Incheon Namdong-gu to Create 4ha 'Climate-Responsive Urban Forest' Along 2nd Gyeongin Expressway

Namdong-gu, Incheon announced on the 23rd that it has created a 4-hectare climate-responsive urban forest along the 2nd Gyeongin Expressway (around Seochang-dong 635, 641).

The climate-responsive urban forest is a forest established around pollution sources such as highways to prevent the spread of harmful substances like pollution into urban living areas. The district planted 2,418 trees of 20 major tree species recommended by the Korea Forest Service for fine dust reduction, 35,840 shrubs of 15 species, and 37,690 herbaceous plants of 10 species.

A climate-responsive urban forest has been established along the 2nd Gyeongin Expressway in Seochang-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon.
[Photo by Namdong-gu, Incheon]

In addition to the climate-responsive urban forest planted with Korean pine and strobus pine, seasonal healing paths for residents such as Daewang Oak Road, Metasequoia Road, and Flowering Korean Pear Road were created. They also planted 20 species of flowering trees including King Cherry, Camellia, and Hydrangea, as well as 10 species of herbaceous plants such as Korean chrysanthemum and daylily to create beautiful paths. Furthermore, barefoot walking trails, palm mat walks, pergolas, and outdoor exercise equipment were installed.

Since 2020, the district has been creating climate-responsive urban forests in four phases with support from the Korea Forest Service to secure green spaces within the city. In 2020, a 2-hectare forest was established in the Sorae Nonhyeon urban development area; in 2021, a 3-hectare forest along the 3rd Gyeongin Expressway; and in 2022, a 2-hectare forest near the Namdong National Industrial Complex.

This year, a total project cost of 2 billion KRW, including national funds, will be invested to create climate-responsive urban forests along the Yeongdong Expressway and the Suin-Bundang Line.

Park Jong-hyo, Mayor of Namdong-gu, stated, "We expect to reduce pollution such as fine dust, air pollutants, and odors generated along the expressways and improve residents' health and quality of life." He added, "This year as well, we will do our best to ensure that residents living in poor air quality environments caused by highways and railways can live in better conditions."