Day 11

Today we visited Seoullo 7017 Skygarden. This was an area that I had done some research on prior to the trip, so I was very excited to visit. Basically, there was an overpass in central Seoul that was no longer able to hold the weight of its daily traffic, so they converted it into a garden, finishing the project in 2017. I think this area is incredible. They have a lot of features, and the design of the garden is meticulous and very user oriented.

Along the former overpass is hundreds of potted plants. They range in size. On each pot is a label of the plant, and is a QR code so that the visitor can easily learn about the plant. They also have a piano, and two structures you can walk up onto that can give you an even higher view of the amazing surrounding scenery. I love green projects like this because of its benefits to the environment, and its benefits to people/visitors. While the area does offset the urban heat island effect and filter the air, both to a small extent, I think the value of this place is the impact on the user. Aside from giving breathtaking views of the city, it helps to keep the visitor aware of the importance of the environment, through learning about the plants, and keeps them in touch with nature by creating visually appealing surroundings of greenery. My only criticism of this area is that is does not have lots of seating, as do a lot of public places in Seoul.

First is a panoramic video of the skygarden

Second is a picture of a potted plant with a label, and a QR code.