An ordinary walking path has been transformed into an open-air gallery, thanks to a generous donation from a sculptor who has called the neighborhood home for six decades.
Seodaemun-gu announced Friday that sculptor Ju Young-suk, a Bukahyeon-dong resident of more than 60 years, recently donated 13 of her works to Bokjusan Neighborhood Park (1016-2 Bukahyeon-dong). District Mayor Park Un-gi made the announcement.
The donation was driven by Ju's deep affection for the community where she has spent most of her life and her wish that neighbors be able to enjoy art and culture as part of their everyday routines.
The district installed the sculptures at the park's main entrance, a high-traffic spot easily accessible to residents, turning what had been an unremarkable gateway into a culturally enriched space.
The donated works center largely on the theme of "family," offering warmth and emotional comfort to visitors of all ages.
The project is being held up as a model of cooperation between local government and a community artist — one that significantly improved the park's environment and cultural character without drawing on public funds.
"This donation goes beyond placing sculptures in a park — it is a meaningful gift of cultural richness to residents' daily lives," district mayor Park said. "We will continue to nurture Bokjusan Neighborhood Park as a space where art and relaxation coexist."
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