The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will first open the newly renovated Seoul Square in front of City Hall to citizens on the 28th. This is the first time Seoul Square has been redeveloped since 2004, a period of 21 years.
The reason Seoul is undertaking the renovation of the square is to address problems such as a lack of shade and relaxation spaces and surrounding noise.
In addition, Seoul will plant 6 Zelkova trees around the square. Including the 24 pine trees that were planted on both sides of the square in 2023, the total will be 30 trees.
Around the square, over 300 pots of maple and sorbus will also be placed. The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to create a photo zone using these pots.
The floor of the square will be composed of fine fescue grass. This replaces the existing tall fescue grass, which can cause poor growth when temperatures rise above 25 degrees. Thus, it has been changed to grass more suitable for higher temperatures. Last year, the average summer temperature in Seoul was 25.6 degrees, an increase of 1.9 degrees from the previous year.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government stated that the recent tree planting and various garden creation efforts will result in an annual carbon reduction effect of approximately 332 tons.
The renovation of Seoul Square will take place until April of next year. Planting work will begin in November to avoid the busy spring to autumn seasons.
Lee Soo-yeon, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Research Office, said, 'Just like Madison Square Park, a pride of New Yorkers, Seoul Square will provide a deep impression and charm to citizens as well as domestic and international tourists visiting Seoul.'