Seoullo 7017: Where To Walk In Seoul, Korea
If you’re headed down to central Seoul, Korea and happen to be transiting through Seoul Station, then you cannot miss a walk along Seoullo 7017. This elevated pedestrian walkway completely changed the major roadway outside of the ever busy Seoul Station in 2017 and hosts events by day and light shows by night.
There’s more to see around Seoul Station than most people realize and this is one thing that has gained a lot of attention not only for what it provides to see like the Seoullo 7017 Skygarden, but also what it provides a safe place to walk for pedestrians in the downtown Seoul area.
If you’re headed downtown to Seoul Station to hop onto the KTX train to make a trip across the country or to ride the Wine Train or just want something fun to do in central Seoul, check out this must see place in Seoul.
Here’s what to know about Seoullo 7017:
- How To Get There
- Basic Info
- What To Know
- What To See
- What To Eat
- More Urban Regeneration Projects In Seoul
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How To Get There
Address: 405 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 용산구 한강대로 405 (동자동))
Directions: Walk out of Seoul Station, exit 2 and you’ll see the pedestrian walkway above. You can also find it from Hoehyeon Station, exit 5.
- Take the Seoul City Hop On/Hop Off Bus: You can buy the ticket for this bus here. And to get more information about the bus, here is a guide to the Hop On/ Hop Off Bus In Seoul.
Basic Info
Night Tours: Trazy offers a night tour to take people to Namsangol Hanok Village, N Seoul Tower, Seoullo 7017 and the Dongdaemun Design Plaza all after the sun has set and the beautiful lights of these places have come on. Definitely check it out to get all of those glorious twinkling night views.
What To Know
What is Seoullo 7017?
Seoullo 7017 is an elevated walkway that offers a lovely pedestrian-friendly space in downtown Seoul from Malli-dong past Seoul Station to Namdaemun Market. The name Seoullo means “Seoul Road” or “towards Seoul” and 7017 comes from 1970 when the road was originally built and 2017 when it was turned into the public park that it now is.
How Seoullo 7017 came to be
In the 90s some concerns were raised regarding the safety of the roadway structure and it was completely closed down in 2006. The symbol of economic growth was set to be demolished in 2015, but Mayor Park Won Soon suggested turning it into an urban park much like New York City’s High Line Park and from there the inspiration was born.
After a couple years of transformation thanks to a partnership with MVRDV, a Dutch architecture and urban design firm, the structure was opened again to locals and tourists in 2017.
The creation of Seoullo 7017 was a big step in making the downtown area of Seoul, Korea greener, more attractive, and pedestrian friendly. The introduction of this green thoroughfare has become a catalyst to a lot more activity and events in the area taking place.
How long is Seoullo 7017?
Seoullo 7017 is a 983 meter long pedestrian walkway and park.
Pedestrian Friendly
The best thing about the path is that it adds a pedestrian friendly area that ONLY pedestrians can access. Throughout Seoul it’s painfully obvious how little pedestrians are given respect on thoroughfares especially when a motorbike or other wheeled contraption goes flying by on a side walk. The other thing about this path that is notable is that there is hope it will revitalize interest in some of the districts along the route that have been overlooked what with the growth of areas like City Hall and the shopping mecca of Myeongdong.
The districts of Malli-dong, Jungnim-dong, and Cheongpa-dong that the walkway goes through offer some historical spots to see as well from the Culture Station Seoul 284 to Gaemi Supermarket that has been in business for more than 100 years. Take a way and see some other great spots while you’re down there. There are also some great spots downtown to get observatory like views from above. Be sure to check those spots out as well and add them to your must-visit Seoul sites.
What To See
There are 17 exits along the path leading into the nearby districts with restaurants new and old and cafes and more. There are cafes that are simply decorated with everything in the space in the same color which makes them very aesthetically appealing. A gallery, souvenir shop and restaurants are on top and accessible via paths that exit the path. Get ready to see what there is to see!
Malli-dong Plaza
From ground level, you wouldn’t even realize that there is a deep hollowed out area that is a design lover’s dream of steps and reflective surfaces. It’s just one of the coolest architectural accents in Seoul. While there are often new places built, Seoul is currently going through a recycling and adapting phase as well. Just as they took a previous overpass and built a pedestrian walkway, they’ve taken the old Sewoon Market and revitalized. It’s amazing to see these projects changing the face of downtown Seoul.
Once you step down into the crevice can you really appreciate the thought behind this installation. This was by far the most artistic and photo-worthy area of Seollo for me. Most people I’ve shown these images to and suggested a visit were shocked to see that the installation is NOT just the above ground reflective panels. You really cannot tell that there is an amazing area beneath until you’re right on top of it so definitely get really close to appreciate this awesome outdoor area.
Docking Seoul
The newest addition to the Seoullo 7017 experience, you can find a turn off on Seoullo 7017 that will take you to this ramp now named Docking Seoul that was once a conduit for cars from the road to the parking lot in Seoul Station. Today, it is a regenerated urban space filled with artistic installations that are meant to make you feel like you’re traveling through the universe.
- Address: Seoul Private Railway Station, 405 Hangang-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울 중구 한강대로 405 경부고속철도서울민자역사)
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00am ~ 8:00pm
- Admission: Free
Flowers and Plants
The pathway that is 17 meters high in some areas has approximately 24,000 seasonal flowers and plants in what is called the Seoullo Sky Garden. There are 645 giant concrete pots that have trees, flowers and other plants from 50 different families of plants overflowing from the tops.
Night Lights
I do recommend heading to the pathway in the evening while the sun is still out to get the most out of your Seoullo 7017 experience. Take a walk along the path in the light and then then head somewhere for a coffee or something to eat and come back out when it’s darker out. The Seoullo path is equipped with beautiful neon lights on the flower pots and at night the staircases and pots light up. Get a different perspective.
