To align with national eco-friendly policies and drive sustainable regional development, Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) launched an innovative green initiative by transforming a long-neglected vacant lot (10,300 m²) within the Ulsan New Port hinterland into an eco-friendly urban forest. While Namgu Ulsan Metropolitan City faced challenges securing state-owned land for air quality improvement, UPA provided the ideal site, establishing a model public-public partnership with Namgu Ulsan office of Ulsan Metropolitan City. Together, they co-funded the $700,000 USD project and clearly divided administrative and operational roles.
To overcome implementation obstacles such as long-term abandoned waste, construction opposition from adjacent logistics companies, and complex land leveling issues, UPA formed a cross-departmental Collaborative Project Task Force. Through extensive public-private-corporate on-site consultations, the team adjusted construction schedules and layouts, ensuring smooth implementation while reinforcing construction safety.
Completed in December 2025, the project delivered a beautiful four-season themed walking park that effectively mitigates urban heat islands and significantly purifies the port environment. The urban forest captures 168 kg of air pollutants annually, reducing fine dust by 25.6% and ultrafine dust by 40.9%. This initiative successfully expands UPA’s eco-friendly portfolio, enhances the quality of life for nearby residents, and offers a highly replicable, community-friendly sustainable development framework.