Gwanak-gu Offers 10% Discount at Local Eateries for Gwanaksan Summit Certification Photos

Connecting the Hiking Boom to Local Economic Revitalization

Gwanak-gu in Seoul is launching a project to connect the rising popularity of social media (SNS) certification culture and the trend of "Godsaeng Hiking" with revitalizing the local commercial districts by attracting visitors to Gwanaksan Mountain.

A resident scans the QR code to participate in the hiking certification discount event on Gwanaksan Mountain. Provided by Gwanak-gu.

On May 3, the district announced that it will pursue 24 projects across four key areas: developing content for longer visitor stays and creating new spaces, encouraging visitor flow and consumption in local commercial districts, enhancing transportation and visitor convenience, and improving safety management on Gwanaksan Mountain.

The district has established concrete incentives to channel visitor spending into the local economy. In nine commercial districts adjacent to popular descent routes, including Sharosugil and Namhyeon Artists’ Village Alley Market, visitors who present a certification photo after climbing Yeonjudae can enjoy up to a 10% discount at 260 Gwanak dining spots. Gwanak-gu also plans to introduce branding strategies for each of the three major hiking trails, such as a “hearty meal tour after hiking” and “urban gourmet journeys,” to further promote the local commercial areas.

This year, Gwanak-gu has introduced the “Seoul-style Garden Prescription” program and age-specific content such as Gwanaksan Adventure Forest and the Forest Experience Center for Children, to enhance competitiveness in forest leisure offerings. Outdoor sculpture exhibitions at Euddeum Park, and youth artist “busking performances” at Starlight Creek and Euddeum Park, are designed to encourage hikers to extend their stay in the area. Participatory programs such as the “Dream Market” social economy fair and the “Visiting Animal Hospital,” both held in early May, further enrich the visitor experience.

The district is also strengthening digital guidance services. Information on Gwanaksan hiking trails, recommended restaurants near the trails, and local performance and exhibition schedules are being added to the Gwanak-gu website. QR codes on signposts and information boards throughout Gwanaksan provide details on nearby eateries and amenities. Maintenance of hiking trails, including the repair of old stairways, and public restroom hygiene are also being prioritized.

As the culture of summit certification at Gwanaksan spreads, the district will monitor major sites such as Yeonjudae around the clock with CCTV to prevent crowd-related accidents. On weekends and public holidays, forest path safety guards and volunteer fire brigades will be deployed to manage bottleneck sections, while an ICT-based wildfire monitoring system will ensure hiking safety. The district will also closely cooperate with police, fire departments, and other relevant agencies to enable swift responses in case of emergencies.

A district official stated, “We have established a systematic strategy to channel the footsteps of visitors to Gwanaksan, one of Korea’s most famous mountains, into greater vitality for the local economy. By strengthening safety management and creating a ‘Gwanaksan Full Course’ that lets visitors enjoy hiking, gourmet food, and culture all at once, we aim to make Gwanak a charming destination where people want to stay longer.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.