When most people arrive in Chicago, they often talk about the forest of buildings in downtown.

However, after just a few days, everyone wonders, "Why are the city parks so large here?"

Looking at the Chicago area, it feels like the city itself is built on top of parks, rather than just having one park in each neighborhood.

The key player that makes this possible is the Chicago Park District.

They manage over 600 parks. In fact, once you live here, you find a decent park popping up just 5 to 10 minutes away by car.

Unlike in Korea, where you plan to go to a park on the weekend, here parks are simply part of everyday life.

At the center of it all is Grant Park. Located right in front of downtown and facing Lake Michigan, this park is literally Chicago's front yard.

If you visit on a summer evening, you'll see the Buckingham Fountain shooting water in sync with music, and that scene makes you think, "Wow, this city was really well designed."

When large music festivals like Lollapalooza are held here, the atmosphere completely transforms.

Sitting on the grass with a beer while listening to music can make you question whether you're in a city or a vacation spot.

Just a little further north, the vibe changes dramatically.

Millennium Park has a more sophisticated and modern feel.

One cannot miss Cloud Gate, also known as 'The Bean'.

At first glance, it just looks like a shiny bean, but as you take photos, you find yourself strangely compelled to keep snapping pictures.

The distorted cityscape reflects in it like a mirror, creating a strangely addictive experience.

In the summer, free concerts are held at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and when you see people laying out blankets and enjoying the music, you might think, "Shouldn't this cost something?"

If you really want to feel the scale, you should visit Lincoln Park. This place feels more like a long urban axis than just a park.

It stretches endlessly along the lake, with joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers constantly passing by throughout the day.

Especially the fact that Lincoln Park Zoo is free surprises everyone when they first hear about it.

Heading south, you'll find Jackson Park, which has a different atmosphere.

This park is a historic site where the World's Fair was held in 1893, giving it a sense of time accumulated within the park itself.

The Japanese garden is perfect for a quiet stroll, and if you continue to the nearby Museum of Science and Industry, you'll find the day passes quickly.

These days, with the Obama Presidential Center being built, this area is expected to gain even more attention.

What's interesting about this city is that parks are not just "nice spaces to look at".

Basketball courts, baseball fields, swimming pools, and even ice rinks in winter change their roles with the seasons. In summer, people sweat it out, in winter, they glide on ice, and in spring and fall, just walking around is enjoyable. Plus, the costs are quite reasonable, so many people engage in sports or hobbies at the parks.

Ultimately, while everyone may have different feelings about the weather in Chicago, the park system is something that almost everyone is satisfied with.

Being able to enjoy such vast nature in the middle of the city makes a significant difference. That's why people living in this city often say, "Here, parks are not just parks; they are part of life."