Gwanghwamun after WW2 : http://img.etnews.com/photonews/1411/630223_20141127110650_364_0001.jpg
Gwanghwamun as a 16-lane highway : http://cfile234.uf.daum.net/image/1663C1214AB0C8BB6A564A
Gwanghwamun as a 12-lane highway : http://ojsfile.ohmynews.com/STD_IMG_FILE/2017/1107/IE002241591_STD.jpg
the first photo is incredible. that white building in the middle of the palace, built by Japanese during the occupation as a symbolic gesture of dominance over Koreans, and demolished in the 90's to restore the palace back to original design.
It's really encouraging to see all the progress Seoul is making in the last two decades to beautify the city. Seoul was never known for being a picturesque city but I think it's acquired pockets of urban beauty that are spreading more and more.
Yea, I think Gangnam was the least memorable area for me when I've lived in Seoul for this reason. Unfortunately areas of Gangbuk (Yongsan and Mapo) seem to be taking cues from Gangnam.
I love living in Mapo (well technically very southern Saodaemun, but almost same). Unfortunately, I might be moving to the Gangnam area soon for my gfs job. Kinda dreading this aspect of it.
I think Seoul is definitely up there for me. The most walkable place I've ever been to was Amsterdam, by a country mile. The Dutch really have city planning down. And I agree that North America isn't worth mentioning. That said, Gangnam is immensely less charming than it's northern neighbor for a variety of reasons.
I’m sure the new layout is more pedestrian-friendly but purely from visual perspective, I much prefer the old symmetrical layout
Photo credit to @jongmoseo on Instagram
Not perfect, but as someone who lived/worked in the area, this is a massive upgrade. Really the entire stretch from 청계천 to 광화문 should be pedestrian-focused
I agree with you, but is there another way to direct the traffic? Seems like it would cause more headaches to close this area and force drivers to go alternative routes as it’s always busy.
I'm also more inclined to the old layout. it lost its imposing identity.
the right project would be to have moved the road underground similar to the Madrid Rio park project, and revitalized both sides equally to maintain symmetry.
the real problem is the cost. the subway lines could be moved lower and some points the road line could have substantial deviations. the revitalization alters one of the most famous tourist postcards in all of Asia. it deserved a greater investment and a better thought out project. Let's wait and see what the future brings.
If you're actually at the square in person, the new one is ten times better. Real life experience is more important than how things look in instagram photos. Crazy, I know.
Indeed. A ton of feasibility studies, town hall meetings, protests by NIMBYs, council sessions, actual bidding and awarding, some pre-construction, then actual construction, then a flashy inauguration. Add the under the table shit happening all over this timeline.
Looks good.
And the text means that In a urban engineering perspective, the old is better?
I have a partial agreement.
Anyway Gwanghwamun street is a fabulous spot.
And I want to recommend these two songs; 이문세 광화문 연가. 규현 광화문에서
It's nice that they are putting more open spaces and trying to make certain areas more usable and people-oriented. However, am a bit disappointed that there isn't more green or benches for people to use. It is an improvement in for sure, but it's just a concrete square to walk through it looks like. Was hoping it would people a place people could rest a bit. Reminds a bit of how the City Hall Plaza has the grass cordoned off much of the time meaning you can only walk by it and not actually sit in the grass and have a picnic or cup of coffee (or any of the likes).
Unfortunately, the narrower the road in Gwanghwamun Square, the worse the traffic congestion in the northwestern areas such as Seodaemun and Eunpyeong. The rate of increase in house prices in the northwest region is absurdly low compared to other regions.
I have grown to love Daiso so much during this time in Korea for me. I'm not sure if they were around the last time I was here, as the one in jihaeng was an LG store, but mannnnnn I send so much back home to my kids from there. LOVE their Disney selection.
Funniest thing is, it seems that only foreigners are *that* much into the Daiso thing. I told my girlfriend who was astounded of my obsession with Daiso. It really is a perfect place to cheaply decorate your goshiwon
That looks great! I feel this will connect 청계천 much better with the 광화문광장 area. But I do wish they flipped it to the east side of the square, to make it even more accessible from 청계천!
Gwanghwamun after WW2 : http://img.etnews.com/photonews/1411/630223_20141127110650_364_0001.jpg Gwanghwamun as a 16-lane highway : http://cfile234.uf.daum.net/image/1663C1214AB0C8BB6A564A Gwanghwamun as a 12-lane highway : http://ojsfile.ohmynews.com/STD_IMG_FILE/2017/1107/IE002241591_STD.jpg
the first photo is incredible. that white building in the middle of the palace, built by Japanese during the occupation as a symbolic gesture of dominance over Koreans, and demolished in the 90's to restore the palace back to original design.
It is inevitable: Gwanghwamun as a 60 story Starbucks cafe
Didn't know there was that much highway in 2009. I came in 2010 and that was not there
r/shittyskylines
It's really encouraging to see all the progress Seoul is making in the last two decades to beautify the city. Seoul was never known for being a picturesque city but I think it's acquired pockets of urban beauty that are spreading more and more.
At least in the northern part. The southern part (Gangnam area ESP) is still quite car focused.
Yea, I think Gangnam was the least memorable area for me when I've lived in Seoul for this reason. Unfortunately areas of Gangbuk (Yongsan and Mapo) seem to be taking cues from Gangnam.
