Assemblyman Sobyeongcheol Proposes Special Act on Garden Expo

Post-Corona Era, Presenting Gardens as Spaces for Healing and Restoration
A 'New Vision' for Suncheon’s Economic Development

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Democratic Party lawmaker So Byeong-cheol (Suncheon Gwangyang Gokseong Gurye Gap, Judiciary Committee) announced on the 24th that he has proposed the "2023 Suncheonman International Garden Expo Support and Post-Utilization Special Act" (hereinafter referred to as the Special Act) to establish a legal foundation for the preparation, budget support, and utilization plans of the expo.

Suncheonman National Garden is South Korea's first national garden and a symbol of Suncheon. Last July, the government approved the "2023 Suncheonman International Garden Expo" (co-hosted by the Korea Forest Service, Jeollanam-do, and Suncheon City) as an international event.

The Special Act consists of a total of 6 chapters and 37 articles, including general provisions, the organizing committee, the government support working committee, regulations on the installation, use, and post-utilization of expo-related facilities, concretizing support measures for the execution and post-utilization of the expo.

In particular, as this event is held for the first time in 10 years since the first expo in 2013, lawmaker So explained that the focus was on incorporating a new paradigm reflecting the changed garden culture, perceptions of gardens, and expected roles.

Experts agree that the global garden market is steadily growing, supported by the establishment of garden culture in daily life, and domestically, gardens are becoming spaces for "healing" beyond just "viewing."

In December last year, lawmaker So held an online discussion titled "Suncheonman International Garden Expo and the Future of Suncheon" with experts in the garden field, including academics, researchers, policymakers, and national garden officials from Jeollanam-do and Suncheon City.

He gathered opinions from discussions on what to include in the Special Act and subsequent "interpretation meetings" to complete a bill that embraces the evolved role of gardens.

Specifically, reflecting the enhanced healing function of gardens due to COVID-19, the post-utilization plan of the expo explicitly states "conducting garden healing, health and fitness promotion, and sports activities using related facilities and sites."

Additionally, the purpose clause was expanded to include "harmony with the natural environment in everyone's daily life" and "leading a healthy and sustainable developmental life," aiming to realize the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the expo.

Lawmaker So stated that since gardens have shifted from being objects of view to spaces of life, the expo and its post-utilization will be directed to become experiential spaces beyond one-time tourism.

Accordingly, it is analyzed that the event will be reborn as a sustainable event where external users stay in Suncheon to recover physical and mental health and use auxiliary facilities such as sports.

It is also expected that there will be a continuous economic chain reaction and ripple effects based on gardens in Suncheon, leading to increased income.

Another notable feature is the absence of criminal penalties. Lawmaker So explained that while many legislative cases impose criminal penalties for unauthorized use of expo emblems, considering the eco-friendly nature of the garden expo and the healing value of gardens, the regulation was simplified to fines.

Lawmaker So emphasized, "If securing additional budget for infrastructure projects during this year's budget review laid the material groundwork for expo preparation, the proposal of the Special Act will serve as a legal foundation that specifies systematic and full government support and cooperation." He added, "Through the Special Act, I hope the expo will continuously offer new roles expected of gardens, such as expanding its scope as a health promotion space beyond a one-time event, and organically connect with daily garden culture."

He also stated, "In the post-COVID-19 era, the value of gardens in daily life, including ecosystem recovery, healing, and wellness, will increase further," and expressed hope that "the Special Act will be the beginning of new possibilities for gardens and garden expos, presenting a vision for Suncheon's development based on the national garden."

Furthermore, he noted, "It is also significant that lawmakers from Gwangju and Jeonnam all participated in co-sponsoring," and added, "I sincerely thank all the lawmakers who joined and will spare no effort and support to make this a successful and pioneering expo."

This Special Act was co-sponsored by a total of 32 lawmakers, including Democratic Party members Kim Du-gwan, Kim Byung-gi, Kim Seung-nam, Kim Won-i, Kim Jeong-ho, Kim Hoe-jae, Maeng Seong-gyu, Min Hyung-bae, Min Hong-chul, Park Jae-ho, Seo Dong-yong, Seo Sam-seok, Song Gap-seok, Shin Jeong-hoon, Yang Hyang-ja, Oh Young-hwan, Wi Seong-gon, Yoon Young-duk, Yoon Jae-gap, Lee Gae-ho, Lee Byung-hoon, Lee Yong-bin, Lee Hyung-seok, Im Ho-seon, Jo Oh-seop, Joo Cheol-hyun, Hong Seong-guk, Hong Jeong-min (in alphabetical order), People Power Party members Lee Man-hee and Ha Tae-kyung, and independent lawmaker Yang Jeong-sook.