Suwon Ilwol Arboretum Becomes First Public Arboretum to Obtain BF Certification

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Suwon's Ilwol Arboretum has become the first public arboretum in the nation to receive 'barrier-free living environment certification' (hereinafter BF certification).

The BF certification system is an evaluation and certification process conducted by an authorized institution to verify whether facilities have been planned and installed to enable easy access and convenient use for all people, including children, the elderly, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and temporarily disabled individuals.

Suwon Special City initiated the preliminary certification process with the Korea Disabled People's Development Institute, the designated certification body, in March 2020, the early stage of arboretum construction. The city underwent final certification in 2023, and after on-site inspection in January of this year, obtained BF certification. Certification was granted for the entire Ilwol Arboretum area, including both outdoor spaces and buildings.

The city expanded BF certification of the Ilwol Arboretum beyond buildings to encompass the entire arboretum, creating a space where anyone can enjoy the facilities conveniently. The arboretum received an 'excellent' grade for BF certification, recognition for improving visitor facility accessibility and convenience of use.

Ilwol Arboretum, which opened on May 19 of last year, was developed with an area of 101,500 square meters within Ilwol Park in Cheoncheon-dong, Jang-an District. Suwon City began preparing for the arboretum's development from 2014, started construction in November 2020, and completed it in December of last year.

A city official said, "We are delighted that Ilwol Arboretum has become the first public arboretum in the nation to receive BF certification," and added, "We will continue to maintain and improve convenience facilities so that all visitors to Ilwol Arboretum can use the facilities conveniently, and we will strive to create an arboretum beloved by citizens."