[Photo] Yu Deok-yeol, Dongdaemun-gu Mayor, Cultivates Urban Garden Using Vacant Lot

Creating a Community SOC Urban Garden Using Vacant Lots in Dapsimni-dong: Sowing Radish, Lettuce, Spinach, and More

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] On the afternoon of the 18th, Yoo Deok-yeol, Mayor of Dongdaemun-gu, visited the urban garden created as a 생활SOC by utilizing a vacant house site in Dapsimni 1-dong, along with about 20 members including the chairman of the Dapsimni-dong Residents' Autonomy Committee. He personally sowed radish, lettuce, spinach, and other crops.

생활SOC refers to living convenience enhancement facilities that create customized spaces needed by local residents to improve the residential environment and promote regional vitality.

The urban garden is located at 323-9 Dapsimni-dong on a 76㎡ site. It was a vacant house left unattended, which SH Corporation purchased in September last year. The district office and the corporation signed a usage contract, and the city provided support for demolition and garden construction costs. From July 10 to September 17, about 70 days of vacant house demolition and garden construction were carried out, transforming the site into an urban garden.

Yoo Deok-yeol, Mayor of Dongdaemun-gu, stated, “Instead of leaving the ruined vacant house unattended, we created an urban garden to provide a space for residents' convenience. I hope the urban garden becomes a source of vitality for our community, where people can plant desired crops and water them as they pass by.”