Creating a Special Space to Reduce Urban Heat and Enhance Everyday Relaxation
Gijang-gun in Busan is set to fully launch the "Climate Response Urban Forest Creation Project" in the Wolli area of Ilgwang-eup.
This project focuses on establishing an environmental foundation to support a healthy urban lifestyle and address the climate crisis.
The county plans to invest a total of 1 billion KRW (including national, city, and county funds) to create an urban forest on approximately 9,200 square meters within the "World Cup Village" area of Ilgwang Recreation Site. The basic design has been completed, and the project is currently undergoing review by the Busan Urban Forest Deliberation Committee. Construction is scheduled to begin in September, with completion targeted for December.
This urban forest will be developed as a multifunctional green space with environmental features such as fine dust reduction, mitigation of the urban heat island effect, and carbon absorption. In particular, its proximity to local tourism and sports infrastructure?including Asiad CC, Hyundai Motor Dream Ball Park, and Imrang Beach?positions it to serve as a regional green hub.
The urban forest has been designed around three core concepts: ▲Four Season Forest ▲Ecological Link ▲Local Landscape. It will reflect seasonal changes in nature, including spring flowers and new leaves, summer shade, autumn foliage, and evergreen trees in winter.
The forest will be planted with 640 trees from 22 species, including Japanese black pine, zelkova, and sawtooth oak, as well as 10,480 shrubs from 18 species such as red tip photinia and royal azalea. Additionally, 2,940 ground cover plants such as Chrysanthemum zawadskii and moss phlox will be planted. The site will also include six pergolas, 40 benches, stepping stones, permeable blocks, and other amenities, providing a comfortable rest area for residents.
County Governor Jung Jongbok stated, "This urban forest is significant not only as a landscaping project but also as the creation of sustainable green infrastructure to respond to the climate crisis. We will continue to expand urban green spaces where residents can enjoy nature within the city."
Gijang-gun plans to further expand the green network throughout the region by utilizing idle spaces to establish an "urban forest network."
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