Gwangju Dong-gu Transforms Dilapidated House in Jisan-dong into a Four-Season Circulation Garden

Dong-gu, Gwangju demolished a collapsing vacant house right next to 'Jimaksam (Millennium Spring),' a historical symbol of Jisan-dong, and transformed the site into a four-season 'Circular Garden' maintained directly by the local residents.

On March 13, Gwangju Dong-gu announced that it had demolished a dilapidated house at risk of collapse next to Jjimsam (Thousand-Year Spring), a historic symbol of Jisan-dong, and transformed the site into a seasonal “Circulation Garden” directly maintained by local residents.

This was the district’s first vacant house demolition and maintenance project of the year. Dong-gu pushed ahead with the creation of the garden near Jjimsam, recently completing the construction work. On March 12, an event was held where the district and local residents planted trees together.

The site had long been designated as a priority area for intensive management due to concerns about collapse and safety accidents. However, the project had faced difficulties due to the owner’s lack of consent. After continuous communication and persuasion, Dong-gu finally obtained the owner’s approval earlier this year, allowing the long-awaited project for residents to move forward.

Active resident participation was reflected throughout the project process. In January, Dong-gu discussed potential uses through meetings at the local Administrative Welfare Center, by gathering input from the community leaders, and conducting resident surveys. As a result, the idea of creating a garden was ultimately adopted.

Accordingly, during the tree planting event on March 12, residents took up shovels themselves to plant a variety of trees—such as Emerald Green, golden euonymus, azalea, and Photinia glabra—that will provide diverse seasonal landscapes, thus completing the garden. Going forward, a “Citizen Gardener” group, led by the residents’ association, will systematically manage and maintain the Circulation Garden.

A Dong-gu official stated, “It is deeply moving to see a space that was once a safety hazard transformed into a beautiful garden through residents’ ideas and participation. We will continue to work with residents to renovate vacant houses and create a pleasant living environment.”

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