Seoul Pioneers 'Three-Dimensional Parks' to Combat Urban Green Space Scarcity

KO YONG-CHUL Reporter

korocamia@naver.com | 2025-03-05 14:44:12

SEOUL, South Korea – In a groundbreaking initiative to address the growing scarcity of urban green spaces, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has unveiled its 'Three-Dimensional Park' system. This innovative approach, announced on the 5th, aims to revolutionize urban planning by integrating parks into the vertical landscape of the city.

The 'Three-Dimensional Park' system introduces new standards that allow parks constructed on artificial platforms atop buildings and structures to fulfill mandatory green space requirements in large-scale redevelopment projects. This departs from traditional regulations that mandated ground-level parks, offering a strategic solution for densely populated areas where land is at a premium.

Key Features and Benefits:

Strategic Location and Design:Parks will be strategically positioned in areas where traditional ground-level parks are unfeasible, prioritizing locations that enhance pedestrian connectivity and integrate with existing urban functions.
Minimum size requirements include a 3,000㎡ area with a 30m width, ensuring substantial public spaces.
A minimum of 20% ground contact is required, to retain a connection to the natural enviroment.
Enhanced Accessibility and Functionality:Direct connections to ground-level pedestrian routes and independent vertical access points will ensure seamless public access.
The parks will be designed for continuous public access, providing vital recreational spaces for citizens.
Urban Development and Community Enrichment:The system aims to significantly expand green spaces within the city center, boosting land use efficiency and creating valuable rest areas.
Integration of local convenience facilities within or adjacent to the parks will enhance community living.
Future Initiatives:The Seoul Metropolitan Government will offer financial incentives to encourage the development of three-dimensional parks.
Accelerated integrated planning and the utilization of terrain variations will facilitate the creation of diverse park designs.
Plans to incorporate local businesses and convience facilities to the lower portions of the elevated parks are in the works.
This pioneering initiative marks a significant step in Seoul's commitment to creating a sustainable and livable urban environment. By reimagining the concept of urban parks, Seoul is setting a new standard for cities worldwide.

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