A former garbage-filled hill in Seoul's Nowon-gu district has been transformed into a vibrant hydrangea garden and public tourist attraction [1, 2].
This restoration represents a shift in urban land management, turning a degraded environmental hazard into a community asset that promotes biodiversity and public wellness. By reclaiming land once used for waste, the city has created a sustainable green space for residents.
The site, located on Chooan Mountain, was previously damaged by the accumulation of waste [1, 2]. The transformation process culminated in 2023, when the area was officially reborn as a flower hill [2]. To achieve this, officials planted approximately 10,000 hydrangea plants [2]. These plants comprise 20 different species of hydrangeas, ensuring a diverse display of colors, and textures across the landscape [2].
Nowon-gu officials have utilized the space to host a hydrangea festival, which attracts large crowds during the peak blooming season. The event has brought new energy to the district as visitors gather to view the floral displays. YTN reporter Moon Sang-ah said the garden is particularly active during these festivities.
"Hydrangeas show their beautiful figures as summer deepens," Moon said [1].
The project focused on restoring the natural integrity of the hill while providing a curated aesthetic experience for the public. The transition from a waste site to a botanical garden serves as a model for other urban areas facing similar land degradation issues. Moon said the site was once damaged by garbage accumulation but was reborn as a bright flower hill in 2023 [1].
"A festival is also held here where hydrangeas are full, and it is lively with many visitors," Moon said [1].
“A former garbage-filled hill in Seoul's Nowon-gu district has been transformed into a vibrant hydrangea garden.”
The conversion of Chooan Mountain's waste site into a botanical garden highlights a growing trend in 'urban acupuncture,' where small-scale environmental restorations are used to improve the overall quality of life in densely populated cities. By integrating 20 different species of plants, the project moves beyond simple landscaping to create a managed ecosystem that mitigates the legacy of urban pollution.
