Geochang Changpo Garden, South Gyeongsang's First Local Garden, Wins Korea Garden Awards

Organized by the Korean Society of Garden Design and sponsored by the Korea Forest Service
Recognition for achievements in developing and managing a riverside ecological garden
Assessment covered water purification, ecosystem conservation, eco-friendly tourism programs, and more
Geochang County to build foundations for National Garden designation and hosting an International Garden Expo

Geochang Changpo Garden, a leading ecological tourism facility in Geochang County, South Gyeongsang Province, won the grand prize, the top honor, at the first Korea Garden Awards.

The county said Geochang Changpo Garden won the grand prize at the first Korea Garden Awards ceremony held on October 17 at Global Ace Hall in Wonhyo Hall on Dongguk University WISE Campus.

The event was sponsored by the Korea Forest Service and organized by the Korean Society of Garden Design, and was held alongside a joint Korea-Japan garden academic conference.

[Photo courtesy of Geochang County] Geochang County Mayor Lee Honggi and other officials pose for a commemorative photo after Geochang Changpowon won the grand prize, the top honor, at the awards ceremony for the 1st Korea Garden Awards held at Dongguk University WISE Campus. The event was organized by the Korea Garden Design Society and sponsored by the Korea Forest Service.

Geochang Changpo Garden was recognized for transforming unused land that had been submerged during the construction of Hapcheon Dam into a riverside ecological garden with water purification functions.

In his review of the judging, Hong Gwangpyo, an adviser to the Korean Society of Garden Design, said Geochang Changpo Garden was an example of transforming unused land in a submerged area into an eco-friendly riverside ecological garden.

In particular, Geochang Changpo Garden, the first local garden in South Gyeongsang Province, was assessed on key criteria including the conservation and management of its riverside ecosystem, carbon neutrality-related activities, and the operation of eco-friendly ecotourism programs.

Geochang Changpo Garden operates garden facilities that make use of seasonal plants and riverside scenery.

More than one million irises bloom in spring, while lotus flowers and water lilies can be seen in summer. In autumn, visitors can enjoy chrysanthemums and fall foliage, and in winter, tropical plant gardens and silver grass colonies, with viewing experiences offered throughout the seasons.

The county uses these garden facilities to provide visitors with opportunities to experience nature and enjoy a place to rest. It is also working to promote longer-stay tourism in connection with nearby tourist attractions.

The award is significant because the garden-related professional organization recognized Geochang Changpo Garden's development process, ecological environment management, and garden operations.

Geochang County plans to expand Geochang Changpo Garden's facilities in stages and improve visitor amenities and infrastructure for longer-stay tourism.

It also plans to make pursuing National Garden designation and hosting an International Garden Expo medium- to long-term goals, and to begin developing the necessary foundations.

However, National Garden designation and hosting an International Garden Expo require separate criteria and procedures, so specific project plans and schedules will need to be drawn up.

Geochang County Governor Lee Honggi said, "Geochang Changpo Garden winning the grand prize at the Korea Garden Awards is the result of the efforts of residents and officials who took part in developing and managing the garden." He added, "We will continue to expand the garden facilities and tourism infrastructure and prepare to pursue National Garden designation and host an International Garden Expo."

The county plans to maintain Geochang Changpo Garden's ecological characteristics while continuing to manage its garden facilities and expand visitor amenities.

Geochang Changpo Garden's win at the Korea Garden Awards is significant because its achievements in conserving the ecological environment and operating the garden were recognized as the first local garden in South Gyeongsang Province.

However, pursuing National Garden designation and hosting an International Garden Expo will require specific project plans and secured funding, as well as practical measures to promote tourism in connection with the local economy.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.