Seoul has officially launched construction of the Nodeul Global Art Island, an ambitious $260 million project that aims to transform an artificial island in the Han River into a world-class cultural destination by 2028. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Tuesday, marking the beginning of what city officials describe as a cornerstone initiative in Seoul's broader effort to revitalize the entire Han River corridor.

Hundreds of residents and dignitaries gathered on the island for the ceremony, including Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and renowned British architect Thomas Heatherwick, who designed the ambitious project. The 370 billion won initiative represents a central component of the city's Great Han River Project, which seeks to create new landmarks and cultural spaces throughout the river area.

"If the Hangang River Bus represents the pinnacle of the Han River Renaissance – a movement transforming the river into a stream of Seoul's elegance and culture – the Nodeul Global Art Island will be the final piece completing the grand picture," Mayor Oh declared during the ceremony. "It will become a new center of culture and art that changes the daily lives of citizens and elevates Seoul's urban competitiveness to the next level."

The mayor emphasized that Heatherwick's proposed design goes beyond mere aesthetic appeal, focusing instead on creating meaningful spaces that resonate with people emotionally. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the architect's vision reimagines the previously underutilized river island as a floating cultural sanctuary where architecture, nature, and human creativity converge in harmony.

The island's troubled history spans over a century, having been constructed in 1917 during the Japanese colonial period. For decades, it remained largely unused despite numerous failed redevelopment attempts, including plans for an amusement park in the 1970s and a proposed opera house in 2005. In 2019, under Mayor Oh's predecessor Park Won-soon, the island was redeveloped as a music venue, but only limited spaces were accessible to the public, and the project failed to achieve its goals as a significant cultural landmark.

Heatherwick's winning design, called "Soundscape," emerged victorious after the city government conducted two comprehensive rounds of international design competitions and public forums aimed at unlocking the island's full potential. The concept draws inspiration from Korea's distinctive mountainous landscape and envisions a floating garden structure supported by concrete pillars and connected through elevated pedestrian bridges that offer spectacular panoramic views of both the Han River and Seoul's impressive skyline.

One of the project's most striking features will be the Atelier Nodeul media facade, specifically designed to create vibrant visual experiences for passengers traveling on the Hangang River Bus route between Yeouido and Jamwon parks. Once completed, the island will provide diverse spaces for leisure activities, live performances, art exhibitions, and peaceful relaxation for both Seoul residents and international visitors.

Construction will proceed in carefully planned phases, beginning with the development of aerial and ground-level gardens, followed by waterfront improvements and comprehensive ecological restoration efforts. City officials have confirmed their commitment to preserving significant portions of the existing cultural complex, including the current live music venue and performance lawn, ensuring continuity with the island's recent cultural heritage while embracing its ambitious future as a global arts destination.