Yeoui-Naru Ferry Terminal

Site
It is one of the main images related to the city and of enormous relevance to its identity. The new cultural and transportation development on the south side of Han River between Mapo and Wonhyo Bridge aims to maintain this unique character of the site and to implement social, cultural and infrastructural improvements within the aesthetic and environmental context, setting an example for Seoul’s sustainable and holistic future development.

Yeoui-Naru Ferry Terminal
The one storey, 5 meter high, terminal building forms a thin line, following the river flow. The slender ratio of facility length to width is the conclusion from maximizing efficiency, providing spaces for up to seven 700 tons vessels to berth at the same time and 20 private boats along with other tourism and transport vessels. The slight bends of the terminal and the marina facilities are the result of optimization for vessel manoeuvring, while creating a definite path on the otherwise undefined water surface. The terminal is located furthest possible from the shoreline within the planning zone to emphasize the experience of “walking on Han River” and to distinct between land and water side.

The entire Yeoui-Naru Ferry Terminal and marina facility is sheltered by a continuous roof. The subtly bent and gently waving roof structures create shelter as they frame the views of the river and the city in alternating opening and closing gestures. The undulating roof surface creates varying light qualities. The lightness harmoniously corresponds with the flow of river and creates a poetic interpretation of Yeoui-Naru symbolic identity.

Respecting the notion of building on water, the Yeoui-Naru Ferry Terminal is conceived as a lightweight steel-frame structure with timber cladding, creating a light appearance with reduced weight to minimize the pontoon size and blending harmoniously and naturally with its surrounding environments. A metal mesh encloses the periphery of the marina, creating an almost invisible curtain, in lieu of typical balustrades, eliminating the barrier between the pier and the river. The slender pier structure is wide enough to provide visitors with a feeling of comfort and security on the floating platform. At the same time it is narrow enough to create the unique experience of “walking on the Han River”. While the areas and dimensions are highly optimized, the result is a structure, which allows visitors to experience an intense connection with the flowing river.

Concept and Masterplan
The masterplan considerately relates the development to the existing infrastructure and public transportation network, while creating a destination by, and with the Yeoui-Naru Ferry Terminal specifically, on the water.

The terminal and marina facilities are directly connected to the Yeoui-Naru Station via the proposed link bridge, which provides an easy barrier-free connection to all parts of the new development and public transportation facilities.

The Yeouijeong (Pier Deck) is proposed as a one storey open timber structure with shutters, located by the water on the designated concrete paved area opposite to the terminal and marina facilities. It is conceptualized as a market hall typology with cafes and restaurants, offering typical local culinary experiences, such as Korean Barbeque, Chimaek in flexible enclosed, open and semi-open spaces. The enclosures are proposed as temporary flexible structures, which can adequately respond to future expansions and changes as they are easy and cost-effective to secure, maintain and replace due to flooding. The 8,500 sqm rooftop of the Yeouijeong serves as a vast observation platform, overseeing the Han River and the marina facilities.

The Ari Cultural Center will be located on top of the open parking space situated at the south-east corner of Mapo Bridge. This location is identified as a strong anchor point to connect the entire cultural development with the urban grain, by placing a four storey landmark structure at the entry point to Yeouido, while creating a recognizable visual connection to the Yeouido Park and the financial and government district.

The masterplan together with the Yeoui-Naru Ferry Terminal creates social and environmental relevance by responding to programmatic and contextual relationships, as structures and functions are treated as a coherent entity to establish Yeoui-Naru’s new cultural identity.

The 4 Core Projects of the Han-gang Collaboration Plan encompasses pedestrian and bicycle paths within green open spaces and direct connection to the public transportation network.

The project is anticipated to be completed in 2019.