Seoullo Skygarden

Location: South Korea

Year: 2015

Seoullo Skygarden is located at the heart of Seoul, the capital of South Korea. The park was created by converting an old overpass into an elevated pedestrian walkway lined with ample greeneries, providing a walkable network above the ground.

How might we incorporate neighbourhood characters to strengthen place attachment?

The linear park is organised based on the Korean alphabet. It features a series of unique small gardens, each exhibiting its own layout, fragrance, colour, and character.

How might we promote contact with nature?

The park showcases 52 plant families, including trees, shrubs, and flowers, with around 160 species and subspecies.
Edible berries and fruit can be found throughout the Skygarden.
The scenery varies with the seasons. In autumn, vibrant foliage from the Aceraceae family (maples) can be seen, while springtime brings cherry blossoms and rhododendrons. There are evergreen conifers in winter, while in summer, there are fruit-bearing shrubs and trees.

How might we reduce waste in the construction process?

The park was repurposed from a 1970s highway initially intended to be torn down.

How might we minimise carbon emissions through design?

Seoullo Skygarden is a component of a broader initiative for enhancing the city’s walkability.

Situated adjacent to the primary station in Seoul, this 983-metre-long park stretches across the top of Seoul Station, linking Namdaemun Market to the Malli-dong, Jungnim-dong, and Cheongpa-dong districts. It unites all the green spaces throughout the surrounding area.

A variety of stairs, elevators, bridges, and escalators provide connections between the city and the park, integrating it with the neighbouring urban landscape.