10 Best Parks in Seoul

Located in Yeouido, the centre of Korean politics, finance and media, Yeouido Hangang Park is the most preferred resting space of Seoul citizens all year round. Easily accessible by such public transportation as the subway or bus, the park attracts many office workers and citizens 365 days a year. The park is the venue of the famous Cherry Blossom Festival and Fireworks Festival, and various weekend cultural performances that entertain the eyes and ears of picnickers.

Equipped with well-maintained bike and pedestrian paths, the park is an ideal place for bicycling and strolling. It is also recommended to visit the park with your children as it provides ecological learning experiences. Experience various water activities such as duck boat riding, yachting, and cruising and feel the energy of the river to the fullest.

Haneul Park is one of the parks created around the World Cup Stadium to commemorate the 2002 World Cup held in Korea and Japan and to restore the Nanjido Waste Landfill. The park, stretching over a vast area on a hill, is mostly known for its wonderful night views and sunsets.

In addition, the Silver Grass Festival that takes place in the park is one of Seoul's representative autumn festivals. It is held in October every year when the silver grass flowers are in full bloom. The park is also a popular dating site, as it has many photo spots perfect for romantic couple portraits across the silver grass field, which presents an unobstructed view difficult to find in the city centre. How about going to Haneul Park for a date on a clear and refreshing autumn day?

Ttukseom Hangang Park used to be a famous riverside amusement park in Seoul even before the creation of the Hangang Park. You can enjoy various water sports such as windsurfing, water skiing, and power boating amid the cool river breeze. A variety of sports facilities, including soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, badminton courts, and rock climbing walls are located in the park. In midsummer, tents are available to rent at the park to avoid the scorching sun while enjoying a picnic during the day, and to enjoy various foods when the cool wind blows at night.

Loved by many citizens, Ttukseom Hangang Park provides many things to see and experience. A variety of cultural events and concerts held in the park also attract many leisure seekers. Enjoy colourful fountain shows tuned to different music styles in the musical fountain area.

Yeouido Park is a green gem in the concrete jungle of Yeouido, Korea's centre of politics, finance, and media. The park was created as a resting space for citizens by renovating a runway that had been on the site. The park consists of four main areas: Natural Ecological Forest, Cultural Event Plaza, Grassy Field, and Traditional Korean Forest. The Natural Ecological Forest, inhabited by various creatures around the pond, is a place you can explore nature in the heart of the city.

You can rent bicycles and inline skates at the park as well as enjoy other leisure activities. This park presents beautiful scenery throughout the year, particularly when cherry blossoms bloom in spring and when trees change their appearance in autumn. Take a break at Yeouido Park when you are feeling tired of the busy city life.

Naksan Park, extending to Daehak-ro street and Dongdaemun Gate, is a place where you can experience the culture and history of Korea at the same time. The park is also a popular spot to see the beautiful night view of Seoul. The top of the hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of Bukhansan Mountain and downtown Seoul.

The hiking route starting at Dongdaemun Gate allows you to walk through the lush forest in the city centre along the fortress walls of Seoul. The winding fortress trail is a unique feature of Naksan Park. Go down in the direction of Daehak-ro, you will reach Ihwa Mural Village. The pretty murals found across the village serve as ideal photo spots. You might lose track of time while enjoying all the interesting attractions in the park.

Established for the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Olympic Park is largely composed of cultural arts, life sports, environmental ecology, and historical experience zones. As it was designed to host the Olympic games, facilities include tennis, fencing, gymnastics, weightlifting, and swimming stadiums. After the Seoul Olympics, the stadiums were used as concert halls for many domestic and foreign artists, establishing the park's current status as a cultural mecca.

The park is considered one of the world's top 5 sculpture parks, displaying some 210 pieces of sculpture art including those of world-renowned sculptors throughout the site. The most representative landmark of Olympic Park is World Peace Gate, a sculpture designed by Korea’s leading architect Kim Joong-up to emphasize the spirit of world peace. There are also various cultural facilities such as an art museum and a history centre located inside the park. Visit this iconic park to enrich your cultural experience.

Yongsan Family Park is a Western-style park with large lawns and ponds. The site was used as a logistical base during the Imjin War in 1592, occupied by the Qing army during the Imo Incident (1882), and used as a Japanese military facility until liberation before the stationing of the US armed forces in Korea. Although the site preserves the nation's history of war, it has been transformed into a park where citizens can spend a peaceful time with their families.

Featuring ponds, fountains, various exercise equipment, and playgrounds, it is a perfect outing destination for families with children. For those seeking a more varied experience, visit the nearby National Museum of Korea. The park and the museum are connected, so you can easily come and go between the two places. Bosingak Bell, Korean Treasure No. 2, is located to the right of the National Museum of Korea. Don't miss the opportunity to see the bell used for the annual bell-ringing ceremony to celebrate the start of the new year in person. The bells deep and soft ringing sound will surely impressive you.

Gyeongchun Line Forest Park is a complex cultural space created along the old Gyeongchun Line tracks. In addition to the lush forest, the park also features various cultural facilities for exhibitions and experiential programs. During the day, the trail has a calm atmosphere ideal for meditative walks, but at night, colourful lights transform the trail into a popular spot for night views. You can feel the romantic sentiment of the old railroad in the modern era where cutting edge technologies have changed every part of life.

At the recently opened Gyeongchun Line Forest Park Gallery, you can take an artistic break during your walk along the trail. You can also snap pretty pictures against the many eye-catching murals scattered around the park. Nearby Hwarangdae Station was the last way station in Seoul and is now used as an exhibition hall. In front of the station, various trains including Mika trains, narrow-gauge trains, and tramcars are on display. If you have time, it is recommended to visit the station too.

Ichon Hangang Park is located on the north side of the river, between Jungnangcheongyo Bridge and Wonhyodaegyo Bridge. With mustard flowers, evening primroses, reeds, silver grass, and cosmos that bloom in turns as the seasons change, the park is an ideal place to take a stroll or jog. During the World Fireworks Festival, held in early October, the park attracts large crowds as one of the best spots to watch the fireworks.

The park has various sports facilities such as an inline skating rink, basketball courts, and tennis courts, making it popular with citizens looking to enjoy sports in Seoul. You can also find well-maintained bike paths. In particular, the Hangang Crossing Experience Centre provides a unique program that includes river rafting.

Namsan Park is a recreational area created around Namsan Mountain. Although the park is located 262 meters above ground, it is easily accessible by cable car. The thrills felt when the ascending and descending cable cars intersect are something you can't experience elsewhere. In addition to the cable car, you can simply walk along Namsan Dulle-gil or use the circular route bus to get to the park.

At the top of the park, there are various attractions including N Seoul Tower and facilities for strolling, exercising, and resting. The Eight Provinces Pine Tree Complex features pine trees brought in from all over the country. If you look out from the observatory on a clear day, you can even see the sea off Incheon. Take a hike on Namsan Mountain and appreciate the scenery that will refresh your eyes and mind.