Imagine strolling through a vibrant garden floating 17 meters above bustling Seoul streets. Welcome to Seoullo 7017 (서울로 7017), a visionary urban renewal project transforming a 1970s highway overpass into a 1km-long sky garden. Here’s why it’s a must-visit:
🌿 What is Seoullo 7017?
Born in 2017, this award-winning landmark breathes new life into an obsolete overpass near Seoul Station. The name cleverly fuses “Seoul Street” (서울로) with its birth year (2017) and height (17m). Designed by Dutch architect Winy Maas, it symbolizes Seoul’s commitment to sustainable, human-centered cities.
📍 Location & Access
- Start/End Points: Seoul Station (Subway Lines 1/4/Gyeongui-Jungang, AREX) to Namdaemun Market (Hoehyeon Station, Line 4).
- Entrances: 16 staircases/elevators spaced every 50-60m. Key access: Exit 2 of Seoul Station or Exit 5 of Hoehyeon Station.
- Tip: Enter near Lotte Mart Seoul Station for instant skyline views!
🌸 Botanical Wonderland
Seoullo houses 24,000 plants (645 species!) representing Korea’s diverse flora:
- Themed Sections: Medicinal herbs, aromatic plants, seasonal blooms (cherry blossoms in spring, fiery maples in fall).
- Unique Features: “Tree Encyclopedia” plaques, water-saving hydroponic systems, and night illuminations.
🚶 Walk Like a Local
- Stroll & Snap: Frame the Namsan Tower against modern skyscrapers or watch trains glide into Seoul Station.
- Rest Stops: Relax in minimalist pavilions, cafés (try Dal Komm Coffee), or picnic on stepped terraces.
- Cultural Pit Stops: Spot art installations, historic markers, and the “Sound Garden” with musical sculptures.
🏙️ Beyond the Walkway
Seoullo connects iconic neighborhoods:
- Seoul Station: KTX trains, modern malls, and the Culture Storage Tank art space.
- Namdaemun Market: Korea’s oldest market (650+ years!) for street food and souvenirs.
- Myeongdong: Fashion mecca (15-min walk) for shopping and Korean cosmetics.
⏰ Best Time to Visit
- Golden Hour: Sunset paints the city in warm hues – perfect for photos!
- Evenings: The garden glows with LED lights after dark (open until 22:00).
- Seasons: Spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (foliage) are magical.
✅ Visitor Tips
- Free admission (open 24/7, but shops close by 22:00).
- Comfort First: Wear walking shoes – it’s a 1.7km full loop.
- Rainy Day? Borrow transparent umbrellas (free, near entrances).
- Combine With: Hike to Namsan Tower or explore the nearby Seoul Museum of Art.
🌟 Why Foreigners Love It
> “Seoullo isn’t just a park – it’s Seoul’s living metaphor: honoring history while embracing the future. You walk above traffic, surrounded by nature, with the city’s pulse beneath your feet.”
Whether you crave skyline panoramas, botanical beauty, or a peaceful escape from street-level chaos, Seoullo 7017 redefines urban exploration. Don’t just see Seoul – elevate your perspective!
📸 Pro Tip: Capture the “Floating Stairs” installation near Namdaemun for iconic Instagram shots!