A South Korean city wanted ‘Big Tree’ landmark; It got a US$25mil letdown

The original rendering of Changwon city’s -- Big Tree -- observation tower (left) and a photo of the landmark attraction taken in July. -- PHOTOS: CHANGWON CITY

SEOUL (The Korea Herald/ANN): A South Korean port city’s attempt to build a landmark attraction to draw visitors has run into public backlash, with critics calling its new 34.4 billion won (S$31.8 million - US$ 25million) “Big Tree” observation tower a costly disappointment.

The Big Tree, which rises 46.5m in Changwon, south-eastern South Korea, was inspired by the towering Supertrees at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay.