Gangdong-gu Transforms Park Locked Away for 40 Years Into a 'Healing Garden'

Gangdong-gu in Seoul has demolished unauthorized structures that had occupied Myeongil Neighborhood Park (150 Sangil-dong) for decades, restored the damaged green space, and opened a new "healing garden" where residents can rest and rejuvenate in nature.

The structures are believed to have been in place since before 1989, and the district began urging the occupant to vacate and demolish them voluntarily in 2011. To support the occupant's housing stability, the district connected them with a jeonse rental housing program through the Korea Land and Housing Corp. and continued negotiations. As a result, the occupant voluntarily vacated in April, after which the structures were fully demolished.

Going beyond demolition, the district removed the remaining concrete foundations, rehabilitated the soil, and planted native species — including oak varieties — along with tree species known to reduce fine dust, restoring the degraded green space.

In addition, the district built new walking paths, rest areas and exercise facilities, transforming the site into a space where residents can walk, relax and tend to their health.

The newly created healing garden is designed for residents to walk slowly, linger and let both body and mind unwind in a natural setting. The district is also running a "healing forest program" featuring forest walks and nature experiences to further strengthen the park's restorative function.

"We have reclaimed a park that had long been privately occupied, restored it as a forest, and returned it to our residents," Gangdong-gu District Mayor Lee Su-hee said. "We will continue to nurture the healing garden so that it can become a place for residents to rest and recover their health in their everyday lives."