Jayu Park
Park complex in Incheon, South Korea
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jayu Park (Korean: 자유공원; Hanja: 自由公園; RR: Jayu-gongwon), also known as Freedom Park, is an urban park located in Incheon, South Korea. Established in 1888, it is the first Western-style park of Korea.[2]
| Jayu Park | |
|---|---|
Main square in the park (2023) | |
 Interactive map of Jayu Park | |
| Location | Incheon, South Korea |
| Coordinates | 37°28′32″N 126°37′19″E |
| Area | 68,555㎡[1] |
| Created | 1888 |
| Status | Open all year |
| Parking | Available |
Description
The park is located on a hill overlooking the city's harbor. Prominently placed is a statue of general Douglas MacArthur. The park also houses a small zoo and a memorial to the Joseon–United States Treaty of 1882.[3] The park is also renowned for its cherry blossom blooming season.[4]
History
Jayu Park reflects Korea's modern and contemporary history. In 1888, the park was managed by the Foreign Residents' Association, so citizens at that time called it Gakguk-gongwon. After 1914 when foreign settlements were abolished and the park management rights were transferred to Incheon, its name was changed to Seo-gongwon or Yamate Park. After the March First Movement in 1919, Hanseong Provisional Government was declared in the park.[5]
After Korea's liberation in 1945, it was called Manguk-gongwon. More than half of the park was destroyed in the Korean War.[5] After the statue of Douglas MacArthur who lead the Battle of Inchon was built in 1957, its name was changed to Jayugongwon.[6]
Incident
In 2005, a pro-North Korea group (우리민족연방제통일추진회의) protested for the removal of the MacArthur statue.[7]
Gallery
View of the port of Incheon from the park (2006)
Korea-USA friendship monument (2007)
Statue of Douglas MacArthur (2025)
