National Land Scheduled for Construction of Integrated Government Complex in the Second Half of Next Year
Gangnam District in Seoul will plant large-scale environmental purification plants, Kenaf, on national land located at 526 Yulhyeon-dong, as part of efforts to achieve urban carbon neutrality and reduce fine dust. This site, covering approximately 5,434 square meters (1,645 pyeong), will remain unused until the construction of the Narakioum Gangnam Integrated Government Complex begins in the second half of next year.
On May 20, Gangnam District signed a business agreement with five organizations, including Korea Asset Management Corporation, Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation, Korea Environment Corporation, and the Environment Foundation, and plans to plant Kenaf within this month. Each organization has agreed to cooperate in transforming idle national land into green spaces, spreading the culture of carbon neutrality and local environmental protection, and operating citizen-participatory environmental education programs.
Kenaf is an annual herbaceous plant known for its rapid growth. Its carbon dioxide decomposition capacity is ten times greater than that of oak trees, and its fine dust absorption rate is 66 times higher than that of corn, making it a leading eco-friendly crop. In particular, Kenaf grows even faster as the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases, making it suitable for improving urban environments. It also thrives in poor soil and is resistant to pests and diseases, making it easy to manage.
Gangnam District plans to secure carbon-absorbing green spaces within the city through this project. At the same time, the harvested Kenaf will be donated as materials for environmental education or craft experiences at local schools, operating the initiative as an eco-friendly project that also considers resource circulation. In addition, the organizations will hold a planting event with local residents on May 27 and continue the program as a participatory activity through to the harvest.
Gangnam District Mayor Cho Sungmyung stated, “To transition to a carbon-neutral society, an ecosystem where the public and private sectors create synergy together is essential,” adding, “We hope this attempt to utilize idle urban land will become a turning point for improving the local environment and changing residents’ awareness.”
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