Seoul Announces International Design Competition for Namsan Park Gardens
The city seeks creative garden designs for the 2027 Seoul International Garden Expo.
1International Design Competition Launch
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has officially launched an international competition to select five garden designs for the 2027 Seoul International Garden Expo. The event will take place in Namsan Park, utilizing the historic site to foster urban garden culture. Designers are invited to submit proposals starting from December 7 through December 9.
2Theme and Historical Context
The competition theme, 'Mokmyeoksanghwa: Seeing Flowers in Namsan,' incorporates the mountain's ancient name, Mokmyeok. This initiative aims to blend historical significance with contemporary daily life. Participants must create designs that reflect the site's unique character while ensuring the installations harmonize with the existing ecological environment of the Namsan park area.
3Budget and Design Requirements
Each of the five selected garden projects will receive a budget of 100 million won, covering design, construction, and maintenance costs. Each site spans approximately 250 square meters. Designers are encouraged to utilize eco-friendly materials and universal design principles, ensuring the spaces remain accessible and sustainable throughout all four seasons of the year.
4Selection Process Details
The evaluation process consists of two distinct stages to ensure high-quality results. First, a document review will select ten teams to proceed. Subsequently, a presentation-based evaluation will determine the final five winners. Finalists will be announced before the gardens are constructed in the spring, with awards presented during the opening ceremony on May 1.
5Expo Scope and Locations
The 2027 Seoul International Garden Expo runs for six months, from May 1 to October 27, under the theme 'Seoul, Green Life.' The city plans to operate five core hubs, including the Baekbeom Plaza, Namsan Seoul Tower, and Namsangol Hanok Village, to effectively distribute the garden installations across the vast Namsan park landscape.
6Strategic Urban Objectives
Seoul officials intend to transform public green spaces into cultural assets and living art forms through this expo. By inviting international talent, the city hopes to revitalize Namsan's landscape and provide citizens with new, engaging daily experiences. This project serves as a key component of Seoul's broader strategy to expand its urban garden culture.
7Sustainability and Maintenance
Because the gardens are intended to remain after the expo concludes, long-term sustainability is a mandatory requirement for all applicants. Designers must prioritize perennial plants that can thrive year-round in the local climate. Detailed maintenance plans are essential, ensuring that the installations continue to serve the public effectively long after the event ends.
8Future Urban Impact
This competition represents a significant effort to integrate nature into the dense urban fabric of Seoul. By focusing on Namsan, a central landmark, the city aims to redefine how residents interact with public spaces. The success of these gardens will likely influence future urban planning policies regarding green space management and public accessibility.