Turkish Embassy partners with Seoul's southwestern district to renovate park

By Park Sae-jin Posted : June 19, 2024, 10:40 Updated : June 19, 2024, 10:40
Turkish Ambassador to Korea Murat Tamer (front right) and Yeongdeungpo district chief Choi Ho-kwon (front left) pose for a photograph after signing a joint cooperation agreement on June 18 to renovate a Turkish-themed park located in southwestern Seoul. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo

SEOUL, June 19 (AJU PRESS) - The Turkish Embassy in Korea signed an agreement with Seoul's southwestern district of Yeongdeungpo on Tuesday to cooperate in renovating a Turkish-style park there.

Constructed in 1971 to commemorate the partnership between the two countries, Ankara Park, roughly the size of three football fields, is a peaceful green space in Seoul frequented by locals. 

Inside the park, a traditional Turkish-style vineyard house welcomes visitors, exhibiting items such as traditional household utensils, carpets, and furniture. However, the decades-old vineyard house and its displayed items are currently in need of renovation.

Turkish Ambassador to Korea Murat Tamer and Yeongdeungpo's district chief Choi Ho-kwon attended a signing event held at the embassy in central Seoul. They agreed to renovate the park to attract more visitors.

In his opening address, the ambassador pledged that the embassy will do its best to support the district in revitalizing the park and the vineyard house. "Ankara Park stands as a symbol of the brotherly relationship between Korea and Turkey," said the ambassador. "I expect the park will boast better scenery and facilities through the renovation project. I hope the park will become a popular travel spot for many visitors."

The park and the vineyard house will be used as venues for exhibitions and other various cultural events to promote Türkiye and its culture.

The district has acquired a two billion-won ($1.4 million) government fund to renovate the park, and construction is currently underway. "Ankara Park is undergoing a makeover under the theme of water, and it is scheduled to reopen in July," Choi said. He added that the park and the vineyard house will play an important role in introducing Turkish culture to visitors.

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