A Plan and Strategy on Garden Creation for National Garden Designation: Focused on Worasan Garden in Jinju, South Korea

Background and objective: This study was conducted to establish a plan and promotion strategies for designating Worasan Garden in Jinju as a national garden.Methods: First, we examined the legal designation requirements and related regulations of national gardens through literature reviews, field investigations, and interviews regarding Suncheonman National Garden and Taehwagang National Garden, which were designated. We also conducted case studies on the organizational structure for national garden designation in terms of administration; spatial composition, major plant materials, and facilities in terms of garden planning; operating hours, management/operation organizations, and other garden characteristics in terms of operation.Results: The concept and designation requirements of national gardens are set by law. Worasan Garden is located in the gentle mountain area of Worasan, where forests damaged by forest fires in the past were restored by the voluntary effort of citizens, and is connected to four villages with the rural landscape. By converging the climate and vegetation of the southern region with the mountain topography, rural culture, and historical resources, Worasan Garden can be planned as a national garden with differentiation and identity. To effectively promote national garden designation, it is first necessary to hold garden expansion campaigns such as citizen publicity and garden education to obtain citizens' positive awareness, support, and participation. The garden hinterland must be designated as a green district to prevent sprawl. Cooperation with local residents, experts, and related organizations, as well as training in human resources, are also needed. Events such as a garden expo are required to improve the image. There must also be garden publicity and marketing as well as regional tourism. It is also necessary to establish garden-related ordinances and integrated plans.Conclusion: The Jinju government must first register Worasan Garden as a local garden. It is necessary to establish a creation plan and implementation strategies to meet the requirements for national garden designation from the point where preparations are made for a local garden. The garden must be planned and designed so that it has an identity as a national garden and is differentiated from others by combining the symbol of forest restoration in Worasan Mountain, the characteristics of the forest landscape in the southern region, and the image of urban countryside villages that represent the historical and cultural resources of Jinju. The implementation strategies require a bottom-up resident participation plan by obtaining positive awareness, support, and participation of citizens for national gardens, establishing laws and systems, and performing administrative or financial tasks.