Jung Da-hyun is a reporter at The Korea Times, covering social issues in Korea, including foreign residents, education, environment and politics. Driven by a deep interest in people’s stories, she focuses on investigative and feature reporting through direct interviews and field coverage. She received the Amnesty International Korea Media Award for her “Deepfake Crisis at Schools” series. Reach her at dahyun08@koreatimes.co.kr. Always open to hearing your stories.
Dongdaemun to expand green belt to help Seoul become future city
Lee Pil-hyeong, the head of Dongdaemun District Office, explains his plan to plant flowers in a 16,899-square-meter site in the district during a press tour, Oct. 19. Courtesy of Dongdaemun District Office
By Jung Da-hyun
Flower garden attracts visitors and provides leisure space for residents
Dongdaemun District in eastern Seoul plans to expand its green belt areas, believing that securing such spaces will be vital for the future of the capital by focusing on the environment.
A 16,899-square-meter flower garden located in Jeonnong-dong, a neighborhood in the district, was unveiled to residents on Sept. 21.
The space had been unused for more than 10 years. Originally designated for a school in 2006, the plan was rejected by the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education due to decreased demand for additional educational facilities.
Since then, the land had remained empty, surrounded by a three-meter-high fence, with overgrown weeds, while people began to dump trash there.
In July, authorities of the district conceived the idea of transforming the neglected area into a vibrant space for residents by planting an array of colorful flowers. Following a vote among the residents, with more than half in favor, the district embarked on the transformation.
At first, concerns arose over safety after opening such a large area to the public. Some residents worried the open space could attract vagrants or other unwanted visitors late at night. Its proximity to an apartment complex and an elementary school added more fuel to such concerns.
However, since the opening of the flower garden in September, most residents have been satisfied with the transformation, according to the district office.
Participants of a press tour of a flower garden in Jeonnong-dong, Dongdaemun District, walk along the trail with Lee Pil-hyeong, the head of Dongdaemun District Office , Oct. 19. Courtesy of Dongdaemun District Office
The garden now attracts numerous visitors for leisurely walks and is also a commuting route for elementary school students. It also functions as an ecological learning spot for children who attend kindergartens nearby.
The district plans to hold an event in the garden on Nov. 10, where residents can receive flower seeds and enjoy a musical performance.
“Our district has been lacking green spaces. Given the positive response from residents regarding the flower garden, we plan to increase these green areas throughout the district by utilizing other unused sites,” said Lee Pil-hyeong, the head of Dongdaemun District Office.
“Enhancing the green belts will definitely contribute to making Seoul a future city,” he added.
Lee Pil-hyeong, the head of Dongdaemun District Office, shows small bookshelf to reporters, which is located at the entrance of a flower garden in the district, Oct. 19. Courtesy of Dongdaemun District Office
Meanwhile, the flower garden will remain open to the public until June 2025, after which it will become the site of a new city library.
Unlike traditional libraries, this one will emphasize an open space that can be used for various events.
The outdoor area will also be utilized, because constructing a rooftop garden is not feasible due to the building's wooden structure. Instead, the district office plans to create a small square in front of the library.
Given the positive response to the flower garden, the district is also considering maintaining parts of the green space.
A design contest will be held for the new city library, with one of five candidates set to be chosen. Construction is expected to commence in July of 2025 and the library will open to citizens in September of 2029.