aNALYSIS
Where is a place that clearly reflects
both Seoul’s growth and the value of its subway?
Seoul’s flexible development in pursuit of different values over time, and the subway playing a central role
METRO rETRO
-the elevated railways renovation project-
Instead of simply removing the elevated sections, it is more effective to consider incorporating new structures or functions on top of the existing roads, thus promoting more efficient use of space. In existing cases, the above-ground space is often already occupied by roads, leaving landscaping as the most viable option for utilizing the space where previous structures were located. However, we should also consider other potential uses. In this process, we propose ways to preserve the value of the elevated sections, make the most of existing resources, and create new value.
2024
Project For Graduation Exhibition
Team (4 Members)
Plan for Undergrounding Elevated Railways
: A city development project aimed at improving the urban environment by relocating existing elevated railways underground and securing additional above-ground space
Planned Undergrounding Sections
Ttukseom Station to Seongsu Station Section
Daerim Station to Sindaebang Station Section
Seoul has evolved and developed into a city of survival, production and consumption, quantity and speed, expansion and diversity, and sustainability. During the period of increased productivity, Seongsu was designated as a key industrial area in 1973 and formed as an industrial zone. In the era focused on quantity and speed, the section from Sinseoldong to Jamsil Sports Complex Station was opened, marking the construction of the first line of Subway Line 2. Seongsu-dong expanded its diversity, maintaining its original character while developing into a region that expresses various attempts and individuality. In line with policies implemented in Seongdong-gu, the handmade shoe building nestled between the elevated railway tracks contributed to preserving the hidden diversity of Seongsu.
This site has a unique elevated railway structure formed where the Seongsu Line meets the Euljiro main line. Following the policies of Seongsu-dong, the handmade shoe building was constructed between the tracks. The development of the railway and its subsequent adaptations show how Seoul has flexibly developed in response to changing circumstances.
Chang-dong Station to Danggogae Station Section
Dangsan Station Area
Development of the subway
Development of Seoul
Seoul’s flexible growth
Balanced Development of Seoul
Connectivity Across All of Seoul
Connection Between Gangbuk and Gangnam
Overpopulation in Northern Seoul
Population Influx into Seoul
Sustainability
Diversity in Expansion
Speed and Quantity
Production and Consumption
Survival
1952 Seoul Urban Regeneration Plan
1966 Seoul Metropolitan Master Plan
1970 Urban Master Plan Adjustment
1972 Comprehensive Municipal Plan
1978 Draft of the Seoul Urban Master Plan
1980 Long- and Mid-Term Seoul Urban
Development Strategy
1984 Urban Master Plan
1990 Seoul Urban Master Plan
1997 Seoul Urban Master Plan
2006 Seoul Urban Master Plan
2014 Seoul Urban Master Plan
2022 Seoul Urban Master Pla
Seoul was severely damaged by war. Many people flocked to the city in search of survival, laying the foundation for Seoul’s economic growth. Despite the chaos, Seoul began to grow rapidly through reconstruction, securing new engines for development through recovery and expansion.
A City of Sustainability and Harmony
A City of Expansion and Diversity
A City of Speed and Quantity
A City of Production
A City of Survival
After the war, development centered around the city core progressed rapidly. Based on the concentrated labor force, light industries and other manufacturing sectors developed. The population surge expanded both the urban workforce and consumer demand, driving Seoul’s economic growth, while also causing serious traffic and housing problems.
To address the overconcentration in the city center, policies were implemented to decentralize core functions and population. One key measure was the construction of the subway system, forming a network across the entire city. In the process, a pragmatic approach focused on solving the greatest quantity at the highest speed was adopted. Major societal changes, including the Olympics and democratization movements, accompanied the development of infrastructure.
Policies and frameworks for redeveloping aging areas were established. Subway lines were extended to improve access between the city center and outer regions. As the information age emerged, Korean culture began to take shape, and Seoul began its leap toward becoming a global city.
Seoul seeks to preserve its identity by protecting its history and culture, while pursuing sustainability through environmentally focused policies. Pedestrian-oriented policies were implemented, along with the expansion of subway lines and the addition of transfer stations. Through smart technologies and urban regeneration, the city aims to harmonize tradition with the future.
Before the Introduction of the Subway
Severe traffic and housing problems due to high population density
First Phase of the Subway
(1974 - 1985 / Lines 1-4)
Establishment of a comprehensive network by connecting central Seoul
Second Phase of the Subway
(1996 - 2001 / Lines 5-8)
Connection between central Seoul and
its suburban areas
Third Phase of the Subway
(2009 - now / Line 9)
Expansion of routes and addition
of transfer stations
Among them, the elevated railway sections
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Phase 1
Seongsu Line (Opened in 1980)
When Subway Line 2 was opened, the section from Sinseoldong Station to Jamsil Sports Complex Station was constructed as the main line.
Phase 2
Euljiro Circular Line(Opened in 1983)
Subsequently, as Line 2 was extended, the existing route was separated into the Seongsu Line.
Phase 3
Handmade Shoe Building (2002)
A building was constructed
between the Seongsu Line tracks.
Phase 4
Shipping Container (2016)
A container building selling hand- made shoes was placed along the railway beneath the Euljiro Circular Line elevated railway.
Phase 4
A place with historical value, rarely encountered in everyday life, is reborn as a destination within people’s reach.
Must the space above elevated railways simply disappear after they are moved underground?
