Hwaseong City has temporarily opened the Golden Coast Trail, a 17-kilometer [1] seaside deck walkway in Gyeonggi Province.
The project provides a dedicated pedestrian route along the West Sea coast, aiming to boost local tourism by allowing the public to access coastal scenery and sunset views.
Construction of the trail began in 2022 as part of a broader city development initiative. The total cost of the project reached 49 billion KRW [1]. The walkway is divided into specific segments to highlight different coastal features. The first segment, known as the Sunset Landscape Path, spans five kilometers [1], while the second segment, the Salt Sea Path, covers 4.5 kilometers [1].
The trail connects Jebudo Island to Gungpyeong Port, creating a continuous path for visitors to experience the maritime environment. Local residents have already begun using the route for health and recreation. Moon Chun-shik, a resident of Bucheon City, said walking the path is good for health and that a round trip to certain points provides a suitable amount of exercise for those in their mid-60s.
City officials designed the deck to minimize environmental impact while maximizing the vista of the West Sea. The temporary opening allows the government to monitor visitor flow and infrastructure stability before final completion. The trail serves as a primary link between the city's key coastal landmarks, a strategy intended to integrate the region's natural assets into a single accessible corridor.
“The total cost of the project reached 49 billion KRW [1].”
The development of the Golden Coast Trail represents a strategic shift by Hwaseong City to pivot toward eco-tourism and wellness infrastructure. By linking Jebudo and Gungpyeong Port through a high-cost pedestrian corridor, the city is attempting to create a sustainable tourism draw that leverages the natural geography of the West Sea to attract domestic visitors.
