Discovering Seoul’s Lush, Elevated Oasis
As I stepped onto the towering, verdant platform of Seoullo 7017 Skygarden, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. What was once a dreary, concrete overpass had been transformed into a vibrant, elevated garden – a true oasis in the heart of bustling Seoul.
Wandering along the 983-meter walkway, I was surrounded by an incredible array of Korean flora. Over 24,000 plants, representing 228 different species and sub-species, had been meticulously arranged in 645 tree pots. The sheer biodiversity on display was truly staggering, with 50 different plant families, including trees, shrubs, and flowers, all thriving in this unique urban environment.
An Instagrammer’s Dream
For any avid Instagrammer or photographer, Seoullo 7017 was a veritable treasure trove of photogenic delights. Around every corner, I discovered new and intriguing subjects to capture – from the striking architectural lines of the elevated walkway to the vibrant, colorful blooms that seemed to spill out in every direction.
One of my favorite spots was the alphabetized plant displays, where each species was neatly labeled, making it easy for me to identify and showcase the incredible diversity on my feed. I couldn’t resist snapping shots of the intricate leaf patterns, the delicate petals, and the lush, verdant foliage that surrounded me.
But the true magic of Seoullo 7017 wasn’t just in the plants themselves. The unique vantage point, hovering high above the bustling streets of Seoul, offered breathtaking views of the city skyline. I found myself drawn to the juxtaposition of the natural and the urban, capturing the way the Skygarden seemed to float effortlessly above the concrete jungle below.
Connecting with the City
As I explored Seoullo 7017, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of connection to the city itself. This wasn’t just a garden – it was a living, breathing part of Seoul’s urban fabric, a place where the natural and the manmade coexisted in perfect harmony.
The project, spearheaded by the Dutch architecture firm MVRDV, was designed to be a catalyst for a greener, more pedestrian-friendly Seoul. By transforming a forgotten overpass into a public park, the city was able to not only create a stunning new attraction but also to strengthen the bonds between the local community and their urban environment.
According to MVRDV, the Skygarden was designed to “connect all patches of green in the wider area” and to serve as an “urban nursery” for the surrounding neighborhoods. Small mobile pots were even added, allowing visitors to take home seeds and plants to grow in their own gardens, further strengthening the connection between the Skygarden and the city it serves.
Capturing the Seasons
One of the most remarkable aspects of Seoullo 7017 was its ability to transform with the changing seasons. As I returned to the Skygarden at different times of the year, I was treated to a constantly evolving landscape of color and beauty.
In the spring, the park came alive with a vibrant display of blossoms, from delicate cherry trees to lush azaleas. I found myself drawn to the soft, pastel hues and the gentle breeze that rustled through the leaves. Summer brought a riot of verdant foliage, with towering trees and cascading vines that seemed to reach out and embrace the urban skyline.
As autumn arrived, the Skygarden transformed once more, with the leaves turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. It was during this time that I captured some of my most striking and dynamic shots, as the warm tones contrasted beautifully with the urban backdrop.
Even in the winter, when the plants seemed to retreat into a state of dormancy, the Skygarden retained a certain charm. The bare branches and the muted colors created a serene, almost contemplative atmosphere, and I found myself drawn to the interplay of light and shadow that danced across the walkway.
Illuminating the Night
But Seoullo 7017’s magic didn’t end when the sun went down. At night, the Skygarden took on a whole new persona, as the park was illuminated in a soft, blue glow that seemed to accentuate the natural beauty of the plants.
According to MVRDV, the blue lighting was specifically chosen to be “friendly to nature,” creating a serene and inviting atmosphere for both visitors and the plants themselves.
As I wandered the Skygarden under the night sky, I was struck by the sense of tranquility and wonder that pervaded the space. The city lights below seemed to fade into the background, and I felt transported to a different realm – one where the natural world and the urban environment coexisted in perfect harmony.
Connecting with the Hotel Stay Inn Seoul
During my time exploring Seoullo 7017, I had the privilege of staying at the nearby Hotel Stay Inn Seoul, a chic and modern accommodation that perfectly complemented the Skygarden’s unique charm.
The hotel’s location, just a stone’s throw away from the elevated park, made it the ideal base for my photographic adventures. I could easily slip away from the bustling streets and immerse myself in the tranquility of Seoullo 7017, capturing the ever-changing seasonal displays and the breathtaking city views.
But the connection between the hotel and the Skygarden went beyond mere convenience. The hotel’s design and amenities were clearly inspired by the surrounding natural environment, with plenty of greenery and a focus on sustainability that echoed the ethos of the Skygarden project.
Whether I was relaxing in the hotel’s serene courtyard garden or gazing out over the city from my room’s panoramic windows, I felt a deep sense of connection to the vibrant, living oasis that was Seoullo 7017. It was as if the Skygarden had extended its verdant embrace to encompass the entire neighborhood, creating a harmonious and visually stunning urban landscape.
Conclusion: A Verdant Oasis in the Heart of Seoul
As I reluctantly bid farewell to Seoullo 7017 Skygarden, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and inspiration. This truly was a one-of-a-kind destination, a place where the natural world and the urban environment had come together in a breathtaking display of beauty and innovation.
Whether you’re an avid Instagrammer, a nature lover, or simply someone who appreciates the power of urban design to transform a city, Seoullo 7017 is a must-visit destination. From the stunning seasonal displays to the breathtaking city views, this elevated garden is a true oasis in the heart of bustling Seoul – a place where you can disconnect from the chaos of the city and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the natural world.
So, the next time you find yourself in Seoul, be sure to carve out some time to explore Seoullo 7017 Skygarden. Your Instagram feed (and your soul) will thank you.