There is also a light show on various buildings in the area too so you can stop and enjoy a little show. In every season, this is a fun place to walk and from day to night too.
Where To Eat
There are some eateries housed ON Seoullo 7017 that has some basic eats but there are also plenty of options nearby. Here is where I recommend to eat in or on Seoullo 7017.
Very Street Kitchen (베리키친)
Very Street Kitchen is a trendy restaurant in the area that serves up a rather diversified menu and everything is sure to hit the spot. The exterior of the building grabs attention easily with its simple brick, emerald door and a simple sign that says “VERY”. The interior is a bit dark and moody but in just the right way. While tables are long and seating is shared, it doesn’t feel like you’re ever too close to those around you if you don’t want to be. Walk in and you’ll instantly feel at home in the cozy atmosphere.
The restaurant serves up foods that are often seen as street foods in various cities and the names of the dishes reflect where the recipe originally came. Dishes bear names like Bangkok, Taipei, Singapore, New Orleans, Canton, Barcelona, Sokcho, and Tokyo. We tried both the Napoli calamari and the braised pork belly from Taipei and dang were they delicious.
- Address: 205 Mallijae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울시 중구 만리재로 205)
- Hours: Monday – Saturday: 5:30pm ~ 11:00pm (CLOSED Sundays)
7017 Seoul Bibimbap
Located at the Malli-dong Plaza end of the walkway, 7017 Seoul Bibimbap is a casual Hansik eatery. This eatery serves up the standard Korean fare from bibimbap with side dishes to stir-fried pork and bulgogi too. This is probably the best eatery to head to if you really want a filling meal on the Seoullo. They have seasonal bibimbap as well with seasonally fresh vegetables available.
- Hours: 11:30am ~ 10:00pm
Rose Bingsu
Rose Bingsu offers a selection of bingsu, the popular Korean shaved ice dishes, as well as a selection of Korean style pastries along with coffee.
- Hours: 10:00am ~ 10:00pm
Hydrangea Bread
This little bakery of sorts has a selection of Korean style toast sandwiches, meaning a sliver of meat and a lot of cabbage, and a few drinks. If you like Isaac Toast, you’ll like this too.
- Hours: Weekdays: 11:00am ~ 10:00pm; Weekends & Holidays: 10:00am ~ 10:00pm
Magnolia Cafe
Stop here for coffee and ice cream. This is a retro take-out only style stop with seasonal Korean treats and organic soft-serve ice cream.
- Hours: 10:00am ~ 10:00pm
Acorn Sweets
Acorn sweets and buns are what you’ll find inside this stop off. This is a special Seoullo-themed snack sold only at Seoullo 7017. Enjoy the bite-sized custard cream filled acorn sweets. You can take them on the go. They’re a great snack.
- Hours: Weekdays: 11:00am ~ 10:00pm; Weekends: 10:00am ~ 10:00pm
More Urban Regeneration Projects In Seoul
If you’re interested in urban regeneration projects in Seoul, Korea, then you have plenty to check out. Here are some more really cool things to see in Seoul:
- Since you’re already in the area, definitely stop in to see the free culture and arts space in the old Seoul Station, now called Culture Station 284.
- B39 in Bucheon is a culture and arts space that was made from a building previously used for compacting trash.
- Oil Tank Culture Park in Mapo-gu is another really cool culture and arts space now made from huge, you guessed it, oil tanks.
- Cosmo 40 in Incheon is a chemical facility turned into a cool arts and culture complex.
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9 Comments
abcdefghizzy
I love what a niche writer you are, I think its absolutely refreshing to see a city so unpacked. What is an acorn sweet? I was just walking the High Line this weekend so when I first read the intro, I immediately thought of it! Funny that it has yet to reach the point the High Line is at now, but I love the movement urban planning is going in on a global level. Can’t wait to visit it one day!
Hallie
Aw, thanks Izzy. Have you ever had a buckeye sweet in Ohio? Acorn sweets look like acorns but they’re bread on the outside with some sweet red beans on the inside. A more enticing “acorn”. Buckeyes in Ohio are a similar idea. Buckeyes are poisonous, but they are our state tree so Ohioans make look-alike sweet buckeyes with peanut butter insides dipped in chocolate. Love both of them! Urban planning is awesome and I like there’s a more green approach to it these days.
Nicole Arnott
I love all the urban regeneration projects going on in SK. They really are trying hard to make their cities much more liveable. This reminds me a lot of Cheongyecheon except overground rather than a river. It looks like the perfect place to walk along on a Sunday afternoon. Especially with all the independent businesses ♡♡♡
Hallie
Yes, it’s good to get from point A to B comfortably and leisurely. I’m excited to see how it grows over the years though. We’ll see what they let it do.
Travel with Karla
I’ve been to Seoullo but I haven’t gone to the installation at the Malli-dong plaza. I wish I read this post before I left Korea. When I went to Seoullo, most of the establishments there are closed and it was too hot to walk. It’s good that the cafes are now functioning.
Hallie
Yes, everything is open. It’s just a matter of letting things grow now. HOpe you get to come back and check it out a bit later.
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Sliver of meat and lots of cabbage. Hahahaha… I have yet to make it here, and really should make the effort soon…that Malli-dong installation looks really special. It’ll be interesting to see how this space develops and grows over time, because from what I’ve seen and heard, it seems quite bare as of yet…kinda like DDP was when it first opened.
Hallie
I’ll go to Seollo with you if you go to DDP with me.. because I have yet to go. Isn’t that hard to believe??!
Shelley @Travel-Stained
What?!!! I’m in shock. Like for real. ? We can do Uzbek food at the same time…it’s around there…