Seoullo 7017 Walk & Observation Deck: A Complete Guide to Seoul’s Skygarden
When we were planning our Seoul days around Seoul Station, Seoullo 7017 kept popping up as one of those places that look simple on paper but turn out to be surprisingly memorable. An old highway turned into a public skygarden? Count us in. What we didn’t expect was how calming it feels to waddle above the traffic, with plants, city views, and unexpected lookout points stretching out in every direction. Seoullo 7017 quickly became one of our favourite easy, no-pressure walks in the city.
What Is Seoullo 7017
Seoullo 7017 is an elevated pedestrian walkway built on a former overpass near Seoul Station. The name “7017” reflects its history: the road originally opened in 1970 and was reborn as a public space in 2017. Today, it functions as an urban skygarden, connecting neighbourhoods while offering a green escape right in the middle of the city.
Instead of tearing the structure down, Seoul transformed it into a plant-filled promenade with seating areas, cafes, and viewing points. It’s practical, scenic, and very Seoul in the way it blends modern design with everyday city life.
How to Get to Seoullo 7017 (And Finding the Way Up)
Getting to Seoullo 7017 is easy in theory. The best way is to head straight to Seoul Station, which is one of the city’s main transport hubs and is impossible to miss on most itineraries. Once you arrive at the station, follow the signs pointing toward Seoullo 7017 (which we could not find) or look for exits leading toward the elevated walkway. On a map, it lookssimple, and technically, it is.
That said, actually getting up there was a bit of a comedy moment for us. We waddled out of Seoul Station, immediately spotted the elevated walkway and observation areas above, and thought, great, we’re basically there. Except, we couldn’t find the entrance. We waddled around the area for a while, circling blocks, staring up at the skygarden, fully aware of where we wanted to be but not how to get there. It felt oddly difficult for something so visible.
Once we finally found our way up, we couldn’t help but laugh. There are several entrances, including staircases, elevators, and access points from different sides of the station and nearby streets. In hindsight, it was apparent, and we felt a little silly for struggling. So if you find yourself doing the same confused loop around Seoul Station, don’t worry. You’re not doing it wrong, you just haven’t spotted the right entrance yet. When you do, it suddenly all makes perfect sense.
Entrance Points to Seoullo 7017
Alright, so to avoid you waddling around confused, we checked and here are all the entry points, which hopefully will make life easier for you than it did for us. 😅
Seoul Station Main Entrance (Elevator & Stairs)
- Address: Near Seoul Station, Mallijae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- GPS: 37.55645° N, 126.97348° E
- This is one of the most convenient entrances, especially if you’re arriving by train or subway. Look for elevators and stair access clearly marked for Seoullo 7017. This is where we ended up, so it was our endpoint.
Malli-dong Entrance (Stairs)
- Address: 31 Mallijae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- GPS: 37.55700° N, 126.96970° E
- A popular access point from the west side, close to cafés and quieter streets. Great if you’re approaching on foot from nearby neighbourhoods. This was our entry point. Now it looks like it’s inside, but it’s actually outside.
Namdaemun Market Side Entrance
- Address: Near Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- GPS: 37.5590, 126.9754
- Ideal if you’re combining Seoullo 7017 with a visit to Namdaemun Market. This entrance drops you straight into the livelier section of the walkway.
Remember, if one entrance feels hard to find, don’t panic and keep circling as we did. Open your maps app, zoom in on Seoullo 7017, and head for the nearest staircase or elevator icon. There are more entrances than you think. Once you spot one, the rest suddenly make sense. Also, as you are in South Korea, use Naver or Kakao Map.
Why Is It Called Seoullo 7017
The name Seoullo 7017 tells the story of the walkway itself. “Seoullo” translates roughly to Seoul Road or Path to Seoul, reflecting its role as a pedestrian route reconnecting parts of the city. The numbers 7017 mark its transformation: the overpass originally opened in 1970 as a car road and was reborn in 2017 as an elevated public walk. The name also nods to the many paths and connections branching off the walkway, linking surrounding neighbourhoods and making it more than just a straight line, but a network that invites wandering through the city.
Best Time to Visit Seoullo 7017
Time of day is the biggest factor when it comes to enjoying Seoullo 7017. Early morning is perfect if you want a quiet waddle and softer light, with fewer people and a calmer city atmosphere below. Late afternoon offers warmer light and a more social vibe as locals start using the walkway after work. That said, our favourite time is after sunset, when the skygarden lights up and the city feels especially atmospheric, making it ideal for an evening stroll or a relaxed end to the day.
Access, Opening Times, and Cost
One of the best things about visiting Seoullo 7017 is how easy it is to fit into your plans. The walkway is open daily and accessible 24 hours a day, so you can visit early in the morning, during the day, or late at night without worrying about opening times. Even better, there’s no entrance fee. Seoullo 7017 is completely free to visit, making it a perfect stop whether you have five spare minutes or want to linger and enjoy the views for longer.
