“In the past, green space was optional, but now it is necessary,” said Mr. Jo Yongjun at the AIPH Green City Conference, held in Suncheon, Republic of Korea as part of the 75th AIPH Annual Congress. Organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), the Conference displayed the vital contribution of urban greening initiatives.
Jo Yongjun, a landscape architect based in the Republic of Korea, opened the Conference with a presentation on the greening of Gwanghwamun Plaza in Seoul. The plaza once served as the centre of the capital with government buildings, but developed into a highway comprising 16 metres of road. “In recent years people have stopped visiting the plaza,” Jo explained. In order to increase the popularity of the area, a change was needed.
“Our ancestor as most Korean people live in apartments, the concept of a garden is not that big”
“Our ancestors, when they built in this area, avoided damaging the forest. We have pursued a similar style by not planting trees in rows, as is seen in the west, but instead planting them in a more natural pattern. Now, the plaza is a place for people to rest. We have come up with a diverse flow of plants and in the summer there is a cooling effect, so people now enjoy coming to the area.”
Plans are in place to create more green corridors in the city of Seoul, but urban greening in the Republic of Korea has been a long and difficult process. Ms. Diane Lee, AIPH Media Relations Manager in the Asia region, explained: “As most Korean people live in apartments, the concept of a garden is not that big.”
Over 40 municipalities are actively pursuing national garden recognition
Public understanding of a ‘garden’ is beginning to change thanks to the Suncheonman International Garden Expo. The original Expo was held in 2013 and aimed to both preserve the Suncheon bay and create an ecological buffer zone. It’s popularity has greatly impacted public views.
“One of the most notable changes is the establishment of relevant legal frameworks,” Diane said. “In 2015, the term ‘national garden’ was defined in law. Later that year, the 2013 Expo site was recognised as the first national garden in Korea. Over 40 municipalities are actively pursuing national garden recognition, particularly since the pandemic.”
Following on the success of its predecessor, the 2023 Suncheonman International Garden Expo aims to promote garden culture and foster garden-related industry growth, as well as providing urban restoration. “Hosting Expos drives urban development and sets future directions. Therefore, in expo planning understanding the ecological and social context of the location is more crucial than ever, especially in the early stages, to foster a greener city development