Q
A
ttukseom Station
seongsu station
KEY IDEA 1
KEY IDEA 2
DESIGN
A Natural Flow Through the Sequence of Macro, Micro, and Theoretical Perception
An experience of encountering various scenes and elements
The experience guided through the circulation becomes the method of experiencing the exhibition
LEVEL 3. Euljiro Circular Line
LEVEL 2. Seongsu Line
LEVEL 1. Handmade Shoe Building & Shipping Contatiner
Outdoor Rest
A relaxation space created after the exhibition, using the red handcrafted shoe container and Seongsu's red bricks for design
Theory Exhibit
A exhibit offering a detailed explanation of Seoul's growth alongside the subway, felt through the senses
Micro Viewing
A space of immersion to closely examine the elevated railway elements at the highest point
Macro Viewing
A space to walk along the railway, feel the pulse of Seoul and the elevated railway’s structure
Soundproof Wall
A wall structure that reduces noise and vibration from above-ground railways
Girder
A primary structural element that supports the load of the railway and distributes forces
Electric Pole
Supports overhead wires that supply power to elevated railways
Ballast
A layer of crushed stones placed under the tracks to absorb vibration, reduce impact, and aid drainage
Rail
Steel tracks that trains run on; a structure that supports the weight of the train
Bogies
Wheel-and-frame systems that connect to the train body and ensure smooth operation
Sleeper (or Tie)
Horizontal supports that fix the rails in place, distribute load, and maintain track stability
Pillar
Various types of columns that support the three-way rail structure
Enhancing Mobility
Placing Volumes at Both Ends
Forming Volumes along the Tracks
Central Transition Space
Preserved Section
Before the Subway Underground
STEP 5
STEP 4
STEP 3
STEP 2
STEP 1
STEP 0
6. Handmade Shoe Building
The experience concludes with a theoretical exploration of the railway. Through exhibitions and a panoramic window, it emphasizes the inseparable link between Seoul's development and its rail infrastructure.
5. Train Exhibit
An actual subway train is displayed, reinforcing the idea that this space once functioned as an elevated railway. Inside the train, there is a small cafe where visitors can take a short break.
4. Euljiro Loop Line
This space offers a microscopic perspective of railway components. By showcasing tracks and bogies—elements responsible for speed—the exhibit invites visitors to reflect once more on the dynamics of subway travel.
3. Seongsu Branch Line 2
Visitors look out over Seongsu through a structural frame composed of electric poles. When turning back to move to the next space, the path previously taken unfolds into a single scenic view.
1. Entrance
Upon entering the building through a grand gateway framed by columns, visitors are immediately presented with a panoramic view of the three railway tracks. This spatial introduction highlights the elevated railway structure and sparks curiosity.
2. Seongsu Branch Line 1
Alternating views of the elevated railway and the Seongsu neighborhood show how the subway and the city of Seoul have grown together. Visitors experience the railway through multiple senses as they observe the columns between the two.
BEHIND
Theory Viewing Space
Explore Seoul's development in the handcrafted shoe building, with a wall detailing its growth and a panoramic view of the elevated railway.
Central Transition Space
As you ascend the entrance stairs, there is a central transition space that unites the three railways. The lobby serves as the starting point of the space.
Subway Cafe
The actual train on the elevated railway is used as a cafe for rest and exhibits. This evokes memory of the above-ground subway and conveys that the space was once part of the elevated railway.
Macro Viewing Space 1
Walking along one Seongsu Line rail, passing the opposite rail, main line above, and railway elements. Light and darkness reflect the subway’s underground and aboveground experience.
Steel Pillar Elevator
The L-shaped steel pillar connected to the main line is used as an elevator. Walk along the pillar for horizontal movement, then descend to the Seongsu Line via the elevator at the end.
Macro Viewing Space 2
You can alternate views of the elevated railway and Seongsu- dong. Tall buildings line both sides, and the winding path at the end offers a clear view of the railway.
Micro Viewing Space
Walking along the straight rails of the main line, observe the components stacking from the ties, and microscopically view the elevated railway, feeling how the subway has driven the speed of Seoul.
Macro Viewing Space 3
The two Seongsu Line walkways are connected as one space, offering a macro view of the elevated railway. After experiencing the interactive exhibit, move to the next space via the central stairs of the main line.
LEVEL 1
1. Special Exhibition 1
2. Restroom
3. Stairwell
4. Elevator
LEVEL 2
1. Special Exhibition 2
2. Office
3. Stairwell
4. Elevator
LEVEL 3
1. Special Exhibition 3
2. Lobby
3. Stairwell
4. Elevator
LEVEL 4
1. Permanent Outdoor Exhibition 1
2. Permanent Outdoor Exhibition 2
3. Permanent Indoor Exhibition 1
4. Permanent Indoor Exhibition 4
5. Cafe
6. Restroom
7. Stairwell
8. Elevator
LEVEL 5
1. Permanent Indoor Exhibition 2
2. Restroom
3. Stairwell
4. Elevator
LEVEL 6
1. Permanent Indoor Exhibition 3
2. Terrace
3. Stairwell
4. Elevator
Lobby
Restroom
Office
Stairwell
Elevator
Special Exhibition
Permanent Indoor Exhibition
Permanent Outdoor Exhibition
Cafe
Terrace
lEVEL 6
lEVEL 5
lEVEL 4
lEVEL 3
lEVEL 2
lEVEL 1
Floor
Space Type
We got second prize :)
And were also selected as finalists in the competition
P.S
P.P.S
If given another opportunity, I’d love to explore more diverse forms and approaches.
I also hope to go beyond the scope of a graduation project and experiment on a larger scale.
The wind corridor idea that emerged during the process is something I’d like to expand, research, and design further.
—To my teammates, who have been with me since sophomore year—
Thank you so much.
The joy of working together during my university years is something I’ll never forget.
Let’s meet again soon!