Sewoonsangga Re-Structuring Citywalk by modostudio

The Sewoonsangga Re-Structuring Citywalk, designed by modostudio, represents a transformative urban intervention in the heart of Seoul. Originating from the winning entry of an international design competition in 2017, this project focuses on revitalizing the historic Sewoonsangga complex and its elevated public walkways while reconnecting adjacent urban districts. Covering a 1.2 km stretch, the project blends pedestrian infrastructure, green spaces, rest areas, and commercial zones, creating a dynamic, multifunctional urban platform.

Concept and Vision

For decades, the Seoul City Planning Department has prioritized enhancing public pedestrian spaces through a comprehensive infrastructural network connecting multiple city levels—ground, underground, and aboveground. The Sewoonsangga Citywalk embodies this vision, introducing an “open city platform” that encourages continuous urban transformation without triggering gentrification. The platform supports community engagement, industrial revitalization, and improved mobility, activating the social and economic potential of the Sewoon district, which hosts thousands of craft and artisan businesses.

Design Approach

The project employs a macro- and micro-scale design strategy:

• Macro Scale: The Citywalk acts as a continuous pedestrian spine, linking districts from Jongmyo to Namsan and facilitating seamless citywide connectivity.
• Micro Scale: It adapts to the unique social, cultural, and spatial characteristics of the neighborhoods it intersects, promoting localized regeneration and community participation.

The platform’s design ensures flexibility, accommodating diverse temporal needs while supporting ongoing urban and social transformation. Through pedestrian-focused infrastructure, the project enhances safety, accessibility, and outdoor communal spaces, ultimately improving the quality of life in the Sewoon district.

Features and Impact

• Continuous Open Platform: Bridges gaps in the existing Citywalk and integrates ground-level and elevated pathways.
• Urban Regeneration: Supports community-driven transformation, industrial restoration, and public space enhancement.
• Pedestrian and Bike Priority: Expands pedestrian routes and cycling lanes to promote sustainable mobility.
• Green and Recreational Spaces: Introduces greenery, rest areas, and outdoor meeting points for urban well-being.
• Flexible Infrastructure: Designed for future urban expansions and adaptive reuse, fostering continuous city evolution.

The Sewoonsangga Citywalk stands as a model for sustainable urban redevelopment, blending historical urban fabric with modern pedestrian infrastructure to create a vibrant, participatory, and resilient cityscape.

All Photographs are works of JongOh Kim