"Super-Aging and Low Birthrate, Neighborhood Parks Must Change Too"... Seocho-gu's Park Remodeling

Yangjae 2-dong Dongsan Children's Park Renovation
'Generational Convergence Public Space' Accessible to All Generations

Seocho-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jeon Seong-su) has renovated Yangjae 2-dong Dongsan Children's Park into an ‘Intergenerational Public Space’ that can be used by all generations.

An ‘Intergenerational Public Space’ is a new type of public space where children and seniors can enjoy together, aimed at solving urban issues such as super-aging and low birth rates. Seocho-gu has been leading this initiative since 2022.

The newly introduced ‘Yangjae 2-dong Dongsan Children's Park’ was remodeled by selecting the existing senior center and nearby children's park site, considering residents' accessibility. It covers approximately 1,800㎡ and consists of ▲senior cognitive health facilities ▲children's play facilities ▲rest areas.

The senior cognitive health facilities include a garden and exercise equipment placed around the senior center to promote the emotional health of the elderly, and a circular walking path to support regular physical activity. The children's play facilities feature a wooden treehouse playset located in the center of the park, allowing children to run freely and foster interest and adventurous spirit.

In particular, benches and platforms are arranged along the flower-lined circular walking path surrounding the park, enabling adults to enjoy walking and resting while naturally supervising children’s activities. This natural surveillance (CPTED) function also contributes to crime prevention.

To enhance accessibility within the park, level differences were removed to allow easy use by people with mobility challenges such as wheelchair and stroller users. Seocho-gu will hold an opening ceremony on the 19th with about 100 local residents in attendance.

In 2022, the district improved Seocho 3-dong Art Children's Park into an intergenerational public space and received the ‘2023 Seoul Universal Design Award.’ By the end of this year, they plan to renovate Bangbae 2-dong Namtaeryeong Children's Park.