Hongye Park, the signature landmark of Naepo New Town in Chungnam Province, has finished a major makeover and opened early to residents. On the 18th, the Chungnam provincial government temporarily opened the revamped, family-focused park and introduced it as a new spring outing spot.
The province has been redeveloping Hongye Park since January 2025 as a destination-style park where family, culture, and nature come together. Although completion was originally scheduled for September 2026, officials opened the park ahead of schedule — excluding the water-play area and a few unfinished facilities — to meet public demand.
The renovation adds much-needed shade and walking paths and strengthens family-oriented attractions like play areas for children. The park is divided into three zones — Family Park, Ungbi Plaza, and Jamiwon — each designed for different activities so visitors can pick the experience that fits them.
Family Park features an expanded children's playground, a water play area, a skate park, and an artificial waterfall, creating plenty of options for kids and families. Ungbi Plaza includes a lawn about twice the size of a soccer field and a large outdoor stage, making it an open space for performances, lounging, and picnics. Jamiwon offers themed gardens — rose, hydrangea, and wildflower gardens — plus the Hongye Resting Shelter to boost relaxation and healing.
The park also added a Hongye barefoot clay path and several themed walking trails to make strolls more enjoyable, along with cooling water scenery at Suam Falls and nearby streams. Trees were planted through the "Resident Participation Forest Project," which involved 1,432 residents and groups, and a Donor Wall was installed to recognize contributors.
The province plans to evolve Hongye Park into a mixed-use cultural hub by running programs tied to nearby cultural facilities. Upcoming offerings include outdoor reading programs in collaboration with the Chungnam Provincial Library and outdoor exhibitions and performances linked to the soon-to-open museum and arts center.
So Myeong-su, director of the Balanced Development Bureau, said, "Even after the park opened, we will keep improving facilities and running a variety of programs so residents keep coming back. Because we opened early, some sections remain under construction, so please be cautious and prioritize safety."
Officials expect the temporary opening to give residents a fresh place for culture and relaxation and to help the area's cultural growth. By highlighting the park's ecological value and historical significance, the project aims to offer locals a lasting harmony of nature and culture.
Chungnam — Reporter Kim Chang-young cy12200@viva100.com
