Hanam Mayor Proposes 'K-Hangang National Garden' and 'K-Culture Complex' on Misum Island
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Hanam Mayor Lee Hyun-jae proposed a plan to transform Misum Island into a major recreational space for the Seoul metropolitan area.
- The proposal includes creating a "K-Hangang National Garden" covering 70% of the island and a "K-Culture Complex" with K-pop and film facilities on the remaining 30%.
- The mayor officially requested cooperation from Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae for the project's advancement.
Hanam Mayor Lee Hyun-jae has unveiled an ambitious vision to develop Misum Island into a premier cultural and healing destination for the Seoul metropolitan area. The plan designates approximately 70% of the island as the region's first "K-Hangang National Garden," focusing on its natural ecology, while the remaining 30% would be transformed into a "K-Culture Complex" featuring K-pop performance venues and film studios.
This initiative was formally presented to Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae during a meeting of governors and mayors held at the Gyeonggi Economic Science Promotion Agency. Mayor Lee emphasized that the project aligns with national government priorities and Governor Choo's own campaign pledges, underscoring the potential for synergistic collaboration. The "K-Hangang National Garden" aims to leverage the island's rich natural environment, creating five themed gardens and walking trails for visitors seeking relaxation and connection with nature.
The "K-Culture Complex" component of the plan is designed to foster Hanam's growth as a hub for the Korean Wave (Hallyu) cultural industry. By concentrating cultural and video-related businesses, performance spaces, and content production facilities, the city aims to become a significant center for cultural content creation and dissemination. The proposal also includes seeking the release of development restrictions (GB) to facilitate the project's implementation.
Mayor Lee's proposal highlights the strategic importance of Misum Island as a valuable natural asset within the densely populated metropolitan region. By integrating ecological preservation with cutting-edge cultural infrastructure, the plan seeks to create a unique space that offers both recreational opportunities and economic development potential, positioning Hanam as a key destination for culture and tourism.
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.