Seongdong-gu Creates 'Majang-dong Birch Forest Garden'... Transformed from Public Parking Lot

Creating a Garden-Style Rest Area Reflecting Residents' Demand for a Park at Majang Livestock Market North Gate Public Parking Lot Site
Promoting Relocation and Renovation of Majang-dong Food Alley, a Long-Awaited Resident Project, Transforming Parking Lot Site into a Unique Birch Forest to Improve Surroundings
Establishing 'Gardeners' Yard' Cultivated by Village Gardeners to Realize a '5-Minute Daily Garden City' for Rest and Leisure Close to Daily Life

Seongdong-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Jung Won-oh) announced that it has newly created the ‘Majang-dong Birch Forest Garden’ on the site of the Majang Livestock Market North Gate Public Parking Lot.

The creation of the ‘Majang-dong Birch Forest Garden’ was carried out alongside the relocation and renovation of the Majang-dong Food Alley, a long-standing wish of the residents. It is a garden-style resting place reflecting residents’ demand for a healing and leisure park within the city.

The Majang-dong Food Alley, which had been operating without permission for about 35 years, faced a pressing need for renovation following a fire in March 2022. After prolonged persuasion of the business owners in the area, all food alley businesses completed their relocation in May to the ‘Safe Shopping Mall Majang Cheonggye Branch (Majang Food Alley Town).’ Subsequently, all unauthorized facilities on the food alley site were demolished, and all renovations were completed by June.

Thus, the Majang-dong Food Alley became an unprecedented exemplary case of peaceful renovation without physical conflict. Additionally, the Majang Livestock Market North Gate Public Parking Lot was relocated to the food alley site, increasing the number of parking spaces from 32 to 63, enhancing convenience for residents.

The remaining site after relocating the Majang Livestock Market North Gate Public Parking Lot was developed into the ‘Majang-dong Birch Forest Garden’ for residents’ convenience, drawing particular attention. Seongdong-gu is focusing on creating a ‘5-Minute Daily Garden City’ where gardens can be found everywhere just outside the door, actively reflecting residents’ opinions who desire garden spaces within the city.

The created forest garden adds a unique touch by using birch trees, which are rarely seen in urban areas. The ‘birch tree’ is an attractive tree with white bark and soft leaves. Its name originates from the sound ‘jajakjajak’ it makes when burning, hence it is called ‘Jajaknamu’ in pure Korean. It has the characteristic of burning well and long when lit, and the word ‘hwachok’ (wedding candle) also carries the meaning of a candle made from birch wood.

Moreover, it symbolizes a ‘new beginning’ and is known for its beautiful and lyrical charm, inspiring artists such as Van Gogh and many others.

The forest garden also includes the ‘Gardener’s Yard,’ cultivated directly by village gardeners who completed training this year, adding significance as a garden nurtured by the residents themselves.

On the 6th, the district introduced the new ‘Majang-dong Birch Forest Garden’ and held a celebration with residents. The ‘Birch Forest Garden’ is expected to become a symbol of Majang-dong’s new start and development, as well as a beloved landmark for residents for a long time.

Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, said, “The once barren urban space has transformed into a beautiful ‘Birch Forest Garden,’ which we expect will provide residents with leisure and rest in their daily lives.” He added, “We will continue our efforts to create a daily garden city so that residents can enjoy gardens close to their everyday lives and fully benefit from the rest, leisure, and health improvements that gardens provide.”

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