Former Korean Market Park

What I can see

Today, there is a small park of about 14 acres in the area where Pireos and Ermou Streets meet. It is the western end of the long walk of the archaeological sites and important landmarks of Athens. It has the shape of a small hill, which allows a better view of Technopolis, and at the same time favours the microclimate of the area. It is surrounded by impressive graffiti and is a place suitable for picnics, relaxation, jogging and pet walking. Most of its surface is covered with grass; there are many bushes and relatively few trees. High trees cannon be planted here, because there are antiquities (continuation of the archaeological site of Keramikos) that have been covered for their better protection. On the plateaus of the northeastern end of the park, we often see dance groups (tango, swing, breakdance, etc.) and quite often, we see parked vehicles on the park and archaeological site, especially when an event is held at the Old OSY Depot or when the adjacent bouzoukia stage operates.

What I can't see

It is also called Keramikou Park or Kamba Park and before its construction, there were small houses, old workshops, shacks, warehouses and the first +Soda, a historical dance club of Athens. Many contractors and night club owners wanted a shopping centre to be built. The residents’ strong reactions and the existence of antiquities, however, did not allow such plans. This particular park is a characteristic example of a former residential area’s transformation into a free public park, with social benefit and the protection of cultural heritage prioritized over profit.

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