Temporary Opening from August 4 to 17 for Two Weeks
Collecting Citizen Ideas Through Surveys
Changwon City in South Gyeongsang Province has decided to temporarily open the recently constructed artificial structure, the 'Big Tree'. Although it was modeled after the Supertree at Singapore's 'Gardens by the Bay', the stark difference from the original design has led to a series of criticisms labeling it as an 'eyesore'. In response, the city plans to gather direct feedback from citizens and identify areas for improvement.
Jang Geumyong, Acting Mayor of Changwon Special City, conducted a special inspection of the 'Big Tree' site at Daesang Park on the 8th. Photo by Changwon City
On July 23, Changwon City announced that the Big Tree would be temporarily open for two weeks, from August 4 to August 17. The city decided on this temporary opening to allow citizens to visit the Big Tree in person and offer feedback on the facility and its overall operation. After their visit, citizens can submit various ideas and suggestions for improvement by filling out surveys available on-site or participating in an online survey on the city hall website.
To maintain order, group tours will be held during the first week, from August 4 to August 10, while individual visits will be the focus during the second week, from August 11 to August 17. The site will be open four times daily: at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. Shuttle buses will operate in line with the viewing times to accommodate the hot weather, and visitors may also come on foot.
The Big Tree is an observatory modeled after the Supertree at Singapore's renowned tourist destination, 'Gardens by the Bay'. Changwon City had envisioned it as a new landmark. The original plan called for a total height of 60 meters, with an artificial pine tree and observatory on the upper level and a meditation center and media facade on the lower level. However, after safety concerns were raised in April 2024, the plan was revised to exclude the 20-meter artificial tree on the upper section.
Since its recent unveiling, the Big Tree has faced a wave of negative feedback. Despite an investment of 34.4 billion won, citizens were disappointed by its appearance, which differed significantly from the original renderings. The city stated that for aspects identified as needing long-term improvement through this round of citizen feedback, it would initiate additional public discussions involving citizens.
Jang Geumyong, Acting Mayor of Changwon, stated, "We will work together with citizens to consider directions for improvement," and added, "We will continue to communicate so that the Big Tree can become a meaningful space for Changwon."
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