Gijang County in Busan Opens Nature-Friendly Playground at Yongso Wellbeing Park

"A Nature-Friendly Space Where Children Can Play Safely and Freely"

Gijang County (Governor Jung Jongbok) announced on April 29 that it has recently completed the construction of a 'Nature-Friendly Playground' within Yongso Wellbeing Park in Gijang-eup and is now officially opening it to the public.

This 'Nature-Friendly Playground' at Yongso Wellbeing Park was promoted as part of the eighth popularly elected administration's key pledge to expand 'nature-friendly comprehensive playgrounds for children.' It is the second such facility in Gijang County, following the Nature-Friendly Playground at Sodubang Park, which opened last year.

Yongso Wellbeing Park is a waterfront park created by transforming a decommissioned reservoir in Gijang-eup. It is a popular destination among residents and tourists, as evidenced by its frequent appearances on social media.

Since January last year, the county has invested 1 billion KRW of county funds to remodel the playground area above the Yongso Wellbeing Park plaza, which connects to the Gijang Old Road, into a nature-friendly playground. Construction was completed in mid-April this year, and after passing safety inspections for the children's play facilities, the park was opened to residents on April 28.

The newly established Nature-Friendly Playground consists of a 'Play Creation Zone' designed to stimulate the five senses and foster creative thinking, an 'Adventure Zone' for physical health and social development, and a 'Nature Zone' for nature observation and hands-on experiences. The space was created for both parents and children to enjoy together.

The 'Play Creation Zone' includes a rockfall play structure, a loess ball area, and a loess playground. The 'Adventure Zone' features a climbing and passage facility made of soil mounds, a rope bridge crossing, and a sand playground. In addition, the 'Nature Zone' and other areas are equipped with an insect observation hotel for nature observation and experiences, wooden educational play equipment, and a variety of herbaceous plants.

In particular, the county prioritized user safety by introducing play facilities that have passed safety certification and installation inspections, focusing on creating a safe playground where children can play freely and enjoy themselves.

Additionally, a barefoot walking trail and a foot-washing station were newly installed for parents and nearby residents visiting with children. These facilities were arranged to be used in connection with existing park amenities, such as the decked walking trail, lawn plaza, and observatory. Through these efforts, the park has been reborn as a space accessible to people of all ages, supporting the healthy lives of residents.

Jung Jongbok, Governor of Gijang County, stated, "A nature-friendly space where children can play safely and freely has been created near residential areas," and added, "We will continue to expand facilities and actively support children so they can cultivate sound emotional development and grow up healthy and strong."

He continued, "Please ensure thorough project management so that the nature-friendly playground currently being developed in Jangan-eup this year will also be created as an 'eco-friendly health and education park' that everyone, regardless of age or gender, can enjoy."

A view of the 'Nature-Friendly Playground' created within Yongso Wellbeing Park in Gijang-eup.

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