Seoul 7017 Skygarden Opens: MVRDV's Elevated Park Transforms Former Highway

Seoul's 7017 Skygarden, an elevated park designed by Dutch firm MVRDV, has opened to the public, converting a former highway deemed unsafe into a 983-meter-long green artery. The project, initiated by the Seoul metropolitan government in 2015, spans over 9,660 square meters and features 645 fixed circular planters of varying diameters. Over 200 species of trees, shrubs, and flowers, selected from local flora, have been planted, totaling 24,000 plants. The park's layout follows the Korean alphabet and is conceived as a collection of small gardens, each with distinct aromatic and chromatic qualities. Landscape architect Ben Kuipers collaborated on the project, which aims to showcase South Korea's natural heritage. Future additions include bridges, elevators, stairs, and satellite gardens to enhance connections with the urban fabric. The park is open 24 hours a day, with blue nighttime lighting that can be changed for events.