Bulamsan Healing Town and Choansan Healing Town Recognized Again as Notable Attractions in Nowon

Nowon-gu Achieves 4 Consecutive Years of Winning the 'Republic of Korea Land Grand Prize'
'Choansan Healing Town' Revitalized from Abandoned Land Becomes a Landmark in Wolgye-dong... Recognized for Healing Landmark Development Strategy Across Nowon-gu Including Bulamsan Healing Town, Hwarangdae Railroad Park, and Danghyeoncheon Waterfront Cultural Space
Hydrangea Hill and Picnic Area Created, Utilization Enhanced through Remodeling of Biseokgol Neighborhood Park

Nowon-gu, Seoul (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it has won an award for the fourth consecutive year at the '2024 Korea Land Grand Prize' hosted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Celebrating its 16th year this year, the Korea Land Grand Prize is a prestigious award that evaluates and honors cases of beautifully cultivating the land, cities, and landscapes of Korea under the slogan "Elegant Land, Beautiful Scenery."

This year, the district won the President's Award of the Korean Urban Design Association in the 'Streets and Squares' category for the 'Choansan Healing Town' project. Since 2021, Nowon-gu is the only local government to have been recognized at the Land Grand Prize for four consecutive years, reflecting the district’s consistent efforts in creating healing spots by region and the steady results achieved.

The 'Choansan Healing Town' project consists of three main parts: ▲Improvement of facilities at Biseokgol Neighborhood Park ▲Creation of Hydrangea Hill ▲Establishment of a picnic area, all connected by eco-friendly walking trails and barrier-free deck paths.

First, the aging facilities of Biseokgol Neighborhood Park were completely remodeled.

At Biseokgol Neighborhood Park, disorganized monuments and stone artifacts from the Joseon Dynasty burial grounds were refurbished and rearranged, and trees suitable to the surroundings were replanted. A new water play plaza was installed for children, and various exercise facilities and walking paths were also improved. Notably, the 휴가든 (Holiday Garden), created with active participation from local gardeners, was selected as an excellent garden in the '2023 Korea Beautiful Garden' contest, becoming a prime example of spreading urban garden culture.

Next, Hydrangea Hill was created.

Approximately 18,590㎡ of damaged forest land was restored and reborn as a garden planted with 11,000 hydrangea bushes of 19 different species. Centered around a pond, a variety of hydrangeas create a spectacular view along the barrier-free deck path. In June, when the first hydrangeas bloomed, a small music concert was held at Hydrangea Hill, and recently, a free wedding photo shoot event for 10 couples was held, turning it into a space that creates memories for residents.

Finally, a picnic area was established between Biseokgol Park and Hydrangea Hill to enhance the overall usability and connectivity of the Healing Town.

Preserving the landscape of the existing wild cherry blossom tree cluster at the site, outdoor platforms and tables were added to expand resting functions, along with a forest playground made of wood materials harmonizing with nature and a barefoot clay path.

A district official stated that the Choansan Healing Town site is especially meaningful as it is a case of regenerating a space that had been damaged by illegal farming and garbage dumping.

Meanwhile, the district previously received the President's Award in 2021 for 'Burlamsan Healing Town,' and Ministerial Awards from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in 2022 for 'Hwarangdae Railroad Park' and in 2023 for 'Danghyeoncheon Waterfront Cultural Space.'

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “I am pleased to provide a wonderful space to the residents of Wolgye-dong, who have patiently waited while healing spots such as Burlamsan, Suraksan, Danghyeoncheon, and Railroad Park were created in nearby neighborhoods. With the development of the Kwangwoon University Station area and the opening of GTX, we will also complete premium leisure facilities that can improve quality of life, such as the creation of the Choansan Circular Trail and the extension of the Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail, with high quality.”

Overview of the Biseogol Vacation Group