Roughly 10,000 hydrangea blossoms across 20 species have bloomed at Choan Mountain Hydrangea Hill in Nowon-gu, Seoul [1].
The blooming site represents a successful urban reclamation project, turning a previously damaged environment into a public natural space.
The area, known as Choan Mountain Hydrangea Hill, was once an illegal dumping site where accumulated garbage had damaged the landscape [2]. Local authorities converted the site into a flower hill in 2023 [3]. This transformation replaced the waste with a curated garden designed to attract visitors, and restore the local ecosystem.
Recent rainfall provided the necessary moisture for the current season's growth. The moisture triggered a widespread bloom across the diverse collection of plants now residing on the hill [2].
Reporter Moon Sang-ah of YTN said that about 20 species and 10,000 plants are currently in full bloom [1]. The variety of species allows for a wide range of colors and shapes, which serves as a seasonal marker for the city.
An anchor for YTN said that after the rain stopped, hydrangeas signaling the arrival of summer began to bloom in various locations [2]. The project in Nowon-gu is a primary example of how urban waste sites can be repurposed for community benefit.
The site continues to serve as a public garden, offering a contrast between the area's industrial past and its current botanical state. The 2023 cleanup project removed the legacy of illegal dumping to create the current landscape [3].
“20 species 10,000 plants are currently in full bloom.”
The conversion of the Choan Mountain site reflects a broader trend in East Asian urban planning to implement 'green recovery' projects. By transforming illegal dumping grounds into botanical landmarks, cities like Seoul can mitigate urban blight while improving public mental health and ecological biodiversity within densely populated districts.
