Seoul to host event on urban park project

Seoul City will open an overpass near the Seoul Station to the public next month as part of efforts to promote its controversial urban restoration scheme, dubbed Korea’s version of “High Line Park.”

Seoul Metropolitan Government said a 1 kilometer-long section of the high-rise road in central Seoul will be opened to pedestrians on May 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is the second time the road has been opened to the public, with the first public event held in October last year.

Inspired by High Line in New York City, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon announced in January that the city would transform the decades-old overpass into a public park under the name “Seoul Station 7017 Project.”

The project aims to boost neighboring industries while preserving the historic heritage from the industrialized era, the city said. The road is 17 meters above ground and served as a connection point of the city center and the western region from the 1970s.

Manhattan’s High Line Park, a 2.5 kilometer-long linear park built 9 meters above ground on an abandoned railroad into a green space. Promoted as a resident-led urban renewal project, the park now draws about five million visitors every year, serving as a landmark in the city, officials said.

In Seoul, the project is facing protests from residents and business owners near Seoul Station, citing potential traffic congestion and sales damage.

Criticism also rose over a lack of communication with residents prior to the unveiling of the project.

In a bid to alleviate the backlash, Seoul City has held a number of public hearings and the mayor has made several visits.

At the public event next month, the city will provide a 400 meter-long artificial grass area, along with parasols and mats for an expected 2,000 citizens. Street art activities, a mobilizing library and various performances will take place, officials said.

The city will also install four booths where citizens can voice their opinion about the project. All opinions will be considered in the city’s decision-making process, authorities said.

The event is expected to cost about 100 million won ($93,000), with 40 percent supported by private companies, they added.

By Lee Hyun-jeong (rene@heraldcorp.com)