Yeoju City Revamps Sinreuksa Tourist Site's Lawn Plaza into 'Wave Plaza' with Enhanced Safety and Design

Removal of Aging Structures and Creation of Barrier-Free Wave Plaza

"Zero Risk of Collapse, Elevated Standards"

The former lawn plaza at the Sinreuksa Tourist Site, which featured old shade structures at risk of collapse, is being reborn as 'Wave Plaza,' a space embodying safety, accessibility, and modern design through improved drainage and the use of permeable blocks.

Sinreuksa Tourist Site Former Lawn Square Reborn as 'Wave Square' Embracing Safety and Future. Provided by Yeoju City

Yeoju City (Mayor Lee Chungwoo) announced that construction is currently underway to improve drainage and reorganize the space at the Sinreuksa Tourist Site's lawn plaza (288-24 Cheonsong-dong), as part of the "2026 Tourist Site Development Project," supported by Gyeonggi Province funding.

This project goes beyond simple facility maintenance and is being promoted as a key initiative to ensure safety and upgrade tourism infrastructure at the same time.

"In Danger of Collapse at Any Time"... Proactive Demolition of Aging Shade Structures

The existing wooden shade canopies installed at the lawn plaza were built directly on the ground without proper foundations. Over time, the bases had become severely corroded, greatly reducing the overall structural stability. Some structures were visibly tilted, and site inspections confirmed that there was a constant risk of collapse.

This area is especially significant as a main venue for major events such as the "Yeoju Ceramic Festival" and the "Ogoknaru Festival," which attract large crowds. Given the risk that a facility collapse could lead to a serious safety accident in such densely populated situations, proactive measures were deemed essential.

Accordingly, Yeoju City prioritized citizen safety by removing the deteriorated shade structures and plans to reconstruct the area with safer and more functional rest facilities in the future.

"Not Removal, but Transformation into a Better Space"

In response to concerns from some about a lack of rest areas, Yeoju City emphasized that this is not merely demolition, but a process to enhance the quality of the space.

Once the budget is secured, the city plans to introduce structurally safe shade structures, premium rest facilities, and multi-purpose relaxation spaces harmonizing with the landscape, creating an environment that is even more pleasant and complete than before.

"Comfortable Even in the Rain, Accessible for All"... Simultaneous Implementation of Drainage and Accessibility Features

This project includes the installation of new stormwater and drainage pipes, as well as catch basins, and permeable blocks throughout the plaza so that rainwater can quickly soak into the ground. This will create a comfortable environment that prevents water pooling even during rainy weather and dramatically enhances functionality for hosting various events.

In addition, the project will improve the walking environment, which was previously difficult in the old lawn plaza, making it fully accessible for wheelchair users. By introducing a level, barrier-free surface, the space will become freely usable by everyone, thereby improving both convenience and public utility.

Sinreuksa Tourist Site Former Lawn Square Reborn as 'Wave Square' Embracing Safety and the Future. Provided by Yeoju City

"Capturing the Flow and Stories of the Namhan River"... Creation of Wave Plaza and Byeolgeuru Photo Zone

The newly created plaza will embrace the motif of the Namhan River, where the Sinreuksa Tourist Site is located, under the "Wave Plaza" concept. Moving away from the previous straight-line paving style, the new design will feature elegant, curving patterns reminiscent of the flowing Namhan River, creating a harmonious landscape with nature and elevating the image of the plaza to match its status as a tourist destination.

Existing trees in the plaza will be preserved as much as possible, with benches installed around them to create a nature-friendly rest area. In particular, the "Byeolgeuru Tree," which began to sprout new life from its upper branches after nearing death, will serve as the centerpiece for a symbolic photo zone where citizens can express their wishes and hopes. In this way, the plaza will become not just a place to pass through, but a destination where people want to linger and stay.

 "Ready Before the Ceramic Festival... Becoming a Tourism Hub with Safety and Prestige"

The construction is scheduled for completion in April, and the plaza will serve as a main venue for the 38th Yeoju Ceramic Festival (2026.05.01~05.10), which opens on May 1. With the transformation of the former space, which had long suffered from drainage issues, into a comfortable and stable plaza, the efficiency of festival operations and visitor satisfaction are expected to increase significantly.

An official from Yeoju City stated, "This project will not only ensure the safety of our citizens, but also raise the quality of space at the Sinreuksa Tourist Site to a new level. We will continue to improve tourism infrastructure so that both tourists and citizens can experience tangible benefits."

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