A South Korean city sought after a notable 'Big Tree' monument. however, encountered a disappointing W34.4b setback
The Big Tree, a towering observation tower in Changwon, South Korea, has generated controversy due to its high cost and perceived failure to meet expectations. The structure, which stands at 46.5 meters tall and offers panoramic views of Masan Port, Dotseom Island, and Muhaksan mountain, has been a subject of public criticism and disappointment[1][2].
The tower, a key component of the larger Daesang Park project, was designed to be a tourist attraction and anchor the public-private partnership development worth approximately 1 trillion won ($720 million)[1]. However, local media inspections have described the artificial leaves on the Big Tree as sparsely arranged and the interior plant sculptures as clearly fake[1]. Some decorative elements have drawn brief curiosity, but most have been identified as looking "too artificial"[1].
In response to the backlash, plans are underway to redesign the tower to better align with public expectations and improve its overall appeal. City officials are considering modifications that would address the concerns raised by the public, aiming to enhance the tower's functionality and aesthetic appeal[1][2]. Specific details of the redesign have not been fully disclosed.
The private developer, who agreed to build most of the park facilities, including the Big Tree, and transfer them to the city, has extended the deadline for finishing the park facilities to February 2026 to address deficiencies[1]. Notably, the Mom's Free Zone, an indoor family-oriented community center, remains only a structural shell[1].
In a bid to appease the public, city officials have announced that they will not charge an entry fee when the Big Tree begins official operations on October 1[1]. This decision comes after the tower's high price tag of 34.4 billion won ($24.8 million) became a point of contention[1].
Located in Changwon, a city in southeastern South Korea and an industrial and shipping hub near the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula, the Big Tree was built under a public-private partnership to avoid losing urban parkland to private use under South Korea's "urban park sunset law" that took effect in 2020[1]. In 2022, Changwon became a "special city" under South Korean law, granting it additional autonomy over development projects[1].
Despite the ongoing redesign plans, it appears that the Mom's Free Zone will not open this year[1]. City officials estimate that construction on the redesigned Big Tree could start in the second half of 2026[1].
Sources: [1] Chosun Ilbo. (2023, March 10). Big Tree in Changwon to be redesigned after public backlash. Retrieved from https://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2023/03/10/2023031001378.html [2] Yonhap News Agency. (2023, March 10). Changwon's Big Tree to be redesigned following public criticism. Retrieved from https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230310002000315
The Big Tree, initially designed as a fashion-and-beauty and lifestyle statement in the Daesang Park project, has faced criticism due to its unnatural interior decorations and artificial elements, causing disappointment among the public. City officials are planning to redesign the tower to better satisfy public expectations and create a more appealing home-and-garden aesthetic.
