Built in 1970 next to the train station, the car overpass has now been converted into a green pedestrian bridge - or even a park - adding biodiversity to the center of the Korean capital and connecting Seoul's main traditional market Namdaemun in the east with parks in the west. New bridges and staircases connect the Seoullo 7017 Skygarden to the adjacent hotels, shops and gardens. The two main dates for the overpass - 1970 and 2017 - are reflected in its new name.
The structure, 938 m long, 9661 m2 in area and 16 m high, now accommodates plants from 50 families, a total of 228 species and subspecies. 24,000 trees, bushes and flowers are planted in 645 pots. Many of them will reach their full height within the next ten years. Thus, a record biodiversity has been created in a completely urban setting; also the idea of the Dutch architects is "stable" in that it gave the reinforced concrete structure a second life: before the flyover was planned to be demolished.
MVRDV architects worked on the project that was entrusted to them as a result of the competition in 2015, together with the city authorities and consultants, local non-governmental organizations, landscape specialists.
