Walking path around Seoul nearly done

The Seoul Metropolitan Government yesterday said that it will wrap up an ongoing walking path project by 2014 that will encircle the perimeter of Seoul.

The 157-kilometer (97.6-mile) trail dubbed Dulle-gil will encompass the capital city’s main mountains, including Samgak, Dobong and Bukhan.

In early June, the city government finished the construction of the course that connects Mount Gwanak and Mount Woomyun. If it completes the hiking trail that goes around Mount Angbong, Mount Bulam and Mount Yongma by the end of the year, 70 percent of the project will be completed.

With 70 percent of Korea covered in mountains, hiking is a national pastime.

The city office noted that a set of new roads are surrounded by national landmarks such as Mount Bukhan’s observatory, the National Cemetery dedicated to commemorating victims of the democracy movement and the boundaries of graves by democratic activists.

“Tourist attractions are near the newly-paved trail, particularly, various cultural heritage and historical sites can be appreciated alongside the road,” said Oh Hae-young, an official of the city government.

BY LEE SEUNG-HO [ejpark@joongang.co.kr]