Seoul to reconnect two historic mountains to restore ecosystem

Mount Inwangsan (338 meters), which straddles over Jongno-gu and Seodaemun-gu in Seoul, backs up the Gyeongbok Palace. When the Joseon Dynasty built its royal palace in its early days, it consider the mountain a significant one under the fung shui principles. The name means "defending the Joseon Dynasty." The entire mountain consists of graphite and is characterized by its exposed bedrock.

Regarding nearby Seodaemun-gu's Mount Ansan (295 meters), better known as Muakjae, it is said that when Joseon was deciding on its capital, Ha Ryun (1347-1416) recommended the area south of the mountain. It was also a fierce battle place during the 1950-1953 Korean War.

The two mountains face on each side of the 47-kilometer Tongil-ro boulevard that runs through downtown Seoul and Hongje-dong in Seodaemun-gu and leads to Paju, Gyeonggi Province. However, the road's expansion to six lanes in 1966 cut off the two mountains' ecological axis, severing wild animals' moving routes and disrupting the ecosystem. It is reported that the mountains are habitats for weasels, Korean squirrels, moles and raccoons, among others.

The two mountains will be reconnected for the first time in 50 years. The Seodaemun Office said Wednesday that an ecological passage 75 meters long and 15 meters wide will be built to reconnect Hyeonjeo-dong in Seodaemun-gu and the neighboring Muakjae in Jongno-gu. Ground will be broken in July at the earliest, and the full expense of nearly 7.5 billion won (6.2 million U.S. dollars) will be covered by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

The ecological passage will be in the shape of an arch bridge and allow wild animals to freely move around to help restore biodiversity in the area. In addition, trees will be plants around the passage to facilitate wild animals' moving and a walking trail will be created for hikers. Seoul and the Seodaumun Ward Office will also develop tour courses in connection with the nearby historical sites, make hiking maps and set up information boards.

Seoul and the ward office held a public hearing for local residents last year and two meetings of an advisory council consisting of five experts in various fields. "The project is meaningful in that it will restore historical significance of the area by reconnecting Mount Inwangsan and Mount Ansan through ecological techniques," said Seodaemun Ward Gov. Moon Seok-jin. He also vowed to establish a green network to ensure natural moving of animals and plants and establish a stable ecosystem.