Seoullo attracts 250,000 visitors over weekend after opening
By Lee Kyung-min
More than 250,000 people visited Seoullo 7017, an old overpass transformed into an elevated urban walkway near Seoul Station, after the park was opened to the public Saturday.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Monday about 151,100 people visited the 1,024-meter-long, 17-meter-high walkway Saturday, and 104,400 Sunday.
The city government said it hopes the walkway, connecting Malli-dong and Jungnim-dong in the west to Namdaemun Market in the east, becomes a popular tourist destination for locals and tourists alike who seek a joyful rest in the busy city while learning about Seoul's modern development history.
Seoullo means "Seoul Road" in Korean and 7017 is a compound of the last two digits of two significant years _ 1970 when the overpass was first built, and 2017 when it was turned into a public park.
Visitors welcomed the rejuvenation project, praising it as a meaningful transformation from a dangerous and old-looking roadway for cars only.
"I did not expect much but I changed my mind after seeing it for myself," a mother with her five-year-old daughter said.
"There are trampolines for children, which my daughter and children her age love. I think I will come here frequently."
Another couple with a toddler said the overpass is ideal for a stroll.
"There are not many places where you can take your baby with only a stroller _ I mean without a car. I guess it's a bit crowded here, but other than that, this is great in terms of accessibility as it connects right out of a subway exit, not to mention elevators," a mother said.
The walkway will be much better to visit at night, said Kim Jin-hee, an office worker.
"I commute by subway because my office is only a couple minutes from Seoul Station, and after work before I go home I plan to take a walk on the Seoullo and listen to music I love," she said.
"The lighting at night here will be moody, really awesome. The view will be great too. I feel the thousands of car headlights will seem to flow like sea waves. It will be a great way for me to end my busy and stressful day."
The walkway was slated for demolition in 2015, after engineers concluded in 2012 the structure could endure no more than three years of continued use.
However, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon changed the plan in 2014 to transform it into an urban park similar to the High Line park in New York City.
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