Gwanak-gu's Dull Old Concrete Retaining Walls Undergo Stunning Transformation

Repair Work on Two Aged Retaining Walls at Kkachigogae and Gwanak-ro, Enhancing Urban Landscape
Creating Beautiful Gateway Scenery Representing Gwanak-gu to Improve City Aesthetics and Provide Residents with Attractions

Gwanak-gu (District Mayor Park Jun-hee)'s Magpie Hill retaining wall and Gwanak-ro retaining wall have been reborn this month as beautiful representative gateways of Gwanak-gu.

Magpie Hill and Gwanak-ro retaining walls are geographically representative district gateways located at the boundary between Dongjak-gu and Seocho-gu. Until now, the aging retaining walls had been faded and neglected for a long time due to weather and other factors, detracting from the surrounding aesthetics.

Accordingly, the district secured 1.24 billion KRW from the Seoul Metropolitan Government's special adjustment grant in May 2022 to repair the retaining walls and improve the urban landscape, and proceeded with design and detailed design services.

Also, through reviews by the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s ‘Public Design Promotion Committee’ and ‘Good Light Committee,’ various opinions from resident representatives and Seoul’s field experts were collected regarding the retaining wall design and related improvement projects.

First, as a result of the design detailed plan, a ‘Gwanak Gateway’ was derived that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape without disturbing drivers. Considering elements such as ▲gateway symbolism ▲landscape harmony ▲nighttime comfort, interesting sculptural elements were applied to the Korean characters.

In addition, indirect lighting was installed on the back of the sculptures to emphasize their form and secure symbolism. Lighting was also installed on the upper planting of the retaining walls to naturally highlight the linearity of the walls and create a comfortable night view without glare for drivers.

In particular, a retaining wall with the ‘Starlight Falling Gang Gam-chan Concept’ was created at Magpie Hill, producing an urban image full of dreams and hope. Utilizing Gwanak’s history and cultural resources such as the Gwanak Mountain skyline and Nakseongdae, and reflecting local characteristics, the identity of Gwanak was well expressed.

The response from local residents was enthusiastic. They unanimously said that the previously dark old downtown area brightened with the landscape lighting. Resident Son Mo said, “The hill over Magpie Hill was dark, but with this landscape lighting, the surroundings have brightened, and the symbolic sculpture of Gwanak-gu was beautifully installed, so it looks better,” expressing great satisfaction with the retaining wall improvement project.

The district hopes that the new look of the ‘Magpie Hill and Gwanak-ro retaining walls’ will provide residents with a unique attraction and that the retaining walls will be transformed into landmarks representing the district.

District Mayor Park Jun-hee said, “I hope that with the new look of the ‘Magpie Hill and Gwanak-ro retaining walls,’ residents can enjoy a small but unique attraction,” and added, “We will continue to maintain the retaining walls and repair aging facilities to improve the urban landscape.”