출처 : SONOW
Innovative Ecological Restoration on Former Industrial Island
Seonyudo Park demonstrates Seoul's pioneering approach to ecological restoration and sustainable urban development by transforming a former water treatment facility into a thriving island ecosystem. The 11-hectare island in the Han River operated as Seoul's primary water purification plant from 1978 to 2000 before being converted into an ecological park that preserves industrial infrastructure while creating new natural habitats.
The transformation process deliberately retained concrete tanks, filtration systems, and industrial structures as design elements rather than demolishing them completely. This approach created a unique landscape where industrial heritage and ecological restoration coexist, demonstrating how urban development can honor past functions while serving contemporary environmental and recreational needs. The park has become a model for similar projects throughout Asia.
Reclaimed Concrete Structures Create Unique Garden Architecture
The preserved water treatment infrastructure provides distinctive architectural elements that define Seonyudo Park's character. Former sedimentation tanks now serve as reflecting pools and aquatic gardens, while concrete filtration systems have been adapted into terraced planting areas and viewing platforms. The industrial materials create dramatic contrasts with soft landscaping and water features.
These reclaimed structures demonstrate innovative approaches to sustainable design by finding new uses for existing materials rather than requiring energy-intensive demolition and reconstruction. The concrete surfaces provide thermal mass that moderates temperature extremes, while their geometric forms create structured garden spaces that complement rather than compete with natural plantings. This integration of industrial heritage with ecological design has influenced contemporary landscape architecture throughout Seoul.
Bridge Connections and Garden Circulation Create Seamless Island Access
Seonyudo Park's accessibility via pedestrian bridges from both Yanghwa and Seonyu sides creates seamless integration with Seoul's broader park and recreation network. The bridges themselves provide elevated perspectives over the Han River and approaching views of the island's distinctive landscape. The bridge design accommodates both pedestrian and bicycle traffic while maintaining separation from vehicle corridors.
The internal circulation system guides visitors through diverse garden experiences while protecting sensitive ecological areas from excessive foot traffic. Elevated walkways allow observation of wetland areas and bird habitats without disturbing wildlife, while ground-level paths provide intimate engagement with garden plantings and water features. This multi-level circulation creates opportunities for different types of nature experiences within the compact island environment.
Viewing Decks Maximize Panoramic River and City Perspectives
Strategic placement of viewing decks throughout Seonyudo Park provides panoramic perspectives over the Han River and surrounding cityscape. These elevated platforms utilize the island's position to offer 360-degree views that capture Seoul's relationship with the river environment. The viewing decks serve as destinations for leisurely walks while providing rest areas and orientation points for park navigation.
The decks incorporate sustainable design principles including natural ventilation, shade structures, and seating arrangements that encourage both solitary contemplation and social gathering. Educational signage helps visitors understand the ecological restoration process and identify plant and animal species that have established themselves on the island. This educational component transforms casual recreation into environmental learning opportunities.
Sunset Photography and Natural Lighting Effects
Seonyudo Park's western orientation and water-surrounded position create exceptional conditions for sunset photography and natural lighting appreciation. The combination of reflecting water surfaces, geometric concrete structures, and organic plant forms provides diverse compositional elements that photograph beautifully during golden hour lighting conditions.
The park's elevation changes and varied viewing angles allow photographers to capture sunset silhouettes against different backdrops, from intimate garden details to broad river panoramas. The preserved industrial structures create dramatic foreground elements that frame sunset compositions, while the water features add reflective surfaces that amplify natural lighting effects. These photographic opportunities have made Seonyudo Park popular among both amateur photographers seeking beautiful urban nature images and professionals documenting Seoul's ecological restoration achievements.