Trophy Park Created at Garak Market Intersection in Songpa, Symbolizing Achievement and Development

Pyejeong Water Tower Transformed into 33m Trophy-Shaped Artwork, Surrounded by Luxury Street Garden
▲World-Class Artworks ▲Giant Taegeukgi Flag ▲Symbolic Park Harmonizing Beautiful Gardens

The atmosphere at the Garak Market intersection in Songpa-gu has completely changed. At the Garak Market intersection, you can find 'Trophy Park,' where a world-class public art piece and a 55-meter giant Taegeukgi flag harmonize.

Songpa-gu (Mayor Seo Gang-seok) transformed the area around the Garak Market water purification tower, which had been abandoned for 20 years after operations ceased, into a premium street garden and opened it to residents on May 31.

The water purification tower is a trophy-shaped global artwork, and the previously neglected surrounding green space has been transformed into a premium street garden.

Since the opening ceremony, residents have praised the space, saying, "It's great to have a place where I can take a stroll through the garden and sit on benches to appreciate the artwork and relax," and "Instead of the old and shabby water purification tower, there is a wonderful piece of art, which is pleasing to see and healing."

The district undertook the beautification of the area around the water purification tower as part of the 'Songpa-daero Premium Street Development Project,' a key initiative of the 8th local government administration.

First, an agreement was signed between Seoul City, Songpa-gu, and the landowner, Seoul Agro-Fisheries & Food Corporation, to transform the abandoned water purification tower into the public art piece 'Rain Veil' by world-renowned artist Ned Kahn.

The exterior of the water purification tower is covered with 330,000 pieces that sway in the wind, expressing the physicality of rain created by atmospheric circulation. The 33-meter giant trophy-shaped artwork creates ever-changing, colorful scenes depending on the wind and sunlight. Inside, an exhibition created with the participation of 100 citizens depicts a cross-section of the sea, adding more visual interest.

Additionally, the green space around the water purification tower was newly renovated. The area, which had been marred by abandoned waste and detracted from the urban landscape, is now gaining attention as a leisure and cultural space where people can heal within the city.

To allow residents to experience greenery and rest in their daily lives, the following were created: 'Harmony Plaza,' which features the tallest 55-meter giant Taegeukgi flag in Seoul; 'Art Plaza,' where public artworks can be appreciated; and 'Deck Shelter' and 'Pagoda,' where people can enjoy conversation and contemplation.

This transformation of the Garak Market water purification tower area has accelerated the 'Songpa-daero Premium Street Development Project,' aiming to create a vibrant, attraction-filled street that people want to walk along.

In particular, through the 'Songpa Avenue Garden Creation Project,' which widens the pedestrian path from Seokchon Lake to Garak Market intersection and plants cherry trees and seasonal flowers to create a garden, the plan is to attract domestic and international visitors to Songpa-daero, thereby revitalizing the local economy.

Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, stated, "‘Trophy Park,’ where world-class artwork, a giant Taegeukgi flag, and a beautiful park come together, will become a landmark of Seoul and a symbol of the shining history of development and achievement not only for Songpa but for all of Korea." He added, "With a goal to complete by 2026, we will make Songpa-daero a representative street of Seoul that is full of attractions, vibrant, and a place where people want to walk."