“Let’s enjoy a hassle-free picnic”Seoul City Creates Inclusive Picnic Space at Ichon Hangang Park
Seoul Metropolitan Government has created a new waterfront leisure space called "Picnic Pool for All" at Ichon Hangang Park, ensuring that all citizens, including people with disabilities, can enjoy the park safely and conveniently.
The "Picnic Pool for All" features various types of picnic spaces to accommodate different preferences, including barrier-free picnic areas, individual picnic spaces, platform-style picnic areas, and standing-style picnic areas.
#Universal Design refers to design that can be used by as many people as possible, regardless of age, gender, disability, or culture.
Since 2015, Seoul has been implementing universal design projects in 8 public spaces and 3 public buildings to accommodate people with disabilities. In 2023, recognizing the growing need for accessible waterfront leisure spaces, the city selected Ichon Hangang Park as the site for a new cultural and leisure destination.
The target site was selected through an external expert evaluation based on criteria such as the number of users, the urgency of space improvement, and public perception. Although the number of visitors to Hangang Park increased from approximately 47 million in 2022 to 57 million in 2023, the overall satisfaction level of Ichon Hangang Park decreased due to issues such as accessibility and convenience.
Considering the aging population, the increasing number of people with disabilities, and the growing number of foreign visitors, the city created a waterfront leisure space with features such as tables and chairs at various heights, and deck paths accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
As the proportion of family leisure activities increased from 28.8% in 2021 to 33.5% in 2022, the city focused on creating spaces where families and people of various backgrounds could enjoy together. The newly opened Picnic Pool is expected to be the perfect place for families to spend their weekends and holidays. It offers an opportunity to escape the busy city life, relax in nature, and enjoy a healthy leisure lifestyle.
The design also incorporates fun elements to provide visitors with a sense of joy. Additionally, the city has enhanced safety by making it easy for everyone to understand the entrance and facility information. By branding the entrance, the city aimed to create a gathering place. Safety rails were installed on ramps to prevent accidents for wheelchair and stroller users. A swimming pool ladder-shaped staircase was installed in one corner of the platform-style picnic area to create the feeling of being at a pool. Existing trees were used for shade, harmonizing with the surrounding landscape.
Picnic tables designed specifically for the characteristics of the Han River space offer a new waterfront tourism destination where people can experience a unique lifestyle, such as enjoying "Han River ramen," delivery food, and waterfront picnics.
Seoul has developed the first-ever "Universal Design Guidebook for Waterfront Spaces" in Korea, which will be distributed to those in charge of constructing and managing public spaces. The guidebook provides design guidelines with easy-to-understand illustrations and abundant examples, making it easy to use even for those without design knowledge. It is systematically organized to be easily used throughout the entire design process, from development and application to evaluation and management.
Meanwhile, the site will be used as a venue for the "Reading Hangang Park" outdoor library event hosted by the Future Hangang Headquarters in September, serving as a diverse cultural experience space for citizens. The "Reading Hangang Park" event will be held every Saturday from September 28 to October 19 at Ichon Hangang Park Lawn Square.
Choi In-kyu, Director of Design Policy at Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, "We expect the 'Picnic Pool for All' to become an excellent model of universal design for family-oriented leisure culture in waterfront spaces and spread throughout Seoul. By distributing the guidebook, disseminating design guidelines for waterfront spaces, and providing consulting services for space improvements, we will continue to strive to improve the quality of public spaces along the waterfront."
▲ Progress of 'Picnic for all' Project
▲ Actual implementation photos
