Seongbuk-gu Removes 40 Years of Illegal Occupation from Gaewoonsan and Develops Park Facilities

Public Parking Lot and Hydrangea Garden Created
on Previously Illegally Occupied Land

Seongbuk-gu in Seoul (headed by the district mayor) has returned Gaewoonsan Neighborhood Park, which had been illegally occupied for 40 years, to the residents. Although Gaewoonsan Neighborhood Park is a popular destination due to its accessibility, it had long been plagued by complaints as illegal badminton courts and aging outdoor exercise facilities were left neglected for an extended period.

Before (left) and after (right) the creation of the "Gaeunsan Neighborhood Park Public Parking Lot," a long-cherished wish of local residents. Seongbuk-gu cleared illegal occupancies and created a total of 26 parking spaces. Provided by Seongbuk-gu.

The district office continuously persuaded those involved in illegal activities and, in July of this year, removed the long-term unauthorized facilities. Afterwards, efforts began to transform the park into a pleasant leisure space by developing new park facilities.

The most notable change is the creation of the "Gaewoonsan Neighborhood Park Public Parking Lot." Fulfilling a long-standing wish of local residents, the parking lot was built with a total of 26 spaces and will be officially operated starting next year. It is currently in temporary operation.

Spaces that had been neglected due to illegal dumping of garbage have also been restored as green areas. A total of 5,075 trees and shrubs, including Limelight hydrangeas, snow willow, and winter jasmine, as well as 5,860 ground cover plants, were planted to create the "Hydrangea Garden" and "Stone Crevice Garden."

Seongbuk-gu stated, "Gaewoonsan is located at the center of the district and has long been loved by residents for its accessibility, but illegal occupancy and unauthorized facilities had caused significant inconvenience to citizens. After much consideration and effort over a long period, we have returned this space fully to the residents and developed it into an area where citizens can enjoy a variety of park facilities."