A Neighborhood Park Becomes a Paris Square

A site originally planned as an ordinary neighborhood park in Mokdong New Town (Mokdong Park No. 2) became Paris Park in 1986, to mark the 100th anniversary of Korea–France diplomatic relations.

Key takeaways

Korea and France, which established diplomatic relations in 1886, marked their centennial in 1986. In response to France building a "Seoul Square" in Paris's 14th arrondissement, Korea decided to build a "Paris Square" in Seoul. Fact As a result, the planned Mokdong Park No. 2 in the New Town was renamed Paris Park, opening on July 1, 1987. Fact The park was laid out with a Korean section (Seoul Square and a pond), a French section (Paris Square), and a shared area called the Korea-France Plaza. Fact

What to look for on site

The park's symbolic layout across Seoul Square, Paris Square, and the Korea-France Plaza
The Eiffel Tower replica and French-style embroidered flowerbeds
The backdrop of how an ordinary neighborhood park became a symbol of international diplomacy

Original, site-only, restored, or recreated?

Recreated: the Eiffel Tower replica and French-style embroidered flowerbeds — these are symbolic recreations, not authentic structures transplanted from Paris.
Renovated: the fountain, circular walking path, and basketball court, remodeled in 2022 — the symbolic framework was kept, but the facilities themselves were newly rebuilt.

Avoid the misconception that this is "part of the actual Eiffel Tower." Be clear that it is a symbolic recreation.