Gangnam-gu Revamps Dodam Children's Park With Water Fountain, Five-Theme Gardens

Gangnam-gu has completed a full renovation of Dodam Children's Park in Segok-dong, transforming it into an intergenerational community park.

The redesigned park features a splash pad, age-specific play zones, five themed gardens, and dedicated rest and fitness areas. An opening ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday.

Dodam Children's Park sits at 548 Segok-dong and covers 4,282.7 square meters. Originally built in 2013 as part of the Seoul Gangnam Bogeumjari housing development project, the park had aged to the point where a comprehensive overhaul was needed. The district carried out construction from May through August, replacing worn facilities and redesigning the space so that children, caregivers and residents can all use it comfortably.

The most significant changes are in the play areas. The playground has been divided into two separate zones — one for children and one for toddlers — so each age group can play safely, and the overall play area has been expanded. The new layout includes adventure net climbing, rope climbing, hill traversal, tunnel play and hammock play, offering a variety of active, three-dimensional experiences. A splash pad has also been newly installed for summer water play.

Ample space has been set aside for caregivers and residents watching over children. Large shaded rest shelters, wooden decks and stone seating walls have been placed throughout the park, giving visitors spots to rest or chat. The outdoor fitness area also received a covered shade shelter, making it more comfortable to exercise even in rain or strong sunlight.

The park's five themed gardens are another highlight, dividing the grounds into the Charm Garden, Green Garden, Hydrangea Garden, Shrub Garden and Spirea Garden, each offering a different seasonal landscape. Landscaping has been substantially reinforced with 35 trees across six species, 2,058 shrubs across 22 species, and 12,246 flowering plants across 23 species. Distinctive trees such as Schefflera, Japanese maple, crape myrtle and smoke tree have been planted alongside hydrangea varieties including "Endless Summer," "Limelight" and "Pink Annabelle." Chionanthus retusus trees line the park's perimeter, promising a sweep of white blossoms each spring.

"I hope this becomes a park where children nurture their dreams and neighbors' stories bloom," Gangnam-gu District Mayor Kim Hyun-ki said. "We will consistently expand green spaces and rest areas so residents can relax and enjoy themselves close to home."