Seoullo 7017 Basic Facts
- Opened: 2017 (original overpass opened in 1970)
- Length: Approx. 1 kilometre
- Type: Elevated pedestrian walkway / urban skygarden
- Number of entrances: Around 17 access points connecting nearby streets and neighbourhoods
- Accessibility: Yes, multiple elevators and ramps are available, including near Seoul Station
- Surface: Flat and wide, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs
- Facilities: Seating areas, small cafés, plant labels, and lighting at night
- Admission: Free
- Opening hours: 24 hours a day
Waddling the Seoullo 7017
After about 15 minutes of wandering around and staring up at the skygarden from below, we finally cracked the code and found our way up via the Malli-dong Entrance (Stairs). At first glance, it honestly looked like the entrance was inside a building, which added to our confusion. In reality, the access point is outside, slightly tucked away, and easy to miss if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
This entrance sits on the west side, surrounded by cafés and quieter streets, making it a great option if you’re approaching on foot from nearby neighbourhoods. Even though it’s labelled as a stair entrance, there’s also an elevator, which is what we ended up taking. The moment the doors opened at the top, we were genuinely surprised by how wide and open Seoullo 7017 is. It’s an easy, flat waddle suitable for all ages.
The path is wide, well-lit, and dotted with labelled plants, small rest areas, and viewpoints overlooking roads, rail lines, and rooftops. We also loved the mini observation decks. You take a few stairs up and get even better views, and they were scattered all around.
What we noticed as we stepped outside the elevator was how the atmosphere shifts as you move along. Some sections feel lively and social, while others are quieter and almost meditative, especially during off-peak hours. It’s not a long waddle, but it’s perfect for slowing down between bigger sightseeing stops.
While Seoullo 7017 isn’t a traditional observation deck, several sections open up to expansive city views, especially toward Seoul Station and the surrounding districts. Watching trains arrive and depart below is oddly soothing, and at night, the city lights give the walkway a completely different mood, so we recommend also coming after sunset. We arrived in the early afternoon, and the sun was directly in our camera when we tried to capture Seoul Station, so keep that in mind.
If you enjoy urban photography, this is an excellent spot for capturing Seoul from an untypical angle, elevated yet still deeply connected to everyday life.
How Long Do You Need
You can comfortably waddle the full length of Seoullo 7017 in 30 to 45 minutes, but it’s easy to stretch that into an hour if you stop for photos, coffee, or just watching the city below. It works perfectly as a short break between attractions rather than a full half-day activity.
Pro Penguin Tip
Visit Seoullo 7017 after sunset. The walkway lights up beautifully, crowds thin out, and it becomes one of the most relaxing evening walks in central Seoul. It pairs perfectly with dinner near Seoul Station or as a calm ending to a busy sightseeing day.
Why Seoullo 7017 Is Worth It
Seoullo 7017 may not be Seoul’s most famous attraction, but that’s exactly why we loved it. It’s accessible, free, and effortlessly woven into daily life. Whether you’re short on time, need a breather from crowds, or want to see Seoul from a different angle, this elevated skygarden is well worth adding to your itinerary. If you’re exploring the area around Seoul Station or looking for an easy urban walk with views, Seoullo 7017 is one of those places that quietly stays with you long after you’ve left.
Attractions Near Seoullo 7017
- Seoul Station. More than just a transport hub, Seoul Station is a landmark in its own right, blending historic architecture with modern rail travel. It’s also the most convenient starting or ending point for your Seoullo 7017 walk.
- Sungnyemun (Namdaemun) Gate. Seoul’s iconic South Gate is just a short walk away and pairs perfectly with Seoullo 7017 for a mix of modern urban design and Joseon-era history.
- Namdaemun Market. One of Seoul’s oldest and liveliest markets, ideal for street food, souvenirs, and soaking up local atmosphere after your walk.
- Deoksugung Palace. Easily reachable by public transport or a longer walk, this palace offers a calmer, more compact royal experience and pairs well with Daehanmun Gate.
- Hoehyeon Underground Shopping Center. A handy stop if you’re in the mood for affordable shopping, snacks, or a quick escape from bad weather.
- Seoul City Wall Trail. If Seoullo 7017 sparks your interest in urban walks, parts of the old city wall trail aren’t far and offer a more nature-focused alternative.
Seoullo 7017 might not be the first place that jumps out at you when you start planning a Seoul adventure. It doesn’t have the fame of a palace or the buzz of a market, and it’s easy to overlook when you’re building an itinerary packed with highlights. But once you’re there, it quietly proves why it’s worth your time.
The views you get from above the city, the unexpected angles of trains, roads, rooftops, and skyline, and the calm that comes from waddling just a little removed from the chaos below make Seoullo 7017 feel special. It’s one of those places that doesn’t demand much from you, just a short walk and a bit of curiosity, and in return, it offers a different perspective on Seoul. If you’re looking for a gentle pause between busy sightseeing days, this elevated walk is absolutely worth adding to your plans.
Pack your bags and waddle along the Seoullo 7017!
Save This Pin for Later!
This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I might earn a tiny commission, enough to help a penguin keep up its globe-trotting lifestyle. No extra cost to you, just more fish for me. Thank you for supporting the adventure!