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Busan's Galmaetgil Trails to Offer an Enhanced Walking Experience Through Route Reorganization… City Seeks Public Feedback

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Chun Jae-soo) announced that it will comprehensively reorganize the Galmaetgil walking routes to reflect changing pedestrian conditions and the growing demand for walking activities among citizens. The city will begin collecting public feedback on the proposed reorganization today (October 26).

The reorganization focuses on adjusting impractical sections of existing routes based on on-site conditions and usage patterns, while identifying new routes that connect Busan's coastal, riverside, forest, and urban landscapes with its historical, cultural, and tourism resources.

First, the existing system of 9 routes comprising 23 sections (278.8 km) will be consolidated and reorganized into 36 routes totaling 295.3 km. Walking distances and estimated travel times will also be adjusted to reflect local characteristics, enabling users to choose routes that best suit their purposes and circumstances.

Route numbers and names will be simplified to ensure consistency in visitor information. Key priorities also include establishing starting and ending points connected to public transportation, creating an intuitive loop-based route network, aligning routes with the Korea Dulle Trail, and simplifying routes to improve accessibility for people with limited mobility and tourists.

In addition, optimal routes will be selected for coastal, riverside, forest, and urban walking trails, with distances and estimated walking times adjusted for each route. These changes are intended to highlight Busan's diverse landscapes and distinctive local characteristics while allowing users to select routes according to their needs and circumstances.

The plan also includes projects to transform key locations along Galmaetgil into distinctive, symbolic attractions and improve the overall walking environment.

In the area surrounding Dongbaek Village in Ilgwang-eup, Gijang-gun, a small park has been renovated, and a reflecting pond and photo zone have been created. Coastal walking paths and aging wooden decks have also been refurbished, providing visitors with improved spaces to relax while enjoying the coastal scenery.

Along the Chuncheon Stream section near Daecheon Park in Haeundae, various flowering trees, shrubs, and wildflowers have been planted to create a walking environment where visitors can enjoy nature within the city.

The proposed Galmaetgil route reorganization will be available for public review for 14 days, from today (October 26) through November 8, and all citizens are welcome to submit their opinions.

The proposal can be viewed on the Busan Metropolitan City Galmaetgil website (https://www.busan.go.kr/galmaetgil/index) or in person at the Parks and Green Spaces Division on the 24th floor of Busan City Hall.

Comments may be submitted during the public review period by email to westside81@korea.kr or in person at the Parks and Green Spaces Division on the 24th floor of Busan City Hall. The city plans to comprehensively review the feedback received, taking into account on-site conditions and the overall direction of the route reorganization, and incorporate it into the final plan.

Meanwhile, Busan Metropolitan City will continue identifying distinctive locations that connect the city's natural, cultural, and tourism resources and enhancing Galmaetgil's brand value through projects to develop key attractions.

The city also plans to establish a pleasant and safe walking environment and a foundation for sustainable management and operation, further developing Galmaetgil into Busan's premier walking tourism trail enjoyed by both residents and visitors.

Kim Chang-deok, Director-General of the Green City Bureau of Busan Metropolitan City, said, "This route reorganization aims to enhance the value of Galmaetgil by connecting Busan's diverse natural, cultural, and tourism resources and making the trails more convenient and safer for residents and visitors."

He added, "We will carefully review public feedback and continue developing Galmaetgil into an attractive network of walking trails that brings Busan's unique character and stories to life."