On the 4th, Gangnam District in Seoul announced that it opened Gwangpyeong Park in the Gwangsusan area, covering an area of 22,662 square meters (approximately 6,855 pyeong).
Gwangsusan is situated between Samsung Seoul Hospital in Ilwon-dong, Gangnam District, and Suseo Station in Suseo-dong. It houses the tomb of Prince Gwangpyeong, the son of King Sejong the Great. This area is one of the best-preserved royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty remaining in Seoul and its suburbs.
Gwangsusan has been a mixture of public and private land, preventing access for residents for a long time. Gangnam District created Gwangpyeong Park at the entrance of Gwangsusan this year to commemorate the 600th anniversary of Prince Gwangpyeong's birth.
Through discussions with private landowners, approximately 10,960 square meters (about 3,315 pyeong) of land was included in the park. Of this, the area provided by Samsung Life Insurance is 5,500 square meters (about 1,666 pyeong). Gangnam District saved 10.4 billion won in land acquisition expenses by utilizing privately owned land for the park.
Gangnam District restored damaged land and maintained trees to create a multi-cultural space with walking paths, lawns, and themed gardens. A district official noted, "Gwangpyeong Park will establish itself as an urban healing spot where visitors can enjoy forest experiences and will also provide healing and relaxation for patients and their caregivers from nearby Samsung Seoul Hospital."