Seoul to open massive green space in city center

A green recreational space to be created on a large plot of land in Songhyeon-dong, central Seoul, is seen in this artist rendering provided by the Seoul city government. Yonhap

A large plot of public land in the heart of Seoul, designated as the site for a museum to house artwork donated by the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee, will be turned into a green recreational space for residents this year, the city government said Friday.

The 37,117 square meter plot in Songhyeon-dong, Jongno District, will be opened to the public as an "open space for rest and culture" in the second half of the year in time for the reopening of the adjacent Gwanghwamun Square that is currently under renovation, according to the government.

The plot will be used as a recreational place for residents until the construction of the Lee Kun-hee Museum begins ― its completion is slated for 2027.

The Songhyeon-dong land is located in the middle of the city center close to popular tourist attractions, such as Gyeongbok Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insa-dong, but has been off-limits to the public for over 110 years.

The area was where the royal family lived during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It was then used as a residence for the staff of the U.S. Embassy from 1945 to 1997 before being bought by Samsung Life Insurance and then Korean Air. It became public land in June 2020 and was selected as the site for the Lee Kun-hee Museum last November.

The planned transformation of the area, about three times the size of Seoul Plaza (13,207 square meters), into a green space is expected to significantly increase recreational space in downtown Seoul.

The city government plans to install various facilities, such as shades and benches, and plans to hold performances, exhibitions and various other events there. (Yonhap)