Collaboration with Hoapsa, meditation, culture, and rest combined to create a green rest area in the city
Geumcheon-gu has unveiled a new green healing destination at the foot of Hoamsan. On the 8th, Geumcheon-gu officially announced the completion of the forest leisure space 'Baramil Park' for citizens in the area around the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism's Hoapsa.
This project was carried out through an agreement to use 1500㎡ of land in the vicinity of 95, Sinheung 2-dong, owned by Hoapsa, free of charge. Geumcheon-gu was selected for the Seoul City Temple Forest Leisure Space Creation Project last year and received approximately 800 million won in city funds to complete the construction this year.
Baramil Park is located at a key point where the 12th course of the Seoul Trail and the main hiking trail of Hoamsan meet, making it highly accessible. Nearby, the Hoamsan Neulsol-gil, Healing Forest, and Pine Forest Bathing Area have already been established, attracting not only local residents but also citizens of Seoul.
Baramil Park is designed as a complex space where various cultural experiences and interactions with nature can take place, going beyond a simple rest area. The 'Forest Meditation Rest Area', nestled among dense pine groves, features platforms where visitors can enjoy meditation and reading in nature.
In the center of the park, a 'Forest Culture Stage' has been expanded to accommodate 320 seats, allowing for various cultural events such as the Hoamsan Youth Festival, temple music concerts, meditation programs, and local youth taekwondo performances.
Facilities for family visitors have also been thoroughly prepared. The 'Children's Forest Experience Space', which combines nature-friendly play facilities, a sand playground, and an eco-friendly garden, provides children with opportunities to connect with nature. Additionally, the 'View Rest Area', which offers a panoramic view of the urban landscape, provides visitors with a unique experience.
Another feature of Baramil Park is its space design that reflects sustainability and historical significance. The 'Tile Garden', made from traditional tiles collected during the demolition of temple buildings, captures a Korean aesthetic along with jars and hydrangeas. Near the view rest area, a 'Flower Garden' planted with various seasonal flowers such as azaleas, goldenrods, and yellow-patterned grasses will showcase different beauties throughout the seasons.
Yoo Seong-hoon, the head of Geumcheon-gu, stated, "The creation of Baramil Park is the first case where the temple forest in Geumcheon-gu has transformed into a forest shared with citizens," and expressed deep gratitude to Hoapsa for providing the land and to Seoul City for supporting the budget. He further stated, "We will continue to expand forest cultural and recreational spaces in the district to create a green city for Geumcheon."