Gwangju to Promote Pungam Lake as a National Urban Park

2.8 Million Square Meters: Creation of Korea's Largest Musical Fountain and Ecological Area
Establishing Status as a "City of Three National Parks" Alongside Mudeungsan
Per Capita Urban Park Area to Expand from 6.3㎡ to 12.3㎡

Gwangju Metropolitan City will develop the Pungam Lake area in Seo-gu's Jungang Neighborhood Park as a National Urban Park.

Jungang Neighborhood Park covers a total area of 2.8 million square meters and is a representative urban park that combines natural scenery, ecological environments, and historical and cultural heritage. In 2023, the land ownership was transferred to Gwangju City, fulfilling a key requirement for designation as a National Urban Park.

Aerial view of Pungam Lake National Urban Park in Seo-gu, Gwangju. Provided by Gwangju City

With the amendment of relevant laws in August last year, the requirements for designation were eased, giving Gwangju an advantage over competing municipalities such as Incheon, Busan, and Daegu. The city plans to secure dedicated personnel and establish related ordinances moving forward.

The city will improve the water quality of Pungam Lake and create walking trails, a sandy beach, an observatory, an outdoor music hall, and an 8,264-square-meter ecological area. The lake will also feature the nation’s largest musical fountain, measuring 130 meters in length and 50 meters in height. To minimize inconveniences caused by construction, certain sections will be opened sequentially and alternative walking paths will be provided.

The city stated that once Pungam Lake is designated as a National Urban Park, Gwangju will establish itself as a "city of three national parks" alongside Mudeungsan National Park and Mudeungsan Area National Geopark. The per capita urban park area for citizens is expected to increase from 6.3 square meters to 12.3 square meters, leading to improvements in the living environment.

On August 21, the city will hold a National Urban Park Vision Proclamation Ceremony at Pungam Lake and announce detailed development plans. The National Urban Park initiative aims to protect and systematically manage the region's natural, historical, and cultural resources at the national level.