Seoul  - Do you need something to refresh your mind and body? If you live in the hustle and bustle of the South Korean capital, Seoul, this may be the time to warm up and go out for a walk along the river bank.

A one or three-hour stroll along the Yangjae River becomes a pleasant experience during which you can enjoy nature, ride a bike, walk your dog or indulge in conversation or romance.

Defying the reputation of Seoul as a city of dynamism and speed with its population of 10 million, the Yangjae River flows slowly at the heart of the city's most affluent southern district of business and commerce.

The river and its surroundings in the city centre are an unlikely hub of bio-friendliness.

There, you spot mallard ducks swimming along the stream, a family of raccoon dogs roaming in the wood, and cranes flying over the stream. Under the city government's environmental project, the river has become home to about 270 plant species and 80 animal species.

The walkers are as diverse as the animal life: cyclists, lone walkers, those out walking with family and friends and romantic couples with their pet dogs.

The riverside is a favorite bike route and cyclists often zip by. Clad in figure-hugging bike suites, some of them are barely distinguishable, but on closer inspection, one finds well-built grannies and middle-aged people.

Micro-sized toilets are located at 30-minute intervals along the path. Once you walk inside, classical music begins. It is clean enough to be romantic and sometimes you may happen upon young couples kissing and cuddling in the toilet.

On cold days, the usual chatter is mixed with the laughter of children skating on an ice-rink in a marquee.

You may occasionally bump into a family of raccoon dogs, but you feed them at your peril as, "The wild animal is not as friendly as you might think, Don't give them food," according to the sign-posts.

The walk along the river is sometimes more akin to a strut along a catwalk for pet dogs whether they race or limp along with their masters in all their finery - that is in colorful outfits complete with shoes on all four paws.

Every Friday night, a concert is held on the river bank. A group of elderly musicians gather to perform mostly old pop songs on their saxophones, drums accompanied by singers. (dpa)