[Yongsan's Future] Architect Jo Byung-su "Green City Seoul, Yongsan is at the Gateway"

Ecological City Connecting Urban Centers
Yongsan, Where Seoul's Green Axes Intersect
Regulations Must Be Relaxed in Dense Seoul
Development Needed for Human and Nature Coexistence

Editor's NoteYongsan, which once held the "forbidden land," is entering a new turning point. The Yongsan US military base, which had been off-limits to the public for over a century, has transformed into Yongsan Park, a space for all citizens. With the presidential office relocation, it has established itself as the new center of power in the Republic of Korea, and development plans have also begun in earnest. There are ongoing demands to expand its role as a center of history and culture. Despite being a prime piece of land along the Han River connecting Namsan and the Han River in the heart of Seoul, it still harbors underdeveloped residential areas. Experts say that to enhance Seoul’s global competitiveness as a city where power, business, history, and culture coexist, attention must be paid to Yongsan. In that sense, Yongsan represents both the present and future of Korean cities.

"Yongsan must become a city crossed by Seoul’s ‘green axis.’"

Architect Byungsoo Cho (CEO of Byungsoo Cho Architecture Studio) stated this in an interview with Asia Economy on the 11th at his office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, saying, "Yongsan is located at a gateway to creating a walkable green city."

Architect Jo Byung-su is being interviewed on the 23rd at the Architectural Research Institute in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang aymsdream@

The vision he paints for Seoul is a kind of ‘ecological city’ where urban centers are connected by nature. Architect Cho said, "Seoul’s roads for cars are already all connected, so if you turn on the navigation, it guides you along continuous routes. But green parks are disconnected when you walk; to get from one park to another, you have to cross roads and move through different zones."

He added, "If people could walk much more, the city itself would be less hot and emit less heat, becoming an ecological city. That is why even in a dense city, securing a lot of green and natural spaces is essential."

Yongsan, where two green axes intersect

Seoul Green Network 100-Year Master Plan.
[Photo by Jobyungsoo Architectural Research Institute]

Yongsan is at the center where the two green axes he envisions intersect. The plan is to connect all of Seoul through nature. He explained, "Yongsan lies on the ‘green axis’ that connects Bukhansan, Bukaksan, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and runs along Sejong-daero to connect to Nodeul Island. It continues through the National Cemetery and Gwanaksan, linking north and south. For this, the axis connecting from north to south must be established first."

He also emphasized that another horizontal axis crossing Yongsan must be created. Architect Cho said, "Another axis can be formed connecting Dobongsan to Seoul Forest, Apgujeong-dong, and even to Namhansanseong. These two axes will be important corridors crossing Seoul."

Following axes, the next most important element in urban architecture for him is the ‘line.’ This refers to green paths that extend from the two major axes into neighborhoods and alleys. Architect Cho said, "It would be great if nature could permeate like water, connecting alleys and neighborhoods. I think the linear connection from Bukhansan to Gwanak is important."

How humans and nature coexist

Seoul Green Network 100-Year Master Plan.
[Photo by Jobyungsoo Architectural Research Institute]

As the general director of the ‘2023 Seoul Urban Architecture Biennale,’ Architect Cho presented a plan to connect all of Seoul through nature. One of the development methods proposed then was underground construction. The idea is to create green parks above ground and use underground spaces for amenities and parking.

However, Architect Cho expressed regret that practical measures such as easing regulatory restrictions are necessary to realize this vision. He said, "If building coverage and floor area ratio restrictions are relaxed, many could adopt more naturalized construction methods. It’s a way to allow residents to use green spaces without interference from buildings or facilities."

He stressed that such measures are necessary not only for ecological development but also in dense urban areas. He explained, "In a dense city like Seoul, the most important issue going forward is how to use limited land smartly. We want to allow taller buildings but create healthy spaces that benefit citizens ecologically."

Architect Byungsoo Cho is explaining the 'Seoul 100-Year Master Plan' at the Architecture Research Institute in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 23rd. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Furthermore, he added that efforts are needed to dissolve boundaries so that residential spaces, commercial facilities, and green spaces can blend comfortably. Architect Cho said, "If you visit places in Europe, you’ll see commercial facilities and apartment complexes mixed along riversides. Unlike in Korea, where apartment complexes are often block-structured and closed off, this is less common."

He continued, "It would be good if boundaries could be loosened so that residential spaces, commercial facilities, and green spaces can mix comfortably."

Ultimately, Architect Cho emphasized that development based on coexistence is necessary to restore nature within the city.

"Technological development and nature are not opposites. If we design cities in a way where nature and humans coexist, the connections will flow more smoothly than before."