Seoullo 7017 - Seoul, South Korea
Seoullo 7017, also known as the Seoul Skygarden or Seoul Skypark, was an unexpected discovery during my stroll around Seoul Station. I originally spotted the elevated walkway while exploring the area and, curious to get a better vantage point, made my way up the stairs thinking it would simply offer a nice angle for photos of the station. To my surprise, what awaited at the top was far more than a basic pedestrian overpass.
The walkway immediately felt vibrant and thoughtfully designed. Lining the path were themed plant displays, small gardens tucked between circular planters, and a mix of shrubs and young trees arranged almost like an outdoor exhibition. Benches and terraces were placed along the route, giving visitors spots to sit and take in views of the city from above. I especially appreciated the designated photo zones marked by stickers on the ground—subtle but helpful guides for capturing Seoul’s urban landscape.
As I continued walking, the atmosphere became increasingly charming. Parents were enjoying evening strolls with their children, couples were taking photos in front of the illuminated displays, and commuters passed through casually as part of their daily routine. The elevated perspective offered a refreshing escape from the noise and crowds below, creating a linear park floating above the traffic.
I later learned that Seoullo 7017 was designed by the Dutch architectural firm MVRDV and features over 24,000 plants across 50+ themed sections. The structure was originally a highway overpass built in 1970, closed for safety reasons in 2015, and ultimately transformed into this one-kilometre pedestrian park. Its name, “7017,” reflects both its past and present—“70” for the year the overpass was completed, and “17” for the year it reopened, as well as the number of paths and connections linked to it.
I spent most of my time near the Seoul Station side of the walkway, as I wanted to capture the historic station building at night. With the soft glow of the station lights and the flow of traffic below, the elevated park provided the perfect angle for photos—both from the marked photo spots and from quieter corners where the views were equally impressive.
What started as a spontaneous detour turned into one of the most memorable urban strolls of my visit. Seoullo 7017 is only a short walk from Seoul Station, yet it offers a peaceful space filled with greenery, history, and panoramic city views.
History & Background
Seoullo 7017 is one of Seoul’s most notable examples of urban renewal. Built on a former highway flyover constructed in 1970, the structure was once used to alleviate traffic around Seoul Station. Over time, the overpass deteriorated to the point of being declared unsafe, leading to its closure in 2015. Instead of demolishing it, the city reimagined it as a public space.
Dutch architecture firm MVRDV, known for its innovative and sustainable urban designs, led the redevelopment. The concept was to create a “sky garden” featuring botanically curated plant groupings arranged alphabetically, transforming the old concrete structure into a living walkway.
Seoullo 7017 officially opened in 2017 and now connects 17 surrounding walkways, neighbourhoods, and landmarks. Its successful transformation has since become a case study in adaptive reuse—preserving historical infrastructure while revitalizing the surrounding urban environment.
Getting There
Seoullo 7017 is extremely easy to access, especially if you’re already in the Seoul Station area. I first noticed it while exploring the station grounds—the stairs leading up are clearly marked and located just outside the main exits. If you’re arriving by subway, take Seoul Station (Lines 1 & 4) and follow the signs toward the Seoullo 7017 walkway. Once you exit the station, the elevated structure is impossible to miss. It’s a short walk up the stairs or ramp, and from there, you can follow the path either toward Namdaemun Market or deeper into the connected neighbourhoods.
Route Overview
Distance: 1 km (Seoul Station → Namdaemun Market)
Total elevation gain: 19 m
Duration: 15 min (with breaks 17 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Food: ₩10,700
