Seoul City Councilor Jeong Ji-gwon Urges Measures to Utilize the Abandoned Octagonal Pavilion in Children's Grand Park

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Seoul Metropolitan Council member Jeong Ji-gwon (Democratic Party, Seongdong 2) urged the exploration of utilization plans for the 'Palgakdang' in Children's Grand Park, commensurate with the park's status, during the Seoul Facilities Corporation business report at the 293rd temporary session of the Seoul Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee held last April.

The 'Palgakdang' located in Children's Grand Park was built in 1973 with a traditional Korean hanok structure. The building has a total floor area of 2,304㎡, consisting of one basement floor and three above-ground floors. Since its construction, it has become a popular spot for visitors to take commemorative photos and is also a place of nostalgia for adults in their 50s and 60s.

Once a popular photo zone, Palgakdang lost attention as various facilities and attractions emerged within Children's Grand Park and trends changed. For more than ten years, it has only been sporadically used for experiential programs or cultural festival venues and has not been properly maintained.

Accordingly, the director of Children's Grand Park and related officials have established a plan to create the '2030 Youth Creative Center' in collaboration with Gwangjin District Office and nearby universities, and reported the promotion plan during the Seoul Facilities Corporation business report last April.

Council member Jeong Ji-gwon expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of youth startup centers operated by Seoul City, stating that the Youth Creative Center, which does not suit the special nature of Children's Grand Park located in the heart of the city, may not generate much synergy. He asserted, "Seoul City should make good use of the advantages of Children's Grand Park located in the city center and hope that the current Palgakdang will be reborn as a space visited by many citizens and children."

He also urged, "However, it is necessary to carefully consider so that the project is not rushed and does not become a hasty administration."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.