Mayor Lee Donghwan: "Major Leap for a Green City Connecting Parks and Rivers... Returning Nature to the Citizens"

Goyang to Expand Per Capita Park Area to 9.7 Square Meters by 2035
Completion of Tanhyeon Park, Lake Park Upgrades, and Waterfront Belt Construction
A Metropolitan Green Network Linking Parks, Waterfronts, and Ecological Corridors... Advancing as an Eco-Friendly City

Goyang Special City in Gyeonggi Province has officially embarked on expanding its green infrastructure by connecting urban parks and rivers.

Rose garden in Ilsan Lake Park, where early summer roses are in full bloom. Provided by Goyang Special City

According to Goyang Special City (Mayor Lee Donghwan) on September 19, the city plans to increase the per capita park area to 9.7 square meters by 2035 and reorganize disconnected rivers and aging parks into a 'green network' as part of its goal to become South Korea's leading eco-friendly city. The initiative goes beyond simply providing spaces for relaxation; it aims to implement green welfare that addresses climate change and allows citizens to experience nature in their daily lives.

The second phase of the Tanhyeon Neighborhood Park project, which will hold its completion ceremony on September 24, has created a forest, plaza, and children's playground across 57,000 square meters in Tanhyeon-dong, Ilsanseo-gu. Combined with the first phase, the park now covers a total of 88,000 square meters, equivalent to the size of 12 soccer fields, making it a major community park.

With the addition of the third phase (269,000 square meters) being developed by Korea Land and Housing Corporation and Gyeonggi Housing and Urban Development Corporation, Tanhyeon Neighborhood Park is expected to become the representative green space in the northwestern region.

The Todang No.1 Neighborhood Park (103,886 square meters), to be built in Haengsin-dong, Deogyang-gu, is being prepared for groundbreaking within the year. Gwansan Neighborhood Park (about 50,000 square meters), which opened in December last year, has become a community shelter supporting residents' walking and sports activities.

Ilsan Lake Park, a signature attraction in Goyang, is currently being renovated with a focus on three key themes: safety, convenience, and landscape.

The city has dismantled 2.8 kilometers of old fences to improve openness and is gradually expanding bicycle detour routes to enhance pedestrian safety.

Tanhyeon Neighborhood Park Phase 2 Project Site. Provided by Goyang Special City

Landscape improvement projects are also accelerating.

The rose garden now features a specialized garden with various rose varieties, and 8,000 lotus and water lilies have been planted along the lakeside to create unique seasonal scenery. The vine tunnel is being transformed into an interactive space with a digital art gallery that combines lighting and media art, allowing visitors to enjoy it even at night.

In addition, the city is conducting research to fully renovate aging facilities and develop the southern area of Lake Park adjacent to Janghang District and Broadcasting & Media Valley. Based on this research, the city plans to systematically reorganize park functions and upgrade it into a premium park where all citizens can enjoy safe and convenient access.

The city is also accelerating the creation of a waterfront belt connecting the Han River, Gongneungcheon, and Changneungcheon.

A previously disconnected 1.5-kilometer section between Gongneungcheon and Byeokjecheon has been linked to open a new walking trail, and the ends of Daehwacheon and Hallyucheon have been connected to the Han River bike path, completing a metropolitan network linking Seoul, Goyang, and Paju.

Lee Donghwan, mayor of Goyang Special City, riding a bicycle with citizens on the Han River bike path (left). Provided by Goyang Special City

Additionally, the integrated Changneungcheon river project will break ground in the second half of this year, and the Gongneungcheon low-carbon waterfront park project, with a total budget of 5 billion won, is also underway.

The city plans to actively incorporate citizen feedback through community meetings and resident councils, completing the project as an eco-friendly community shelter integrated into daily life.

Lee Donghwan, Mayor of Goyang Special City, emphasized, "Through a green network connecting parks and waterfronts, we will ensure that every citizen can enjoy nature in their daily lives. We will continue to expand safe and pleasant green spaces to make Goyang Korea's leading 'green city.'"

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