Puleungil was created entirely through a citizen-led civic movement that began in 2000 to oppose commercial development on the abandoned railway land.
The linear park spans precisely 7.9 kilometers in length, occupying the disused Gyeongwon railway line corridor.
It features a community-run eco-library located inside a retired train carriage positioned directly along the greenway path.
The site includes over 100,000 individual trees and plants representing dozens of native Korean species planted by local volunteers.
Puleungil is a 7.9-kilometer linear greenway built on the abandoned Gyeongwon railway line in Nam-gu, Gwangju, South Korea. The urban park stretches from Gwangju Station to Hyocheon Station, transforming a former industrial corridor into an ecological pedestrian walkway. The project began construction in 2002 through a citizen-led urban greening movement, making it Korea's first resident-initiated railway conversion park. It is divided into several thematic sections featuring walking paths, bicycle lanes, small community gardens, and preserved train tracks. The route incorporates dense native flora, art installations, and educational spaces highlighting environmental preservation.
The preserved rail tracks integrated into the pedestrian path, framed by overhanging tree branches near the Namwang section.
Wear comfortable walking shoes since the park spans a significant distance across multiple urban blocks.
Visit during the spring months to see cherry blossoms and various wildflowers in full bloom along the corridor.
Bring a water bottle as amenities can be sparse in the purely residential sections of the linear park.
Attempting to walk the entire 7.9-kilometer stretch in one quick go without checking access points. Blocking designated bicycle lanes while taking photographs or strolling.
