Dong-gu, Gwangju to Launch Full-Scale Development of Seongyo Reservoir Complex Lake Park

Securing 2 Billion KRW in National Funding
Phased Development Planned Through 2029

Image of Seongyo Reservoir Complex Lake Park. Provided by Dong-gu, Gwangju.

On January 2, Dong-gu, Gwangju announced that it has secured 2 billion KRW in national funding for the Seongyo Reservoir Complex Lake Park development project and will begin full-scale efforts to create the park, aiming to improve the living environment of residents in the restricted development zone and to strengthen residential conditions in the southern region.

The Seongyo Reservoir Complex Lake Park will be a waterfront park utilizing the Seongyo Reservoir in the Seongyo-dong area of Dong-gu. A total project budget of 9 billion KRW will be invested in phases until 2029. The project covers a total area of 40,081 square meters and will include an eco-friendly waterfront park, parking lots, and other community convenience facilities.

The national funding secured this time comes from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Resident Support Project for Restricted Development Zones (in the area of living infrastructure), and will be used as foundational resources for the project, including partial land compensation, basic and detailed design, and various service contracts. The Seongyo Reservoir Complex Lake Park development project will be funded 90% by the national government and 10% by the local government.

Dong-gu will initially focus on creating ▲ an eco-friendly waterfront space ▲ walking trails ▲ and a lifestyle-oriented park suitable for families. Depending on future project conditions and demand, the district plans to gradually expand tourism and leisure infrastructure by adding ▲ community spaces ▲ cultural and tourism functions ▲ smart rest areas ▲ and nighttime landscape features.

Dong-gu faces significant constraints in expanding urban infrastructure such as parks, as 54.5% of its administrative area is designated as a restricted development zone. In particular, with the recent development of a new city in the southern region, about 15,000 new residents have moved in, causing a sharp increase in demand for relaxation, leisure, and cultural spaces. Currently, the per capita park area in Dong-gu is 2.4 square meters, which is far below the legally recommended standard, so the need for park expansion has been continuously raised.

Dong-gu considers this project a key initiative for responding to the climate crisis and achieving carbon neutrality, and plans to develop it as an "eco-cultural waterfront park" that actively incorporates ecological restoration and eco-friendly elements. Furthermore, the district aims to foster it as a leading waterfront park in southern Gwangju that contributes to balanced national development and the expansion of everyday cultural spaces.

To date, Dong-gu has steadily carried out preliminary procedures such as securing national funding for the Resident Support Project for Restricted Development Zones, negotiating land compensation, making decisions on urban management plans (parks), and establishing urban park development plans. Currently, the district is proceeding with the implementation plan approval process for the remaining land compensation. Through phased implementation, Dong-gu intends to transform the Seongyo Reservoir into a waterfront relaxation space regularly visited by residents and a landmark complex lake park representing the region.

A Dong-gu official stated, "The Seongyo Reservoir Complex Lake Park is a core project that will improve the living environment for residents of the restricted development zone and significantly enhance residential conditions in the southern region," adding, "We will create a waterfront park that harmonizes ecology, culture, relaxation, and tourism, and deliver changes that residents can truly experience."