Seoul Yeoui-Naru Ferry Terminal

Integrating water transport
Reconnecting with the river

Location:	Seoul, South Korea
Services:	Concept Design

Back to Projects

Our design creates a unique landmark for Seoul and a memorable meeting point on the edge of the Han River. A truly public ferry terminal, it fosters a new and exciting bond between the people of Seoul and the waterway which has enriched their lives for centuries.

Integrating water transport

The challenge was to design a ferry terminal which catered for various modes of water transport in a seamless and integrated way. The scheme had to include departure halls, ticket offices, viewing platforms and retail space.

Reconnecting with the river

Sitting half on the water and half on the land, the building provides a seamless connection between the two, linking visitors and residents with the river in two distinct ways. A water courtyard, created by encircling part of the river with the building, provides a multifunctional gathering space and ecological zone and allows people to experience this huge waterway in an intimate setting.

A circular ramp loops over the water and back to the land to create a continuous rooftop promenade with 360^o views over the surroundings. This space acts as an extension of the park and allows people to enjoy the vistas by day or night, even when the terminal building is closed.

The terminal building frames a piece of the river for public use. Instead of the Terminal being surrounded by Water, the Water is surrounded by the Terminal - therefore The Han River Itself Becomes the Focal Point

Philip Turner

The River Han has always been a valuable resource for the people of Seoul, functioning as a crucial trade route and source of agricultural prosperity for centuries, whilst providing a scenic respite from the fast-paced, technological buzz of the modern day city.

In this new phase of its history, the river is once again a centre for social life, the new terminal building at its heart, open and accessible to all.