Honorary reporter Angelina Khodotova from Russia
Photos = Angelina Khodotova and Flikr 

Not so far from the hip and lively Hongdae district of Seoul is Haneul (Sky) Park, which attracts many people not just for its eco-friendly qualities but also through annual festivals like the Silver Grass Festival in October.

Peacefully wandering around the park and enjoying the view and fresh air make it hard to believe that the area used to be an ugly landfill.

Haneul Park is noted for its reed fields.

From the 1990s to early 2000s, Seoul saw a huge eco-regeneration project in the Nanjido area consisting of five zones including the park. With Nanjido used as a landfill, other issues arose like the absence of sustainable land use in Korea, lack of officially designated landfills and unsanitary burial of waste. 

This worsened air and water quality in the area and significantly degraded the ecosystem. So the city government made plans to turn the landfill into a park.

The park also has a view of Seoul's Hangang River.

The park quickly became a favorite leisure spot for residents and tourists on weekends, with crowds going up the steps of the hill and walking around the park. Like the restoration of Cheonggyecheon Stream, the Nanjido project significantly enhanced air and water quality in the capital. 

Hangeul Park can be reached via a 291-step wooden stairway or the park's electric tram.

Haneul Park and the Nanjido project are benchmarks of urban planning that turned an ugly city spot into a vibrant green space.

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.