Public Space as Cultural Expression: Lessons from Seoul’s Urban Design

Today, I gained a deeper understanding of how landscape architecture in Korea reflects cultural values, historical context, and a deep respect for nature. We had the opportunity to visit CA Landscape Design Co., one of the top three landscape architecture firms in Korea. Their work includes major projects such as the restoration of Gwanghwamun Square and the revitalization of the Cheonggyecheon Stream. After visiting the firm, we explored both the Cheonggyecheon Museum and the surrounding sites, which brought their design philosophies to life.

The Cheonggyecheon Stream played a critical role in the founding of Seoul. Its location aligns with pungsu, the Korean form of geomancy, also known as Feng Shui, which emphasizes harmony between natural features such as rivers and mountains. Seoul is considered an ideal location under this principle, with mountains surrounding the city and Cheonggyecheon running through its center. In East Asian culture, natural elements like water and wind are believed to carry energy that sustains life. Rivers provide water, and mountains direct wind, creating a continuous flow of positive energy.

However, during the country’s rapid industrialization, Cheonggyecheon fell into neglect. Once seen as the heart of the city, the stream became heavily polluted and came to represent a divide between economic classes. Eventually, it was buried beneath a highway, marking a period when industrial progress took precedence over environmental and cultural values.

In the early 1990s, Korea began shifting its focus toward people, history, and the environment. A major urban renewal project was launched to uncover and restore the stream. Today, Cheonggyecheon serves as a peaceful green space in the heart of the city. The walkway was intentionally designed below street level to immerse pedestrians in nature while shielding them from traffic and noise. Along the path, I noticed a mural showing royal guards protecting the emperor, a beautiful nod to the city’s past. At the museum, I learned that three concrete columns were left from the original overpass as a subtle reminder of Korea’s economic growth and development.

Reflecting on my own experience, I thought about Greenville, North Carolina, where East Carolina University is located. In Greenville, the Tar River similarly divides the city, with more industrial areas to the east and the university and downtown to the west. While there is a greenway, a trail system with trees and plants along the river, much of the vegetation there is naturally occurring rather than intentionally designed. In contrast, Seoul’s green spaces are deliberately planned due to its dense urban environment. Even on the ECU campus, where landscaping is more intentional, the plant variety does not compare to the thoughtfully integrated greenery throughout Seoul. I have noticed rooftops across Seoul filled with plants, something rarely seen in cities like New York.

At CA Landscape Design, we also learned about the intentional design of Gwanghwamun Square. The pavement includes tiles with uniquely shaped circular patterns representing people viewed from above. This idea was inspired by a large public gathering that took place during the impeachment of a former president and is meant to symbolize civic unity. A nearby fountain incorporates the Korean alphabet, with each character formed using geometric shapes such as a circle and triangle inside a square. This highlights the elegance and cultural importance of Hangul. At the entrance to the square, a drawing of the nearby mountains is displayed on the walls of surrounding buildings, helping to visually connect the space to the natural landscape even when the mountains are not in view.

The tree layout was also redesigned to provide better shade and create a variety of walking paths. There have even been discussions about relocating statues to improve sightlines to the mountains. These thoughtful design decisions show how every element in the square, from fountains to plantings, was carefully considered to support historical memory, community connection, and environmental awareness.

In both Cheonggyecheon and Gwanghwamun Square, history is preserved and honored through subtle design choices and visible elements. These spaces integrate nature while promoting sustainable urban living, especially through walkability and community engagement. I was especially impressed by how these projects balance modernization with tradition. From what I have observed so far, Korea is not only maintaining that balance, it is actively leading by example through thoughtful and culturally rooted design.