The transformation of Nodeul Island in Seoul has achieved a significant milestone with the successful groundbreaking ceremony held on Tuesday, October 21. The studio has shared details and new renderings about the proejct. 

Last year, Heatherwick Studio won the competition to reimagine the man-made, uninhabited island on the Han River into a new place for culture and recreation. Officials and locals gathered on 21 October for a celebration that included augmented reality, musical performances, and chances to learn more about the design, explained the global Heatherwick Studio. 

Image © Devisual

Named Soundscape, the design was commissioned by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The project seeks to establish a new terrain for people to explore and enjoy while also honoring South Korean music.

The island's recreational history will be echoed at ground level with a public beach and an art center. The riverbank's realistic landscaping will become an event podium. Recording studios, tiny concert halls, a waterfront amphitheater, a K-Pop experience center, a music café, an anechoic chamber, and a karaoke bar will all be available to visitors.

Image © Devisual

A brand-new, elevated 1.25-kilometer urban route that takes influence from Seoul's surrounding hilly terrain and soundwave patterns will run through the center of the island.

The trail will loop in a figure-of-eight, with rest spots and breathtaking views of the city and riverfront. It is made up of a number of tiny, floating islets that seem to float in midair.

Image © NOD

"It transforms an isolated island into a space for culture, nature, and community"

Thomas Heatherwick, founder of Heatherwick Studio, said the project aims to transform an isolated island into a space for culture, nature, and community.  

"So often when people use the word culture they mean museums and galleries, but that only speaks to a fraction of the public. Instead, Nodeul Island will be one of the most public places that any citizen can enjoy, where sound is central to the whole experience – embedded in the landscape, in the installations, and in the programming," said Thomas Heatherwick. 

"Soundscape will be somewhere you can breathe and feel alive. An invitation to listen, discover and connect with your fellow Seoulites," Heatherwick added.

Image © NOD

"Our aim has been to enhance a place that’s incredibly special to people in Seoul. We’ve been listening, understanding what people already love, and adding layers to the landscape. Stripping out the things that harm it – like the dominance of roads and cars – and amplifying all the things that make it special and inviting – the water’s edge, the sense of escape and the romance of the river," said Neil Hubbard, group leader at the studio. 

Image © NOD

Image © NOD

Image © NOD

The project will be built in stages, giving residents continuous access to certain areas of the island, and it is expected to open in 2028.

Additionally, until November 18, 2025, Thomas Heatherwick will serve as the general director of the 5th Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism.

The joint partner on the project is Gansam Architects & Associates. 

The top image in the article © Devisual.

> via Heatherwick Studio

Heatherwick Studio Nodeul Island Seoul transformation