Gwangju Region's First Private Garden 'Miraenongwon Creation Hyusimjeong' Draws Attention

Pre-certification of the Korea Arboretum and Garden Management Institute under the Korea Forest Service

Expectations for the Spread of Garden Culture and Revitalization of the Garden Industry in Gwangju City

‘Hyusimjeong,’ designated as Gwangju Metropolitan City's first private garden, is attracting attention. It is also expected to revitalize the local garden culture and garden industry.

According to Miraenongwon, which created Hyusimjeong, on the 17th, Gwangju Metropolitan City designated Hyusimjeong (CEO Park Hwasil) as the region’s first private garden after a preliminary certification review by the Korea Arboretum and Garden Management Institute (Chairman Ryu Kwangsu) under the Korea Forest Service.

'Husimjeong', designated as Gwangju Metropolitan City's first private garden.
[Photo by Mirae Nongwon]

Hyusimjeong is located by Docheon Reservoir between Suwan District and Cheomdan District in Gwangsan-gu.

Private gardens are one of the types of gardens defined under the “Act on the Creation and Promotion of Arboretums and Gardens,” created and operated by individuals such as corporations or organizations.

‘Hyusimjeong,’ the first private garden designated in Gwangju Metropolitan City, was established by Park Hwasil, CEO of Miraenongwon, a landscaping and real estate development company in the Gwangju-Jeonnam region, starting in 2005 as a personal garden.

Over more than 20 years, about 300 carefully selected trees of 28 species (22 canopy trees and 6 shrubs) and approximately 220,000 herbaceous plants of 25 species have been planted, showcasing greenery and vibrant colors throughout the year.

CEO Park intended to share the happiness that gardens bring with citizens and contribute to the local community by creating green spaces within the city. His vision is fully reflected here.

On a land of about 3,000 pyeong, a massive complex cultural space called Second One was created, combining a garden blooming with flowers all year round, a caf? where visitors can enjoy various beverages and bakery items, a restaurant, a dining pub, and an art space.

Since its opening in May 2021, it has provided rest and happiness to about 850,000 visitors, established itself as a local landmark by winning the 2021 Beautiful Cultural City Space Award, and was recently designated as Gwangju’s first private garden.

Seo Geunjong, head of Miraenongwon, said, “Through consulting with the Korea Arboretum and Garden Management Institute, Hyusimjeong was upgraded, and we successfully attracted investment from TablePlus Co., Ltd. (CEO Park Yura), located in the metropolitan area, recognizing the infinite potential of the garden industry.” He added, “Starting with the designation as Gwangju’s first private garden and this investment attraction, we will lead the spread of garden culture in the Gwangju region and the development of tourism and healing industries through the revitalization of the garden industry.”

He also added, “We will further contribute to realizing Gwangju as a city of opportunities shining tomorrow by contributing to regional economic revitalization, including job creation.”