Hwaseong Special City opened the 17-km [1] Golden Coast Trail as a temporary pedestrian walkway on June 26 [3].
The project aims to boost local tourism and public health by providing a scenic route for visitors to view the West Sea sunset. It represents a significant infrastructure investment in the coastal development of Gyeonggi Province.
The marine deck walkway extends from Jeobudo through Baekmi Port to Gungpyeong Port [2]. The city spent 490 billion KRW [1] on the construction of the trail, which is part of a larger development project that began in 2022 [4].
The trail is divided into specialized segments to highlight different coastal features. One section, the "Nakjo Gyeonggwan Gil" or sunset landscape path, spans five km [1]. Another section, known as the "Sogeum Bada Gil" or salt sea path, covers 4.5 km [1].
Mayor Jung Myung-geun led the initiative to create the walkway, which allows pedestrians to traverse the coastline without leaving the deck. The route is designed to facilitate exercise and leisure for residents and tourists alike.
Local visitors have already begun using the path for fitness. Moon Chun-sik, a resident of Bucheon City, said walking to Baekmi Port and back is suitable for those in their mid-60s and is good for health [5].
The temporary opening allows the city to manage visitor flow and monitor the infrastructure before the final launch. The trail provides a continuous path through some of the region's most prominent coastal landmarks, including the ports of Baekmi and Gungpyeong [2].
“The city spent 490 billion KRW on the construction of the trail.”
The opening of the Golden Coast Trail signals Hwaseong's shift toward sustainable tourism and wellness infrastructure. By investing heavily in pedestrian-only marine decks, the city is attempting to monetize its natural coastline while reducing the environmental impact of vehicle traffic in sensitive coastal zones.
