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Busan Metropolitan City to Operate “2025 Citizen Gardener Beginner Course” — Recruitment Begins Tomorrow (24th)

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it will operate the “2025 Citizen Gardener Training Beginner Course” from August 2 to September 6, and will begin recruiting participants tomorrow (July 24).

The “Citizen Gardener Training Beginner Course” is the foundational phase of the “Citizen Gardener Training Project,” a mid- to long-term strategy pursued by the city to realize its vision of a garden-centered urban environment. The program is designed as a hands-on civic education initiative that enables residents to understand and cultivate gardens and contribute to their communities.

In the face of a rapidly changing urban environment, administrative-led landscaping and green space projects have limitations. Recognizing the necessity of voluntary and sustainable citizen participation, the city has established this program.

Since being designated a Local Garden in 2023, the Busan Nakdong River Garden has served as a hub for spreading the ecological and community values of garden culture. This citizen gardener training course is expected to play a key role in broadening that foundation.

Through this program, the city aims to go beyond one-time education initiatives to strengthen a sustainable citizen participation base and promote a culture of everyday action for the realization of a garden-centered Busan.

This year’s beginner course (2025) is structured to equip participants with a basic understanding and foundational skills related to gardening. It includes practical topics such as:

• ●Basic concepts of garden creation

• ●Understanding garden plants

• ●Understanding garden soil

• ●Pest and disease management for plants

The course will run twice a week (Tuesdays and Saturdays) from August 2 to September 6, totaling 10 sessions that combine classroom instruction and field practice.

Hands-on training will take place at the Busan Nakdong River Garden, enhancing participants’ engagement and satisfaction through on-site experiences.

Any Busan resident with an interest in gardening is eligible to apply and attend free of charge. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through the city’s Integrated Reservation System (reserve.busan.go.kr) from 2:00 p.m. on July 24 until 6:00 p.m. on July 30.

Graduates who complete the course will be certified as Citizen Gardeners of Busan Metropolitan City and will be eligible to participate in various programs including citizen-led garden activities, garden volunteering, and serving as garden interpreters.

In addition, the city is establishing a step-by-step educational framework to facilitate graduates’ progression into advanced courses. In the long term, the city plans to strengthen a network-based support system so that citizen gardeners can become central figures in local garden initiatives.

Ahn Cheol-soo, Director General of the Green City Bureau, stated, “Gardens are more than just green spaces in a city — they are a vital social asset that enhances quality of life and restores community. Citizens’ active participation in spreading garden culture that connects nature, cities, and people is the foundation of a garden-centered Busan.” He added, “We look forward to enthusiastic interest and participation from the citizens.”