Seoul Enhances Urban Aesthetics by Integrating Art Across the City
Seoul City Implements Various Projects to Enhance Urban Aesthetics and Provide Pleasant Streetscapes for Citizens
Seoul City is implementing various projects to improve urban aesthetics and provide citizens with pleasant streetscapes. This initiative focuses primarily on the development of so-called “Attractive Fences,” which integrate illustration works on construction barriers, and a corporate social responsibility project that incorporates artworks by disabled artists onto street trash bin covers.
Seoul City announced that it will establish “Attractive Fences” featuring works by famous illustrators at the construction barriers of long-term construction sites, such as in front of Exit 1 at Aeogae Station and the construction site for the Namsan Gondola station in Yejang Park. These locations are expected to remain under construction for an extended period, with the “Attractive Fences” staying in place for at least one to two years.
The “Attractive Fences” project was implemented with the aim of addressing urban aesthetic issues caused by prolonged construction in downtown Seoul. By transforming construction barriers from simple protective structures into art installations that citizens can encounter in their daily lives, this initiative offers a new perspective on urban spaces.
The project features warm and engaging illustrations designed to reduce the fatigue citizens feel in their daily lives and to highlight Seoul’s unique charm. The goal is to alleviate the anxiety and inconvenience caused by construction sites while offering citizens a special and memorable experience.
1. Aeogae Station
The “Attractive Fence” extending approximately 100 meters in front of Exit 1 at Aeogae Station features an original illustration by the artist Subsub. The artwork incorporates the phrase “SEOUL MY SOUL” and the Korean consonants “ㅅㅇㅁㅇㅅㅇ,” showcasing actions of citizens to visually express Seoul’s slogan, “Special City of Charm and Companionship.” The vibrant depiction of citizens holding hands conveys the themes of empathy and connection.
Subsub is a renowned illustrator with over 60,000 followers on Instagram, known for collaborations with global brands such as Kakao, Dior, and Chanel. Subsub’s work captures the charm of everyday life with a lovable artistic style.
2. Yejang Park Walkway
The “Attractive Fence” along the walkway in Yejang Park, where the Namsan Gondola station will be installed, features works by Glory and CUNA. The artworks are divided into two sections along the walkway. Glory’s warm, pink-toned illustrations reflect the park’s atmosphere, depicting landmarks like Namsan Tower and the gondola. On the other side, the illustrations portray citizens engaging in activities such as exercising and picnicking, offering a relatable and friendly vibe.
Glory was selected as a “Notable Illustrator” at the Seoul Design Festival (SDF) and is known for her works that convey warmth and happiness through depictions of everyday joy.
3. Lower Area of Yejang Park
CUNA’s illustrations adorn the fences near the road at the lower part of Yejang Park. The artworks feature Namsan Tower in a dreamy and whimsical style, with Myeong-dong and hanok villages to the left, and scenes of Han River festivals, including firework shows and drone light displays, to the right.
CUNA is widely recognized as the Samsung X IOC official ambassador and is known for her fantasy-inspired works, including the popular “White Witch” series that depicts global landmarks in a fairy-tale style.
All of the artworks incorporate elements of Seoul’s policies, such as Haechi and Friends, Seoul Balloons, outdoor libraries, Fun Benches, and the “Wrist Doctor 9988” initiative, encouraging citizens to enjoy discovering these details. Some parts of the fences are designed as photo zones, creating opportunities for interaction and making the locations appealing destinations.
Hidden QR codes in the illustrations offer additional engagement by allowing citizens to access more works by the featured artists.
Corporate Social Responsibility Project with L’Oréal Korea
Seoul City also announced a collaboration with L’Oréal Korea to showcase artworks by artists with developmental disabilities on the covers of street trash bins. These artworks were selected from L’Oréal Korea’s “Create Your Beauty” competition, featuring six winning entries.
The trash bins, installed in 10 locations across Jongno-gu, Jung-gu, and Dongdaemun-gu, display different artworks at each site, offering a unique visual experience.
The displayed artworks include:
“A Free Encounter” by Kim Chae-seong
“Mother Elephant and Baby Elephant” by Kim Hye-min
“A Beautiful World” by Kim Hyung-shin
“I’m the Prettiest” by Geum Chae-min
“Unnamed Work” by Yang Si-young
“Portrait of a Beauty” by Jung Ji-won
Choi In-kyu, Seoul City Design Policy Bureau Director-General, stated:
“This project aims to incorporate art into urban spaces, showcasing Seoul’s charm and providing citizens with opportunities to enjoy art in their daily lives. We will continue to explore ways to maintain Seoul’s urban aesthetics as beautiful and pleasant.”
He added, “We hope citizens enjoy discovering the various street installations during the year-end and New Year season and find delight in the experience.”
