Table of Contents
- A major transformation after 16 years, Busan Galmaet-gil is changing
- Reorganization of existing routes and addition of new courses
- Unified information system, a change felt by citizens
- Strengthening the link between digital services and local economy
- Promoting trail attraction and hosting international competitions
- Conclusion: Busan, a walking city, leaps forward to Galmaet-gil 2.0
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A major transformation after 16 years, Busan Galmaet-gil is changing
In celebration of the 16th anniversary of the creation of the Galmaet-gil, Busan City is embarking on a restructuring of the route and improvement of the information system design.
Established in 2009 as an icon of ‘a walkable city Busan,’ the Galmaet-gil has seen a cumulative pedestrian count of 8,175 and has grown into Busan's representative walking tourism content. Additionally, it ranked 9th among Busan's top 10 hit products and secured 4th place nationally in walking travel preference.
However, issues concerning the aging route and confusion among users have been continuously raised. Therefore, Busan City has decided to proceed with the ‘Galmaet-gil Basic Plan Establishment and Information System Design Improvement Project’ by June 2025. This project will be conducted over 12 months with a total budget of 261 million Korean Won. Seoho Engineering Co., Ltd. has been selected as the project contractor.
These improvements are expected to transform Galmaet-gil into a space loved by more people.
Reorganization of existing routes and addition of new courses
The main contents of this project include ▲comprehensive reorganization of existing routes ▲addition of 3 new courses (courses 10 to 12) ▲discovery of major attractions ▲strengthened connectivity with public transport.
Currently, the number of courses will increase from 9 to 12, showcasing themed courses such as 'YOLO Galmaet-gil' and 'urban Galmaet-gil.' The length of each segment will be adjusted to create an environment that is convenient for the elderly and those with mobility difficulties.
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Unified information system, a change felt by citizens
One of the main criticisms has been the inconsistency between information facilities and designs that differ by route and autonomous district.
This reorganization will integrate seven types of information facilities centered on the 'Galmi' character, including information ribbons, arrows, plates, signposts, stands, and stamps, while consistently adjusting colors, fonts, and presentation styles to enhance brand identity and readability.
A comprehensive guide sign and floor markings, along with an information linkage system using smartphone QR codes, will be introduced. Additionally, universal design elements considering the visually and hearing impaired will be included, providing braille and voice guidance features.
This is expected to transform the walking path into a space that all users can conveniently access. Particularly at night, illuminated signs powered by solar energy will be installed to enhance safety.
Strengthening the link between digital services and local economy
Galmaet-gil is evolving from a simple walking path into a participatory tourism content platform. To achieve this, the city plans to develop a dedicated app and an integrated website to provide digital services such as ▲stamp collection ▲course completion certification ▲journey recording ▲mileage accumulation.
The mileage will be operated under the name 'Galmi Points,' allowing users to earn 10 points for every kilometer walked, 50 points for stamping collection, and 300 points for completing a course. The accumulated points can be converted into local currency or exchanged for merchandise, providing an opportunity to strengthen the connection with local businesses.
Promoting trail attraction and hosting international competitions
In this project, notable candidates for attraction within 8 courses include 'Yeoul Ecological Forest,' 'Dongdae Park,' 'Wondonggyo Riverside,' and 'BEXCO Plaza.' Essential infrastructure such as information centers, resting spots, water gardens, and stamp certification booths will be established in these areas. The strategy of enhancing the pedestrian tourism into an established tourist destination is emphasized as an important element.
Additionally, proposals have been made for a nighttime walking challenge and hosting international trail competitions utilizing the Oryukdo to Haeundae and Da-daepo segments, along with collaborative plogging events such as the Black Yak Challenge. These diverse initiatives aim to elevate Busan's potential as a global tourism city.
Conclusion: Busan, a walking city, leaps forward to Galmaet-gil 2.0
Through this reorganization, Busan City aims to transform Galmaet-gil from a simple walking course into a luxury walking content that blends daily life, travel, health, and culture. In the future, a unified management corporation called 'Busan Galmaet-gil Trail' will be established, and a stable management system will be created through cooperation between public and private sectors, along with discussions on how to secure stable funding.
With the slogan "From familiar paths to extraordinary journeys," Galmaet-gil is positioned as a pride of Busan and is advancing towards becoming one of the "Top 10 trekking destinations in the world." This will provide new experiences enjoyable by both citizens and tourists alike.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What does this major transformation of Busan Galmaet-gil entail?
Busan Galmaet-gil will undergo a major transformation including a comprehensive route reorganization, new course additions, and improvements to the information system.
In celebration of the 16th anniversary of Galmaet-gil, Busan City will increase the number of courses from 9 to 12, introduce new themed courses, and adjust route lengths to accommodate users with mobility difficulties. Consistency in information facilities will be implemented, with design improvements based on character branding, and enhancements in accessibility and readability through the introduction of a smartphone QR code linking system. Plans also include digital services through a dedicated app and a points system linking to the local economy.
Q. How will the Galmaet-gil route change, and who will it benefit?
The existing 9 courses will be expanded to 12, introducing themed routes to ensure convenient access for everyone.
Galmaet-gil will comprehensively reorganize the current 9 courses to 12, adding themed routes like 'YOLO Galmaet-gil' and 'urban Galmaet-gil.' The lengths of each segment will be adjusted to ensure better accessibility for the elderly and those with mobility challenges. Connectivity with public transport will also be strengthened to make it easier for everyone to access and use.
Q. What changes will there be in the information system design?
All information systems will be unified around the ‘Galmi’ character, ensuring consistent design in color and font.
The information facilities that differed among various routes and autonomous districts have been integrated into seven types centered on the 'Galmi' character (ribbons, arrows, plates, signposts, stands, stamps). The colors, fonts, and presentation styles will be consistently adjusted to enhance brand identity and readability. Furthermore, universal design elements such as braille and voice guidance will enable convenient use for all.
Q. How will digital services be provided, and how will they connect with the local economy?
Dedicated apps will provide digital services such as stamp collection, completion certification, and mileage accumulation, linking these services with the local economy.
The Galmaet-gil dedicated app and website will offer functionalities for stamp collection, course completion certification, journey tracking, and mileage accumulation. ‘Galmi Points’ will be earned at a rate of 10 points per kilometer walked, 50 points for stamp collection, and 300 points upon course completion. These points can be exchanged for local currency or goods, contributing to the activation of local commercial areas.
Q. What are the plans for attracting attractions along the Galmaet-gil and hosting international events?
Key candidates for attractions will have essential infrastructure installed, and attempts will be made to host international trail competitions and plogging events.
Notable spots such as 'Yeoul Ecological Forest,' 'Dongdae Park,' 'Wondonggyo Riverside,' and 'BEXCO Plaza' are being recommended as candidates for attraction, and essential facilities like information centers, resting areas, and stamp booths are to be established. Nighttime walking challenges and international trail competitions will be organized using the Oryukdo to Haeundae and Da-daepo segments, along with collaborative plogging events such as the Black Yak Challenge. These efforts aim to cultivate Busan into a global tourist city.
Q. What are the future operational systems and goals for Busan Galmaet-gil?
A unified management corporation will be established to operate through public-private partnership and secure stable funding aiming for the world's top 10 trekking destinations.
Busan City plans to establish a unified management corporation called 'Busan Galmaet-gil Trail' to create an operational system through collaboration between the public and private sectors. Plans will also be discussed to ensure stable funding. Under the slogan “From familiar paths to extraordinary journeys,” Galmaet-gil aims to enter the ranks of the world's top 10 trekking destinations, evolving into luxury walking content to be enjoyed by both citizens and tourists.