Changwon asks public how to save its $24 million ‘ugly’ landmark

A South Korean city is asking the public for ideas to save a 34.4 billion won ($24.4 million) landmark that became famous for all the wrong reasons.

Changwon, a city in South Gyeongsang Province, said Sunday it is holding a nationwide contest to find ways to improve the appearance and usability of the 40-meter-tall Big Tree, a giant observation structure built in Daesang Park.

The structure was intended to become a new symbol of the city, but drew widespread criticism after it was unveiled last year, with residents complaining that the finished structure looked very different from earlier renderings.

During a two-week trial opening last August, 85 percent of 1,868 respondents gave negative assessments of its overall appearance. Some called for it to be demolished.

The backlash prompted the city to indefinitely postpone its official opening, originally scheduled for Oct. 1.

The controversy later widened beyond aesthetics. Following an audit, Changwon asked police in June to investigate the private developer over possible inflation of construction costs.

Now the city is turning to the public for help.

The contest, open to anyone in South Korea through Sept. 2, is seeking practical proposals to improve the Big Tree’s design, safety, convenience and potential uses. Winning ideas are expected to be announced in September and could be incorporated into future redesign plans.

A city official said details, including how much additional money would be spent on improvements, have yet to be decided.

Even under the fastest scenario, the Big Tree is unlikely to officially open before next year, the official said.