First Case of Independent Registration by a Basic Local Government in Busan
A “City Lifestyle-Oriented Local Garden” Featuring 101 Species and 510,000 Plants
Gijang County (Governor Jung Jongbok) celebrated the registration of the Jwagwangcheon Ecological Stream area in Jeonggwan New Town as a local garden of Busan City.
This registration of the Jwagwangcheon Local Garden marks the second such designation in Busan, following the "Busan Nakdong River Garden," and is the first case in which a basic local government in Busan has independently promoted and achieved such registration.
Jwagwangcheon has long served as a space for residents' relaxation and cultural activities, as well as a major tourism resource for the region. In response, since last year, the county has actively promoted the "Jwagwangcheon Local Garden Registration Project" to develop Jwagwangcheon into a landmark garden hub not only for Gijang but for all of Busan.
Through continuous consultations with the Korea Forest Service and Busan City, as well as a thorough preparation process that included conducting related research, enacting ordinances, and establishing a dedicated organization, the county has finally achieved the milestone of registering the area as a local garden.
The total area of the "Jwagwangcheon Local Garden" is 12.2 hectares (122,086.6 square meters), and it is an "urban lifestyle-oriented local garden" that runs through the center of Jeonggwan New Town. Unlike other local gardens located on the outskirts of cities, it offers excellent accessibility, allowing citizens to enjoy cultural, leisure, and exchange activities in spaces closely connected to the city as part of their daily lives.
With the theme "An Emotional Garden Where You Experience Jwagwangcheon in Everyday Life," the garden is divided into four themes: warmth, benefit, welcome, and longing. A diverse and abundant collection of plant resources?comprising 101 species and 510,000 individual plants?has been arranged throughout the area.
Gijang County plans to continue developing the Jwagwangcheon Local Garden as a dynamic space that maximizes the unique characteristics and appeal of each of the four themed gardens. The county also aims to ensure robust garden management by discovering and operating a variety of garden culture and experiential programs.
Jung Jongbok, Governor of Gijang County, stated, "This registration as a local garden is a monumental event marking the 30th anniversary of the county's reinstatement, propelling Gijang toward becoming a premium garden city." He added, "It will serve as a growth engine that enhances the county's brand value, attracts a vibrant influx of tourists, and stimulates the local economy and regional development." He further commented, "Through solid operation and management of the Jwagwangcheon Local Garden, we will strive to realize 'Gijang, a happy city of garden culture where people, the city, and nature coexist.'"
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