Seoullo 7017

An elevated garden walkway near Seoul Station, converted from an old highway overpass and lined with 24,000 plants. Free, open as a public path, about 1km long. A quick, breezy stroll with city views and a cafe. Pleasant but modest, more a connector than a must-see.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

How do I get there?

It's right at Seoul Station, one of the city's biggest transit hubs, served by subway Lines 1 and 4, the AREX airport train and the Gyeongui-Jungang line. Follow signs from the station toward Seoullo. That central location is a big part of its appeal as a walkable connector.

When is the best time to walk it?

Evening, when the walkway lighting comes on, the heat drops and the city lights make the views nicer. In daytime summer it can be hot and exposed with limited shade, since the plants are still relatively modest. Spring and autumn daytime are comfortable too.

Is it free and open all the time?

Yes, it's a free public pedestrian walkway open around the clock. There's no ticket. As a piece of city infrastructure connecting neighborhoods over the rail tracks, you can walk it anytime, though it's most pleasant and best-lit in the evening.

What's nearby to combine it with?

Namdaemun Market, one of Seoul's biggest traditional markets, and the Namdaemun (Sungnyemun) gate are close, as is Myeongdong. You can walk Seoullo, then dive into the market for street food and shopping, which makes the sky garden a decent opening leg of a downtown afternoon.

What is Seoullo 7017 exactly?

It's a former elevated highway overpass by Seoul Station, redesigned by Dutch firm MVRDV into a public sky garden that opened in 2017. The path runs about 1km and is planted with some 24,000 trees, shrubs and flowers in concrete pots, a High Line-style urban walkway.

Is Seoullo 7017 worth visiting?

Honestly, it's a modest attraction. It's a nice enough 20-minute stroll with views over Seoul Station and the surrounding streets, but it doesn't rival the city's palaces or parks. Treat it as a scenic shortcut or a quick add-on, not a reason to cross town.

How does it compare to New York's High Line?

It's clearly inspired by that idea but is shorter, more sparsely planted and more of a concrete-and-pots feel than a lush garden. Reception has been mixed for that reason. If you loved the High Line, temper expectations here; it's a lighter version in a busier transit setting.

Are there things to do along the walkway?

There's a cafe and small rest spots, informational signage about the plants, and connections down into surrounding neighborhoods like Namdaemun and Cheongpa. It's more about the walk and the vantage point than activities. Combine it with the nearby Namdaemun Market for a fuller outing.

Nearby in Ask Seoul

• NohnoBar0.66 km · 8 min walk
• Namdaemun MarketMarket0.74 km · 9 min walk
• Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA)Museum0.95 km · 12 min walk
• Namsan ParkPark0.99 km · 12 min walk
• Jeonju Jungang HoegwanRestaurant1.04 km · 13 min walk