Seocho-gu Wins Two Awards at the UK Green Apple Awards: "Eco-friendly Policies Recognized Overseas"

Following Last Year's Triple Crown, First Nationwide to Win 5 Consecutive Years

Seocho-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jeon Seong-su) achieved the remarkable feat of winning the ‘Green Apple Awards’ for the fifth consecutive year on the 18th (local time), an award hosted by a UK-based environmental nonprofit organization.

According to Seocho-gu on the 19th, the district won two awards in the environmental category at the Green Apple Awards held at Kensington Palace in London, UK: the ‘Umyunsan Barrier-Free Forest Trail’ (Gold Award) and the ‘Bangbae Forest Environmental Library’ (Bronze Award).

Seocho-gu officials are taking a commemorative photo after winning the Gold and Bronze Awards at the Green Apple Awards held at Kensington Palace in London, UK, on the 18th. Provided by Seocho-gu.

The Green Apple Awards are one of the world’s four major international environmental awards, organized by the UK environmental nonprofit ‘The Green Organisation’ and recognized by the European Commission, the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), and the UK Environment Agency. Since its inception in 1994, more than 500 organizations participate annually, selecting outstanding environmental cases worldwide. Seocho-gu not only achieved the honor of winning for five consecutive years but also enhanced its global reputation by winning two awards in a single year.

The ‘Umyunsan Barrier-Free Forest Trail,’ which won the Gold Award, provides an eco-friendly healing space for residents. It was designed to minimize forest damage by maximizing the use of existing walking paths and trails and features gentle slopes to ensure easy access for people with mobility challenges, including wheelchair users, the elderly, and pregnant women, thereby offering residents a high-quality green service.

The ‘Bangbae Forest Environmental Library,’ which won the Bronze Award, is an eco-friendly multi-cultural space in the city that began operation in June last year. It was established to raise awareness of the environmental issue of the ‘climate crisis’ in daily life and to promote the value of the environment through accurate information. Located in the forest of Seoripul Neighborhood Park and designed as an eco-friendly building shaped like a bird’s nest, the library leads the way in practicing ‘eco life’ through environmental themes rarely found in general libraries, such as the use of solar power systems, operation of a zero-waste caf?, and provision of tumbler washing machines.

Additionally, through various environmental education programs and campaigns, the library provides residents of all ages?from children to seniors?with diverse experiences to think about and practice environmental care. Through these efforts, the district has attracted over 200,000 visitors in the past year, achieving a reduction of 22,867 kg of greenhouse gases and planting 3,465 trees.

Mayor Jeon Seong-su stated, “This award is meaningful as it recognizes Seocho-gu’s continuous efforts to implement policies for creating an eco-friendly city.” He added, “We will continue to carry out environmental projects with greater responsibility and take the lead in environmental preservation.”