Figure 4.42 Park Ambiance

The vegetation embankment was constructed at a higher level to provide sufficient allowance height of 200-year flooding level from entering the public realm. However, the initial width of the stream was too narrow to create adesired gradual slope to the ground level. The municipality had to negotiate with public sectors that own properties surround the vicinity of the stream. When the private landowners hand over the land for public usage, the municipality provides an incentive to allow the landowner to develop with higher plot ratio and density. In other words, the municipality secured horizontal public space while allowing more development vertically.

Figure 4.42 Park Ambiance Author, 2020

The landscape vegetation provides an attractive ambience of the waterfront area as an urban park. In the 2013 survey, 89% of respondents were on the fence or satisfied with the walking trail along the stream. Another intangible achievement of the restoration projects includes enhancing citizen’s awareness of the value of the natural environment. According to a survey on citizens' willingness to fund a river restoration project, the annual economic value of a natural stream appreciated by the citizens jumped from KRW 20,226 to 37,724 per household.