By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter [Korea Times]

Among visitors to Ilsan Lake Park in northern Gyeonggi Province, few will disagree that the place is ideal for daytime leisure.

Ilsan Lake Park, Gyeonggi Province, ranks No.1. in the list of the best jogging and walking course in and around Seoul. / Courtesy of Environment Ministry

The nation’s largest artificial lake park with a “singing fountain” was ranked as the best jogging and walking course in and around Seoul by the Metropolitan Air Quality Management Office, Thursday.

“The 5.8 kilometer-long path is an excellent place for people to walk, run and do other exercises. Other athletic activities such as marine sports and skateboarding among others are possible, too. It makes the park attractive not only for joggers but families,” Sohn Ji-hwan, an office staff member, said.

The office selected 20 jogging courses in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province according to the scenery, their air condition, accessibility by public transport and whether they really fit into the concept of jogging routes. 

“We all know that fresh air and a good environment means a lot for good jogging,” Sohn said

Misari Path, Hanam, Gyeonggi Province

Seoul Zoo located in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, grabbed second place. Formerly known as the Grand Park, the zoo has not only animals but also 11.4 kilometers of pathways providing the perfect environment for jogging and walking. Camping sites, art galleries as well as other cultural and leisure sites make the zoo one of the most popular places among Seoulites, the office said.

Gwangnaru between Gangdong Bridge and Olympic Bridge took fourth place. Being the only water resource preservation area in Seoul, there are several ancient housing sites, roller-skating and bicycle routes and playgrounds.

The 661,160-square-meter Green Park in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, placed eighth. A wetland with reeds, an event lounge, exhibition halls and other amenities made the park the most appreciated in Ansan, the management office said.

Sites Good for Walking

1. Ilsan Lake Park, Gyeonggi Province
2. Seoul Zoo, Gyeonggi Province
3. Wangsukcheon Park, Guri, Gyeonggi Province
4. Gwangnaru, Seoul
5. Gwangmun Park, Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province
6. Misari Path, Hanam, Gyeonggi Province
7. Geolpo Stream, Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province
8. Green Park, Ansan, Gyeonggi Province
9. Shincheon, Donducheon, Gyeonggi Province
10. Neungseon Road, Eunpyeong, Seoul

bjs@koreatimes.co.kr

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/08/117_50064.html