On October 16, 2025, Seongnam’s Jungwon-gu district buzzed with excitement as Mayor Shin Sang-jin presided over the grand opening of a newly revitalized theme park within Daewon Park—a project fifty years in the making. The event, attended by local officials, residents, and families, marked the transformation of a once-overlooked urban green space into a vibrant, multi-generational leisure destination for the city’s nearly one million residents.
The day’s celebrations unfolded in two distinct parts, each highlighting a new facet of the park’s ambitious redesign. At 4 p.m., the first ceremony was held at the Seongnam-dong Children’s Forest Playground, located opposite Seongnam Middle School. Here, children scampered across fresh play structures while parents and city officials looked on, many snapping photos to commemorate the milestone. An hour later, the festivities shifted to the Book Reading Square in Ha-daewon-dong, directly across from the Jungwon Youth Center, where community members gathered for speeches, music, and a first look at the park’s newest amenities.
Mayor Shin, beaming as he addressed the crowd, reflected on the area’s history and the significance of the transformation. “Jungwon-gu has long lacked well-developed parks where people could relax and children could play,” he said, as reported by Discovery News. “With the creation of this space, we now have a place where children can run free and elders can stroll peacefully. It’s deeply meaningful.”
He went on to emphasize the inclusive vision behind the park’s design. “After more than fifty years, Daewon Park has been reborn as an open space accessible to everyone, from barefoot clay paths to the Children’s Forest Playground. It’s a place where all generations can come together and enjoy themselves.” According to Asia Economy, Shin also highlighted the improved accessibility of the park, noting that it now serves as a vital green lung for the city’s densely populated neighborhoods.
Beyond the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, the mayor made a point to personally tour the new facilities alongside city officials, pausing at the newly built Observation Deck Rest Area to chat with residents and collect feedback. This hands-on approach, he said, was essential to ensuring the park continues to evolve in line with citizens’ needs. “We will continue to improve the park, reflecting the voices of the people, so that everyone can use it comfortably as a haven in the heart of the city,” Shin pledged, according to Ajunews.
The redevelopment project focused on upgrading previously neglected sections of Daewon Park, introducing a series of specialized theme spaces tailored to each part of the district. In Seongnam-dong, the Children’s Forest Playground and Observation Deck Rest Area now provide safe, stimulating environments for young families and those seeking a quiet place to unwind. Meanwhile, Ha-daewon-dong boasts a scenic waterfall and the Book Reading Square—a tranquil spot designed to foster both literacy and relaxation. Central-dong, not to be left out, features the new Morning Garden and Hydrangea Garden, inviting residents to connect with nature without leaving the city limits.
According to Discovery News, the city’s approach was rooted in community input and a desire to blend natural beauty with practical amenities. The theme park’s design incorporates walking paths, shaded seating, and interactive play zones, all set against a backdrop of mature trees and carefully tended gardens. It’s a far cry from the park’s earlier incarnation, which many residents remember as a patchwork of underused lawns and aging infrastructure.
“This is a park made by and for the people,” Shin remarked during his speech, echoing sentiments shared by many in attendance. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who contributed to the project’s success, saying, “I sincerely thank everyone who participated in the construction and the residents who endured inconveniences during the process.”
For longtime locals, the transformation is particularly poignant. Daewon Park, first established more than half a century ago, has witnessed the city’s explosive growth from a small satellite town to a bustling urban center. Over the decades, green spaces in Jungwon-gu struggled to keep pace with development, often leaving families with few options for outdoor recreation. The new theme park, officials hope, will help redress that imbalance by offering a safe, inclusive, and accessible environment for all.
The project’s unveiling comes at a time when urban parks are increasingly recognized as vital to public health and quality of life. Studies have shown that access to green spaces can reduce stress, boost physical activity, and foster stronger community ties—benefits that are especially valuable in rapidly urbanizing areas like Seongnam. By weaving together play areas, gardens, and gathering spaces, the Daewon Park redevelopment aims to serve as a model for other cities grappling with similar challenges.
As the sun set over the new Observation Deck Rest Area, families lingered to explore the park’s winding trails and snap selfies against the backdrop of the Hydrangea Garden. City officials, meanwhile, promised that their work was far from over. “We will continue to develop and improve this park so that it remains a comfortable resting place for all citizens,” Shin reiterated, signaling a long-term commitment to maintaining and enhancing the space.
In the coming months, Seongnam City plans to gather further feedback from residents and monitor how the new facilities are used. Officials say they’re open to making adjustments—whether that means adding more benches, expanding play areas, or introducing new community programs. The goal, they insist, is to ensure that Daewon Park remains a beloved gathering place for generations to come.
For now, though, the mood in Jungwon-gu is one of celebration and optimism. After fifty years, a once-forgotten corner of the city has been given new life—a testament to what can happen when civic vision, community input, and a little bit of patience come together in service of the public good.