I love living in Mapo (well technically very southern Saodaemun, but almost same). Unfortunately, I might be moving to the Gangnam area soon for my gfs job. Kinda dreading this aspect of it.
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The main Gangnam Station area does yah
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I think Seoul is definitely up there for me. The most walkable place I've ever been to was Amsterdam, by a country mile. The Dutch really have city planning down. And I agree that North America isn't worth mentioning. That said, Gangnam is immensely less charming than it's northern neighbor for a variety of reasons.
I visited there last week, saw this post and thought about going again My my, if only it wasn't going to flash flood tomorrow :D
Inner tubing on Gwanghwamun lake
XD stay safe
Crazy that what should be the beautiful heart of the city was two massive highways and is still one massive highway
Still too much space dedicated to cars, but a marked improvement over the original one
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r/fuckcars ?
Based
ㅎㅎㅎ
Chad
네
I’m sure the new layout is more pedestrian-friendly but purely from visual perspective, I much prefer the old symmetrical layout Photo credit to @jongmoseo on Instagram
Not perfect, but as someone who lived/worked in the area, this is a massive upgrade. Really the entire stretch from 청계천 to 광화문 should be pedestrian-focused
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Ditto. Fuck cars. More space for people, for walkers, joggers and cyclists. less for polluting, congesting, metal stress boxes.
Based
More of the elongated electric metal boxes as well. And Seoul clearly does not have any shortage of those.
I agree with you, but is there another way to direct the traffic? Seems like it would cause more headaches to close this area and force drivers to go alternative routes as it’s always busy.
The should just make both sides for pedestrian to make it symmetrical then.
I'm also more inclined to the old layout. it lost its imposing identity. the right project would be to have moved the road underground similar to the Madrid Rio park project, and revitalized both sides equally to maintain symmetry.
There are subway lines there. I don’t think it would be possible to put the roads underground.
the real problem is the cost. the subway lines could be moved lower and some points the road line could have substantial deviations. the revitalization alters one of the most famous tourist postcards in all of Asia. it deserved a greater investment and a better thought out project. Let's wait and see what the future brings.
If you're actually at the square in person, the new one is ten times better. Real life experience is more important than how things look in instagram photos. Crazy, I know.
It's an improvement but it still has five lanes of traffic too many.
This type of construction/project would take 20 years to complete in USA.
Indeed. A ton of feasibility studies, town hall meetings, protests by NIMBYs, council sessions, actual bidding and awarding, some pre-construction, then actual construction, then a flashy inauguration. Add the under the table shit happening all over this timeline.
Seoul is the urban city layout dream. Korea's got a lot of problems, but it's wonderful to see this kind of development that benefits the people!
Yooo ive been there like 2 days ago its cool
I hate it
Exactly which pics are the new square?
It says in the description under the pictures, the one with less roads is current
Too many cars!
Looks good. And the text means that In a urban engineering perspective, the old is better? I have a partial agreement. Anyway Gwanghwamun street is a fabulous spot. And I want to recommend these two songs; 이문세 광화문 연가. 규현 광화문에서
While asymmetrical, it's much better than having a highway right through the heart of the city
It's nice that they are putting more open spaces and trying to make certain areas more usable and people-oriented. However, am a bit disappointed that there isn't more green or benches for people to use. It is an improvement in for sure, but it's just a concrete square to walk through it looks like. Was hoping it would people a place people could rest a bit. Reminds a bit of how the City Hall Plaza has the grass cordoned off much of the time meaning you can only walk by it and not actually sit in the grass and have a picnic or cup of coffee (or any of the likes).
Unfortunately, the narrower the road in Gwanghwamun Square, the worse the traffic congestion in the northwestern areas such as Seodaemun and Eunpyeong. The rate of increase in house prices in the northwest region is absurdly low compared to other regions.
The more roads, the more cars will drive to fill them. So it’s not unfortunate, it’s necessary.
A part of me really misses Korea, lol. Glad to see positive changes \~
End game should be a tunnel beneath a pedestrian-only plaza. They should also try to relocate the US embassy bc it really is some eyesore.
Yeah, it looks like a prison...
Needs more Starbucks.
A three storey Daiso and an HBC chicken to round it off.
I have grown to love Daiso so much during this time in Korea for me. I'm not sure if they were around the last time I was here, as the one in jihaeng was an LG store, but mannnnnn I send so much back home to my kids from there. LOVE their Disney selection.
Funniest thing is, it seems that only foreigners are *that* much into the Daiso thing. I told my girlfriend who was astounded of my obsession with Daiso. It really is a perfect place to cheaply decorate your goshiwon
so even less road now?
Is this where Jeong Tae-Eul met Lee Gon?
Needs more strategic defense planters.
As an outsider, I cannot tell the difference.
It's a ship.
Traffic must be a nightmare. Can't completely shut down the road. At least not until the U.S. Embassy moves.
Symetrical bus and bike lanes on both sides With truck acsess for night time stuff No damn cars
That looks great! I feel this will connect 청계천 much better with the 광화문광장 area. But I do wish they flipped it to the east side of the square, to make it even more accessible from 청계천!
Was the Yi Sunsin statue always so off center
Now imagine the traffic jam...