The '7017' in the name refers to the year 1970, when the overpass was built, and 2017, the year it was repurposed.
The structure was originally slated for demolition due to structural safety concerns before the city decided to convert it into a public park.
The park contains approximately 24,000 individual plants arranged in a specific sequence to reflect the Korean alphabet order.
The walkway features transparent glass floor sections that allow pedestrians to look directly down at the traffic passing below.
Footbaths are provided at specific points along the park for visitors to soak their feet during warmer months.
The park contains a specialized 'Safety Tree' nursery section where researchers monitor the health and growth of various native species.
Seoullo 7017 is an elevated linear park built on the repurposed structure of a former highway overpass connecting the western and eastern sides of Seoul Station. The park spans 1,024 meters and incorporates 645 large tree planters featuring 228 species of trees and shrubs native to Korea. Architects integrated 17 pedestrian paths that connect the walkway directly to surrounding neighborhoods, malls, and hotels. The design reflects the year 1970, when the overpass was first built, and 2017, the year it reopened as a pedestrian zone. The structure features LED lighting systems that illuminate the walkway in different colors at night. Visitors can access various visitor centers, small cafes, and performance stages integrated into the park design. It serves as a botanical bridge above the heavy traffic of the Seoul Station area. The project was inspired by the High Line in New York City, though it maintains a distinct focus on local plant life and urban connectivity.
The glass-floored sections looking down at the highway interchanges during evening hours.
Visit during the golden hour to see the park's blue LED lighting transition against the sunset.
Utilize the connected walkways to explore the Namdaemun Market area without needing to cross busy street-level intersections.
Bring a portable fan or cooling scarf in summer as the concrete structure retains heat and provides limited overhead shade.
Visiting during the peak heat of a summer afternoon, as the elevated concrete pathway offers little natural shade.
Cyclists are required to dismount and walk their bikes; avoid walking on the designated plant soil zones.
