Heatherwick Studio's Nodeul Island Opens Waterfront Areas in Seoul Ahead of Full Soundscape Completion
On September 17, 2026, the Soundscape project by Heatherwick Studio on Nodeul Island in Seoul celebrated the opening of its waterfront areas. The London-based design firm commenced construction on the artificial island in October 2025 after securing victory in a competition held in 2024. The newly opened sections feature ecological gardens, playgrounds, picnic spots, a media installation, and a walking trail stretching 1.5 kilometers. Notable attractions include the In Between Garden, which offers a sculptural entrance with views of the Han River. Upcoming developments include an aerial park with floating islets, an art center, and a public beach, laying the groundwork for the next stage of Soundscape and marking a significant urban revitalization initiative.
Key facts
- Heatherwick Studio broke ground on Nodeul Island in Seoul, South Korea, in October 2025.
- The firm won a competition the year before to redevelop the man-made, uninhabited island on the Han River.
- The project, titled Soundscape, opened select waterfront areas to the public on September 17, 2026.
- Open spaces include ecological gardens, playgrounds, picnic areas, a large-scale media installation, and a 1.5-kilometer walking trail.
- In Between Garden is a sculptural tiered gateway offering changing views of the Han River.
- Future plans include an aerial park and walkway with seven floating, petal-like islets in a figure-eight loop.
- An art center and public beach will feature a recording studio, small concert halls, and a waterfront amphitheater.
- Neil Hubbard is a partner and group leader at Heatherwick Studio.
Entities
Artists
- Neil Hubbard
Institutions
- Heatherwick Studio
- Seoul Metropolitan Government
- My Modern Met
Locations
- Nodeul Island
- Seoul
- South Korea
- Han River