Private Land Opened, Saving 10.4 Billion Won in Budget
Gwangpyeong Park and School Route Improvements
Create New Ecological and Cultural Landmark in Gangnam
Gangnam District in Seoul (District Mayor Cho Sungmyung) has completed the long-awaited Gwangpyeong Park development project (located at 189 Ilwon-dong, Gwangsusan area, 22,662 square meters) and opened it to the public starting on the 4th. The district also finished the improvement project for the school route connected to Wangbuk Elementary School.
Gwangsusan is a forested area that houses the tomb of Grand Prince Gwangpyeong, son of King Sejong. It is known for having the best-preserved royal tomb site among those remaining near downtown Seoul. However, because public and private lands were intermingled, it had remained a hidden forest resource within the city, inaccessible to the general public.
This year, marking the 600th anniversary of Grand Prince Gwangpyeong's birth, the district created Gwangpyeong Park at the entrance of Gwangsusan, returning both the forest and its history to the residents. During this process, the district negotiated with landowners such as Samsung Life Insurance to open 10,960 square meters of private land for the park, establishing a cooperative model without compensation procedures and saving approximately 10.4 billion won in the budget.
The district restored damaged land and improved the trees, creating walking trails, a lawn square, and themed gardens as rest areas for residents. The improvement of the trail leading to Grand Prince Gwangpyeong's tomb also enhanced the park's value as a site for historical and cultural experiences.
With its proximity to Samsung Medical Center, the park is expected to serve as a healing space for patients and caregivers, and as an urban ecological area where children can enjoy forest learning experiences.
The improvement project for the Wangbuk Elementary School route was carried out simultaneously. The district renovated a 200-meter section where frequent vehicle traffic and narrow sidewalks had posed significant safety risks, widening the sidewalks and eliminating height differences at the edges. Landscape lighting, including LED floor lights and line lights, was installed to brighten the path at night. Green belts and pocket rest areas were also created along the roadside, providing a safe and comfortable walking environment where students, parents, and all residents can move about safely and take a break.
Cho Sungmyung, Mayor of Gangnam District, stated, "Gwangpyeong Park, created in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Gangnam District and the 600th anniversary of Grand Prince Gwangpyeong's birth, is a symbolic space where the long-held wishes of residents have come true." He added, "I hope it will become a new ecological and cultural landmark of Gangnam, going beyond simply opening a forest and improving a school route." He continued, "Going forward, we will continue to create a Gangnam where nature, safety, culture, and history thrive, preparing for the next 100 years together with our residents."
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