trends. According to district officials, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that small businesses benefit from the park’s rising popularity. By integrating cultural identity with digital innovation, Nowon District hopes to position the area as a model for sustainable urban commerce.

With ongoing collaboration among local institutions, government bodies, and businesses, the trail continues to evolve as both a neighborhood landmark and a forward-looking platform for community growth.

 

Reporter

Jieun Park

pk325382@g.seoultech.ac.kr

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• e-mail : pk325382@g.seoultech.ac.kr