A 2.54-kilometer stretch from Gwanghui Elementary School to Beotijae Station gets a green makeover with 508 million won invested
New and restored green strips cover about 1,000 square meters; shrubs and flowering plants added throughout
The Dasanno area of Jung-gu has been transformed with pocket gardens and rest spots, creating a more pleasant environment for residents and visitors alike.
Dasanno is one of Jung-gu's most active residential corridors, lined with subway stations — including Sindang, Cheonggu, Yaksu and Beotijae — as well as homes, schools, hospitals and shops. In recent years, distinctive restaurants and cafes have drawn a younger crowd to the street as well.
Jung-gu has revamped the 2.54-kilometer stretch of Dasanno running from Gwanghui Elementary School to Beotijae Station, turning it into what the district calls a "lifestyle green corridor" woven with flowers, trees and rest areas. The district invested about 508 million won ($380,000) starting in June, restoring damaged green spaces, planting pocket gardens beneath street trees and carving out rest spots in leftover roadside spaces.
The project added roughly 1,000 square meters of green strip along the street. Particular attention went to the walkway in front of Exit 10 of Sindang Station — a route used daily by Gwanghui Elementary School students — where existing greenery was restored. A new green strip was also created in front of Exit 6 of Yaksu Station near Yaksu Market, freshening up a stretch that sees heavy foot traffic.
Planting was generous throughout. Shrubs including pine, barberry and royal azalea were put in alongside flowering plants such as coreopsis and rudbeckia, with mondo grass mats filling in the gaps. Thirty-six previously bare patches beneath street trees were turned into small pocket gardens. On Oct. 13, chrysanthemums — a signature autumn bloom — were planted at various points along the street to add a seasonal touch.
The project also created places to pause. Rest areas were set up at three locations — in front of Sindang Nuri Center, in front of Nanum Church and against the retaining wall in front of Hana Pharmacy — and 10 sculptural benches were installed at various points along Dasanno. Pencil-shaped chairs were placed in the green strip in front of Gwanghui Elementary School's perimeter wall, adding a playful element to the school-front streetscape.
Aging infrastructure received attention as well. Drainage boundary blocks were installed, worn metal edging was replaced, and tree-trimming work was carried out in tandem, improving both the street's appearance and pedestrian convenience.
Jung-gu said it plans to continue expanding green spaces and rest areas throughout residential neighborhoods while improving walking conditions to make more streets pleasant to walk and linger in.
"I hope residents enjoy the flowers and trees that change with each season along the newly refreshed Dasanno, and find moments to slow down and rest as they walk," Jung-gu District Mayor Kim Gil-sung said. "We will consistently tend to our streets so that residents can enjoy greenery and relaxation in their everyday lives."
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