[Seoul's Future] Eumpa Walking Path, Daegwanramcha... New Face Candidates for Nodeul Island Revealed

Seoul City Unveils 7 Design Proposals for Nodeul Island

Introducing the design proposals for Nodeul Island, developed by seven world-renowned architectural teams who explored the Han River from November last year to March this year through Seoul’s ‘Nodeul Island Design Competition.’ Based on these, Seoul plans to gather expert and citizen feedback to establish a design plan that will redefine the new face of Nodeul Island.

Thomas Heatherwick’s 'Soundscape'

Proposes transforming Nodeul Island from a simple island into a space where mountains, water, and island harmonize, becoming a resting place in the heart of the city.

Features winding, wave-shaped walking paths and various curves inspired by the image of Korean mountains. The varying heights and widths of the paths offer diverse experiences for visitors. The design evokes a sense of mystery when viewed from outside. Various activity spaces, resting areas, and performance venues are scattered throughout. The previously separated east and west parts of Nodeul Island are connected by a pedestrian walkway over the road.

Shin Seung-su's Bridged Archipelago
[Image source=Seoul City]

Shin Seungsoo’s 'Bridged Archipelago'

Reflects the architect’s intention to transform the isolated Nodeul Island into an island connected to the city and nature.

Designed based on the concept of an 'archipelago connected by bridges,' the island is composed as a cluster of islands. Two large mountains are symbolized on the east and west sides, with several islands of varying heights beneath the mountain areas. Each island has multiple entrances of different sizes and heights, allowing access to and from Nodeul Island from anywhere. Citizens can enjoy fun and new inspiration through this. The west side includes a performance hall, outdoor art stage, and gallery, while the east side features an indoor garden and art pavilion space.

Nodul Aqua Palette of Kang Yerin SoA
Photo by Seoul City

Gang Yerin & SoA’s 'Nodeul Aqua Palette'

Aims to transform Nodeul Island into an open space blending natural elements such as forests, trees, and sky.

The most striking feature is the 'Aqua Palette,' a palette-shaped structure that mixes existing materials and colors to create something new. The Aqua Palette is designed to allow water to flow from the east to the west side. This water is utilized in the green spaces within Nodeul Island and the Mangkkongi forest, enriching the trees. Citizens can stroll along the palette and coexist with nature. Until now, Nodeul Island has existed isolated from the Han River, and this work focuses on creatively resolving that boundary.

Nodeul Island is divided into five zones, offering various experiential and activity spaces such as sandy beaches, terraces, botanical gardens, observatories, and water activity areas.

Nodling by Kim Chan-jung
Photo by Seoul City

Kim Chanjung’s 'Nodeul(r)ing'

Conceptualizes reconnecting the previously separated Han River and Nodeul Island to restore Nodeul Island as a daily space for citizens.

The core is a massive ring-shaped structure called Nodeulring that connects the Han River bank and Nodeul Island. A capsule-shaped Ferris wheel moves along the outside of Nodeulring. Pedestrians can also walk on the pathway. Inside, there is a hexagonal swimming pool and a 'ㄷ'-shaped outdoor art stage. This creates a new concept of transportation and allows citizens to experience the Han River more naturally in their daily lives. The first-floor connecting Nodeulring houses a lobby, caf?, boarding and alighting areas, and other auxiliary facilities.

Sandeul Nodeul by Naeun Jung and Yusorae
[Photo by Seoul City]

Na Eunjoong & Yoo Sorae’s 'Sandeul Nodeul'

Intends to transform Nodeul Island, historically known as a stepping stone where herons once roamed, into an island where culture and art coexist. The design features stepping stones that embody culture and art on the existing Nodeul Island. These stepping stones create diverse and interesting spaces. There is a connecting pedestrian bridge to the north, with a visitor center at the center. On the west side are the Sunset Observatory, outdoor art stage, and amphitheater, while the east side includes a multipurpose performance hall and Han River Ecology Center.

The Ripple by Biangke Ingles
Photo by Seoul City

Bjarke Ingels’ 'The Ripple'

Aims to express Seoul’s future-oriented urban vision beyond the boundaries of the island through Nodeul Island.

Proposes a long east-west building topped with a canopy that produces solar energy, making it appear as a single island. The design features the highest point in the center, gently sloping down to both sides like a cover. With the introduction of solar energy, Nodeul Island becomes a self-sufficient island coexisting with nature. The east side includes wetlands, vegetable gardens, and walking paths, while the west side features a lake, garden, and plaza.

J?rgen Mayer’s 'Nodeul Art Island'

Seeks to create diverse atmospheres on Nodeul Island by layering natural elements such as fire, air, earth, and water.

The core idea is to connect the upper observatory of Nodeul Island with the northern bank of the river. Overall, it creates a passionate festival atmosphere symbolized by the element of fire on the west side, followed by imagery of clouds. The earth element on the east side preserves the existing Mangkkongi forest, aiming for coexistence with humans. Finally, the far east end features water elements, creating various waterfront spaces. The west side includes outdoor resting areas and cultural event spaces, while the east side hosts water leisure spaces. Notably, the water tower is designed to resemble traditional Korean pagodas, making it a standout feature.