Nodeul Island Waterfront Cultural Space Opens on the 18th... Walk and Run 1.5km Along the Hangang River

[Financial News] Nodeul Island, a representative sunset spot on the Hangang River, has completed renovations to become a waterfront cultural space where people can enjoy relaxation, play, and walks, and is ready to welcome citizens. A 1.5km circular walking path along the Hangang River has been installed, and the space previously used as a parking lot and garbage disposal site has been transformed into a nature-friendly play garden for children. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 16th that it will open the newly created ecological garden, play garden, grass garden, niche garden, and walking paths on the waterfront of Nodeul Island to the public starting on the 18th.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government explained that the focus was on transforming Nodeul Island from a place to briefly look around into a space where visitors can linger and enjoy the view of the Hangang River.
One of the most notable changes is the play space for children. The site, formerly used as a parking lot and landfill, has been repurposed into a rainwater play garden, a hill play garden, and a forest play garden. Logs, grassy hills, and natural stones were utilized to allow children to run, climb, and play in a natural setting.
The existing picnic area will be transformed into an ecological garden where visitors can enjoy the Hangang River and the sunset. Uniquely designed stage seats have been installed so that citizens can sit or spread out mats to relax while gazing at the Hangang River. Once the water garden is completed, it is also planned to be used as seating for performances.
In addition, a 'niche garden' has been created along the path leading down from ground level to the waterfront. It was designed to allow visitors to admire the scenery of the Hangang River while moving along a three-dimensional staircase, and seasonal plants and benches have been placed in the grass garden and hydrangea garden.
The aging riverside promenade was also completely renovated. The width and elevation were adjusted, and small gardens were placed throughout to allow people to walk or run close to the Hangang River. The promenade was constructed as a circular course with a width of 4 to 6 meters and a total length of 1.5 kilometers.
"Atelier Nodeul," a waterfront media facade utilizing light and video, is being showcased beneath the southern end of Hangang Bridge. Seven media art works by artists such as Park Je-seong and Jang Seung-hyo will be screened from 7 p.m. until October 30.
In the autumn, cultural and leisure programs utilizing the newly created space are also operated. On Saturdays, a "Popup Library" is held where visitors can read books while overlooking the Hangang River, and on Sundays, a "Picnic Day" takes place where visitors can rent picnic mats and board games. In the evenings, "Every Corner Live" busking performances and food trucks are available. On weekends in September and October, an outdoor "Seoul Kids Cafe" is also introduced for family visitors.
In particular, the 'Seoul Light Hangang Bitseom Festival' will be held at Nodeul Island from the 2nd to the 11th of next month. Programs utilizing media art, such as laser art, Donghaeng Light, and Light Island Lectures, will be held.
This opening marks the first phase of the overall reorganization project for Nodeul Island. The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to sequentially open completed spaces first so that citizens can use Nodeul Island even during the construction period.
In December 2027, a 'Floating Garden' where visitors can enjoy relaxation and performances over the Hangang River is scheduled to be unveiled. Convenience facilities for Hangang River Bus users and a rooftop stage will also be installed. Following this, the 'Sky Art Garden,' connecting the existing buildings with the east and west sides of Nodeul Island, is planned to be completed in 2030. It will be constructed so that seven petal-shaped structures form a single garden.
Ahn Dae-hee, Director General of Future Space Planning at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "The opening of this waterfront cultural space marks the starting point where citizens can first directly experience the changes on Nodeul Island," adding, "We will complete the floating garden and sky art garden in stages to develop Nodeul Island into a representative Hangang River cultural landmark in Seoul where nature, art, and the daily lives of citizens harmonize."

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