Nodeul Global Art Island

Major cities around the world are turning innovative architectural designs into local landmarks, utilizing them to improve their urban image, enhance value, and provide leisure spaces for citizens.

· The construction of innovative design buildings in Seoul has been hindered by regulations such as height, building coverage ratio, and floor area ratio restrictions, as well as complex review processes.

Accordingly, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has decided to establish an institutional foundation to enable the construction of innovative buildings throughout Seoul and to promote the spread of innovative design.

· As a concrete measure to this end, 'Urban and Architectural Design Innovation' was announced in February 2023, and Nodeul Island was selected as the site for the first pilot project.

· In February 2024, an international invited design competition will be held by inviting globally recognized domestic and international architects, and the final proposal will be finalized in May.

│Project Overview│

(Key Content) Transforming Nodeul Island into a representative Seoul landmark where nature and art harmonize through innovative design, and promoting it as the first public project for urban and architectural design innovation.

(Project Goal) Nodeul Island, the center of global culture and arts

(Location and Area) Area around 445, 446 Yangnyeong-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 119,854㎡

(Key Contents) Creation of waterfront cultural spaces (waterfront and base) and sky art gardens (aerial and ground)

│Selection of Final Design Proposal│

· In May 2024, 'Soundscape' by Thomas Heatherwick, a world-renowned architectural designer known as the "Leonardo da Vinci of Britain," was selected as the final winner of the 'International Invited Design Competition'.

· It is characterized by creating a fantastic landscape with various curves to reinvent Nodeul Island as a place where one can feel Seoul's culture and energy.

│Composition Direction│

(Waterside/Base)
· Operation of cultural content utilizing the waterfront of Nodeul Island, creation of a landmark with a Han River waterfront vibe

(Aerial and Ground Sections)
· Creation of an aerial walkway where Nodeul Island is perceived as a single island and diverse experiences are possible
- East side: Experiential aerial walkway connected to the forest
- West: An observation walkway offering views of the sunset over the Han River
· Creation of a ground-level space for art and contemplation while maintaining the current concept of Nodeul Island
- Life Garden: A space centered on daily life where various activities are possible
- Natural Garden: A garden where you can approach, observe, and experience nature.

(Project Period) 2023–2030
- Waterfront & Foundation Section: Construction scheduled to begin in November 2025 and be completed in August 2027
- Aerial & Ground Sections: Construction scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026 and be completed in 2030

(Related Article)
· Breaking ground on ' Nodeul Art Island'... To become a global landmark where nature and art coexist
https://mediahub.seoul.go.kr/archives/2015924
· Nodeul Island Begins Transformation into a Global Art Island! From a Sunset Spot to a World-Class Destination
https://mediahub.seoul.go.kr/archives/2015936
· Aerial walkways · Water gardens… A special daily life to experience on Nodeul Island!
https://mediahub.seoul.go.kr/archives/2015890
· New Han River Night View Spot 'Atelier Nodeul ' Opens… Exhibitions Every Night
https://mediahub.seoul.go.kr/archives/2016306

(Related Video)

· Thomas Heatherwick Soundscape | Nodeul Art Island Design Competition

· Nodeul Global Art Island Groundbreaking Ceremony
https://tv.seoul.go.kr/v/22b4f8b392b740c8b30420ca4ab8b755