Summer Scent Garden, Heatwave-Reducing Garden Shelter, and Other Restful Attractions
Seongbuk-gu in Seoul (District Mayor Lee Seungro) has devoted sincere efforts to Gaewoonsan throughout both the 7th and 8th popularly elected administrations, creating a representative healing space for residents.
Visitors continue to marvel at the breathtaking hydrangea blossoms at Gaewoonsan Summer Scent Garden. Provided by Seongbuk-gu.
Gaewoonsan Neighborhood Park was loved as a walking trail for its beautiful scenery and easy accessibility, but its landscape was marred by illegal badminton courts and outdated exercise facilities, disappointing visitors. In response, Seongbuk-gu began dismantling unauthorized facilities at the start of the 7th administration, aiming to create an emotional relaxation space where all residents could enjoy their leisure time comfortably.
Since the 7th administration, spaces such as the Summer Scent Garden, Sky Observatory, Gaewoonsan Welcome Garden, Heatwave-Reducing Garden Shelter, Resident-Participatory Barefoot Loess Trail, and Barrier-Free Forest Path have been steadily established. In July, the district fully opened the Heatwave-Reducing Garden Shelter, the second phase of the Barrier-Free Forest Path, and the Barefoot Loess Trail, returning Gaewoonsan entirely to the residents. Seongbuk-gu and the Seoul Metropolitan Government jointly invested over 13 billion won in this project.
The Summer Scent Garden was created in November last year by removing unauthorized facilities near the Marronnier Yard and planting 316 trees and shrubs of 7 species, along with 4,341 herbaceous plants of 25 species. This has made it a popular spot for picturesque photos throughout all four seasons. In addition, at the main entrances to Gaewoonsan, the illegal badminton courts were replaced with the Welcome Garden, where about 12,000 plants were planted, transforming the area into a pleasant relaxation space.
The Gaewoonsan Heatwave-Reducing Garden Shelter was built in the form of a pavilion, allowing visitors to enjoy the garden while escaping the summer heat. The second phase of the Barrier-Free Forest Path was designed so that people with disabilities, the elderly, and families can all conveniently enjoy the forest. The Resident-Participatory Barefoot Loess Trail, which is developed and operated directly by residents, is also gaining great popularity.
Lee Seungro, Mayor of Seongbuk-gu, stated, "Gaewoonsan has always been popular due to its accessibility, but in the past, illegal encroachment facilities caused significant inconvenience. I hope that Gaewoonsan, now returned to the residents, will be reborn as a comprehensive welfare space for recharging and healing."
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