Second semester has started: Do you plan have any plans? The school has seen some changes, one of which is the new K* Healing trail. 

 On June 17, Kookmin University (KMU) held a dedication ceremony for the new K* Healing trail. With Bukhansan Mountain visible in the distance, students can explore KMU campus, reknowned for its abundance of seasonal colors and beautiful scenery. If you walk up Mt. Seonggok Dongsan along the K* Healing trail — only 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) away, 270 meters of which is forest course — it will only take you 25 minutes to get a breathtaking view of campus. KMU hopes the path will be a favorite healing spot for students residents alike. There are separate areas for sitting and resting that can be used for outdoor classes, as well as for relaxation. KMU former President Ji-Soo Yoo said, “We will try to make the campus a comfortable area with consideration for students.”
 The K* Healing trail totals five trails, including the school road and that of Mt. Bukhan. When you walk to the five courses, you can enjoy the picturesque valley, the view of KMU, and the gorgeous landscape of Seongbuk District, northern Seoul. 
 Not only can students enjoy the wonders of the K* Healing trail, there are also many other places near KMU where nature-lovers can enjoy similar retreats, including Naksan Park and Uicheon Stream: 

Naksan Park

Naksan Park is a field that covers Hyehwa-dong, Ewha-dong, Dongsungdong,Changshin-dong, Soongin-dong, Sengbuk-gu, Samseon-dong, and Domun-dong. The park’s name is derived from the field’s uncanny resemblance to a camel’s hump. In Korean, nakta literally means camel, while san means mountain. The mountain itself is composed of solid granite bedrock. In the past, the royal family of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) would enjoy Naksan Park’s natural beauty. It has now become a green belt intended to save the remaining area. The belt is near Daehak-ro and as nature-lovers look down on downtown Seoul, many other families and couples will do the same to enjoy their weekends or evenings. Climbers who venture to the top will be able to see downtown Seoul, the main gate, and the breathtaking night view. Yet Naksan Park is not the only such area where you can indulge yourself: You can also enjoy Arko Art Center, Lock Museum, Marronnier Park, and Art Center K. 

Uicheon (Stream)

Uicheon is a provincial stream that originatesfrom BukhansanNational Park in Uidongand later joins Seokgwan-dong. The name of the stream — Uicheon — comes from a peak of Mt. Dobong’s that takes the form of a cow’s ear and flows from down under Soguigogae, which leads to Mt. Bukhan and Mt. Dobong. It also bore another name: Sogeori. Every May, there is a lantern festival, and every spring, there is cherry blossom festival. During these times, you can see many people riding bicycles. Uicheon was also originated by the character
“Dooly.” You can see many pictures and statues of Dooly in Uicheon and its environs. 

Baeksasil Valley

Baeksasil Valley is an excellent natural habitatthat combines cultural history with the natural environment. It is home to a variety of creatures including salamanders, frogs, and lobster. In particular, the first class surfacespecies, salamander, is protected by the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Natural Environment Conservation Ordinance, and is a highly preserved area. Baeksasil Valley is referred to as an oasis in the middle of the city. It is hard to see such landscapes in Seoul.
 I hope students will enjoy their second semesters and the nearby areas as there are many exciting things to do nearby. Before the summer is up, be sure to enjoy a place that is only around during the summer, especially since KMU is near such a beautiful mountain. It’s the perfect place to get fresh air and clear your mind.

Ji-Su Han Reporter
jisusarah@kookmin.ac.kr