Seoul goes green in new city project

The Seoul city government yesterday unveiled a plan to increase green spaces and parks across Seoul in a push to make the city more eco-friendly.

The initiative will refurbish major sidewalks in the city to include flower beds, trees and benches. The city government confirmed that part of Gangnam District’s Teheran-ro, one of the busiest streets in Seoul, will undergo construction this year to make room for more natural spaces. The 1.4-kilometer (0.8-mile) area of the boulevard that will see changes runs from Yeoksam Station to Seolleung Station in southern Seoul.

Part of Samildae-ro, another bustling road in Jung District, will also be modified to make room for more open urban spaces.

Eight ecological parks for children and teenagers are also slated to be built this year in areas including Mount Yongma in Jungnang District and Mount Inwang in Seodaemun.

The city will also refurbish the road that connects Seosomun Park and Myeongdong Cathedral in central Seoul in a way that promotes the area’s cultural and historical values without mandating that specific establishments be constructed.

The city said that the initiative, which will contribute toward job creation, is in line with Seoul’s proclamation last year that it will hold true to the principles of sustainable living.

It also plans to host a biennial garden festival.

BY PARK EUN-JEE [ejpark@joongang.co.kr]