Suwon Ilwol Arboretum, First Public Arboretum to Obtain 'BF Certification'

Ilwol Arboretum in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, became the first public arboretum in the country to receive the "Barrier-Free Environment Certification" (BF).

BF certification is awarded by an authorized institution after evaluating whether facilities are planned and installed to allow easy access and use not only for children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and pregnant women but also for those with temporary disabilities.

Suwon City began the preliminary certification process with the Korea Disabled People's Development Institute, the designated certification body, in March 2020 during the early stages of the arboretum's development. After obtaining the main certification in 2023 and an on-site inspection in January this year, it received the Good Friend certification. The certification covers the entire Ilwol Arboretum area (parks and buildings).

Suwon Ilwol Arboretum has become the first public arboretum to obtain BF certification.

Suwon City expanded the Ilwol Arboretum BF certification to cover the entire arboretum, not just the buildings, creating a space that anyone can enjoy conveniently. It was recognized for improving visitor accessibility and convenience, earning the BF certification with an "Excellent" grade.

Ilwol Arboretum, which opened on May 19 last year, was developed within Ilwol Park in Cheoncheon-dong, Jangan-gu, covering an area of 101,500 square meters. Suwon City had been preparing for the arboretum's development since 2014, started construction in November 2020, and completed it in December last year.

A Suwon City official said, "We are pleased that Ilwol Arboretum has become the first public arboretum in the country to receive BF certification," adding, "We will continue to maintain convenience facilities so that all visitors to Ilwol Arboretum can use the facilities comfortably, making it a beloved arboretum for citizens."