[Provided by Daegu city government]
[Provided by Daegu city government]

Daegu has broken ground on its second arboretum, a forest recreation complex set to serve residents in the city's eastern districts.

The city held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday at the foot of Chorye Mountain in Sukcheon-dong, Dong-gu, with about 200 people in attendance, including Daegu Mayor Choo Kyung-ho, city lawmakers, the Dong-gu district chief and local residents.

The project carries a total budget of 41.7 billion won ($31.1 million), with construction slated for completion in June 2028 and the arboretum set to open the following month. Key facilities will include a visitor center, plant exhibition gardens, a wetland garden, an ecological trail and a parking lot.

The visitor center secured 6.5 billion won in state funding after being selected for the Korea Forest Service's domestic-timber wooden architecture demonstration project. The city plans to develop the eco-friendly timber structure into a new local landmark.

The arboretum will also expand forest education and ecological experience programs for children and teenagers. The city intends to draw family tourists by linking the site with nearby education, youth, shopping and tourism facilities.

Daegu envisions the second arboretum as the eastern district's premier forest recreation hub connecting Palgongsan and the innovation city, contributing to balanced regional development and tourism growth.

"The second arboretum will be a place of everyday rest for citizens and an ecological education space where future generations can experience nature," Mayor Choo said. "We will build this eco-friendly landmark without a hitch to improve residents' quality of life and the city's competitiveness."


kbj7653@heraldcorp.com