Day Seven: CA Landscape Design & Gwanghwamun Square

Today our group was invited to meet Younjun Jo, a landscape architect for CA Landscape Design. This private company has completed several major projects including the Istanbul River Restoration Project (a river restoration project similar to the Cheonggyecheon), the Raemian One Bailey Project (an integration of nature in a residential area), the Cheonggyecheon River, and the Gwanghwamun Square (a fifteen lane road that underwent a massive road diet and restoration). While listening to Younjun Jo's presentation of these projects, I was amazed by the intentionality of nature within the projects and its use. The implementation of urban forests, water features, and open green spaces was meticulously planned to reflect the goals of simplicity, symbology, and the culture of South Korea. It was intriguing to learn how nature is integrated into landscape architecture. How nature can be both strategically designed and signify the culture and history of South Korea as well as offer so many environmental benefits from carbon dioxide reduction, cooling features, and water absorption. I am more familiar with nature being used for environmental practices for climate and disaster management, so learning that nature is also a form of architectural design for aesthetics, social interaction, and recreation. It was incredible to listen to Younjun Jo and be introduced to the field of landscape architecture. I learned so much!

After we met with the CA Landscape Design, we set out to visit one of their successful projects, the Gwanghwamun Square. The Gwanghwamun Square was originally a large highway with a huge median. The square later underwent a restoration project designed by CA Landscape Design and was turned into an urban forest, social area, and restricted transportation lanes. The Gwanghwamun contains so much history regarding South Korea and Japan's occupation. This is because during Japan's occupation, they destroyed Gyeongbokgung Palace which was the primary palace in South Korea. After Japan lost control of South Korea, South Korea rebuilt the palace and placed a memorial of King Sejong (a respected king who formed the Korean alphabet, Hangul) and Admiral Yi-Sun-Sin (an undefeated admiral during Japanese colonization). While walking along the square this history was visually represented through nature and was beautiful to witness.

Below are photos of some of the projects done by the CA Landscape Design company.

Below are photos of Gwanghwamun Square.