As the 'Central Park Lotte Castle Signature' by Lotte Construction is set to be completed in 2027 at Central Park in Gwangju, interest in Central Park is rising.
The Central Park Lotte Castle Signature is located in the Kumho-dong area of Gwangju's Seo-gu and consists of a total of 2,772 units ranging from 84 to 233 square meters, spread across 39 buildings from the basement level 3 to the 28th floor. It will be developed in three blocks: 1BL (929 units), 2-1BL (915 units), and 2-2BL (928 units).
The 'Central Park District 1' located in the complex is the largest among the 9 parks (10 districts) in the private park special project being promoted by Gwangju Metropolitan City, covering an area of 2,435,516 square meters and spanning across Kumho-dong, Hwajeong-dong, and Pungam-dong in Gwangju's Seo-gu. It will feature 8 themed forests and 11 village forests, with spaces that can be utilized for urban camping and garden exhibitions. Additionally, facilities such as an outdoor performance venue and a lakeside beach will be built around Pungam Lake. Gwangju City plans to make this site a representative space of the region by hosting various cultural programs involving citizens.
Surrounding the area are large residential complexes with numerous commercial facilities across various sectors. In addition, the Gwangju World Cup Stadium, located very close to the 'Central Park District 1,' is being developed alongside Lotte Outlet and Lotte Mart. Furthermore, it is close to the Sangmu District, which is regarded as Gwangju's central commercial area. Based on 1BL, there are various school districts such as Hwajeongnam Elementary, Seongjin Elementary, Hyo-gwang Middle School, Chipyeong Middle School, Gwangdeok Middle School, and Gwangdeok High School, and nearby 2BL, there are Hwagae Elementary, Unni Elementary, Gwangju Middle School, Unni Middle School, and Pungam High School.
Transportation development is also on the horizon. Two stations are planned near the complex on the first phase of Gwangju Subway Line 2, expected to be completed by 2026. Once this line, which connects Gwangju Station to Gwangju City Hall, is operational, it is expected to make access to Gwangju's major city center much easier. Currently, quick vehicle movement is possible via the Second Circular Road and Sangmu-daero, and the distance to Seogwangju Station on the Gyeongjeon Line is also close.
Lotte Construction plans to establish a high-quality community. A sky lounge, maximizing the advantage of a maximum height of 28 floors, is planned to be created, offering a strong view of the park and lake in front of the complex. Additionally, a luxurious sauna where residents can unwind and relax will also be installed. Other facilities for sports and hobbies, such as a golf practice range and fitness center, will also be built.
Moreover, a total of 5,358 parking spaces will be provided, creating an environment where approximately two vehicles per household can be parked. A storage room for seasonal items or leisure goods will be provided in front of the entrance.
National urban parks are a type of natural park designated by the national government among the municipal urban parks. To be designated as a national urban park, a site must have an area of more than 3 million square meters and the municipality must own the entire park site. The National Urban Park Act was passed in 2016, but no areas have been designated so far, as it has been realistically difficult to meet all the criteria required for designation.
Accordingly, the National Assembly is expected to pass an amended law this year aimed at relaxing the requirements for designating a national urban park. A key change would be to lower the required size for designation from the current 3 million square meters to 1 million square meters. If the amended law is passed, Gwangju Central Neighborhood Park will meet the requirements to become a national urban park.
Gwangju Central Neighborhood Park boasts a site area of approximately 2,790,000 square meters, including Districts 1 and 2, making it one of the largest among the current candidates for national urban parks under review. Additionally, unlike other candidates, the ownership of the park site is 100% with Gwangju City as the private park special project is in progress. The private park special project allows private developers to donate over 70% of the entire park to the municipality while constructing apartments and other facilities on the remaining less than 30% of the land.
Meanwhile, the model house for the 'Central Park Lotte Castle Signature' is located in Sangmunuri-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju, with occupancy expected in August 2027.