Seoullo 7017 / Korea Times file



Landmark landscaping project to create Seoul's own High Line falls short of ambitions



By Lee Suh-yoon



Even on the rare afternoons with good weather and blue skies, walking from one end to the other of Seoullo 7017 is rarely the therapeutic journey one might expect of an urban garden.



Seventeen meters above the ground and unsheltered, the sun and wind pounded mercilessly on passersby on Tuesday. On this old overpass-turned-skywalk, inspired by New York's famous High Line, the air felt stuffier than the shaded sidewalks below. Tourists and office workers from nearby buildings squeezed themselves into sparse patches of shade.





Entrance to Seoullo 7017 from Namdaemun / Korea Times file

More concrete than soil and vegetation, the skywalk offered little respite from urban heat and noise. Heat rose back up from where it was absorbed into the uncovered concrete. The plants ― confined in small concrete pots ― were too short or thinly spread out to offer proper shade.



Considering the record-breaking heat wave last summer and fine dust invasion in winter and spring, it's no surprise the walkway got grim reviews from local media and travel sites.



With temperatures climbing even faster than last year, Seoul City officials say they will be better prepared this time round, setting up mist sprays, fans and sun canopies between the plants. Small air-conditioned cafes dotted along the kilometer-long stretch will also be made available to the public.



"We hope many citizens will participate in the various events planned for the second anniversary of Seoullo 7017 and its diverse plants. Through meticulous management of the flora and the hosting of varying cultural events, we want to develop Seoullo into an urban garden and cultural landmark."



According to Seoul Metropolitan Government, 287 species of plants are on display at Seoullo 7017. Translated into Korean, Seoullo means both "toward Seoul" and "Seoul Road." The number 7017 tagged to the name represents the year the overpass was first built ― 1970 ― and the year it was remade into a skywalk ― 2017. The conversion ― led by Dutch architect Winy Maas ― cost around 60 billion won ($50 million). Being the centerpiece of Mayor Park Won-soon's vision for a pedestrian-friendly Seoul, the elevated walkway has been chosen to host various community events including walkathons and regular sign-up performances.





Seoullo 7017 from above / Korea Times file





A busking performance at Seoullo 7017 / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government