Han River Park in Seoul is a large park consisting of 12 parks along the Han River, which runs through the center of Seoul. Han River Park is a place where you can enjoy many of Seoul’s cultural, natural, leisure, and historical attractions. Hanang Park offers a wide range of activities, including biking, water sports, camping, picnicking, busking, and fireworks displays. Hanang Park also offers beautiful views of the riverfront with cherry blossoms in spring, fall foliage in fall, and snow in winter. Han River Park is a major tourist destination in Seoul and a favorite place for people to relax.
About Han River Park
Han River Park in Seoul, South Korea, is a large park consisting of 12 parks along the Han River, which runs through the center of Seoul. Construction began in 1982 and was completed in 2009. The total area of Hangang Park is 39.9 square kilometers, with 9.1 square kilometers of land on the banks alone. Hanang Park is a place where you can enjoy Seoul’s cultural, natural, leisure, and historical attractions.
The most popular park in Hangang Park is Yeouido Hangang Park. Yeouido Hangang Park is easily accessible from Yeouinaru Station on Line 5 and is home to the Cherry Blossom Festival. At Yeouido Hangang Park, you can enjoy stunning views of the Han River by bicycle. There are two bike rental shops in the park, where you can rent a regular bike for 3,000 won per hour and a tandem bike for 6,000 won per hour. Yeouido Hangang Park has a great atmosphere even in the evening. You can picnic by the river, order food for delivery, or grab drinks and snacks from the convenience stores. You can also enjoy the illuminated fountains, lively buskers, and nighttime views of the city.
The 12 Han River Parks
Han River Park is a large park consisting of 12 parks along the Han River, which runs through the center of Seoul. Each park has different features, things to see, and things to do. Here’s a brief introduction to each of the 12 Han River Parks.
Gwangnaru Hangang Park: Located close to Gwangnaru Station, this park offers natural views of the Han River. There are leisure facilities such as biking, boating, and water skiing, and the Gwangnaru Cultural Center hosts cultural events such as performances, exhibitions, and festivals.
Jamsil Hangang Park⭐⭐: This park is close to Jamsil Station and offers views of the cityscape, including Lotte World Tower and Jamsil Baseball Stadium. There are recreational facilities such as bicycles, boats, swimming pools, and playgrounds. You can also take a Han River cruise in front of Jamsil Naru Station.
Ttukseom Hangang Park⭐⭐⭐: This park is located close to Ttukseom Station and is connected to the Ttukseom Textile Park. There are leisure facilities such as bicycles, boats, swimming pools, inline skating rinks, and campgrounds. Ttukseom Hangang Park also hosts large events such as the Seoul Jazz Festival and Seoul Fashion Week.
Jamwon Hangang Park⭐: Close to Sinsa Station, this park offers natural views of the Han River and the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain on Banpo Bridge. There are leisure facilities such as bicycles, boats, swimming pools, tennis courts, and camping grounds. The park also hosts festivals such as the Seoul World Fireworks Festival and the Seoul Night Ghost Market.
Banpo Hangang Park⭐⭐: This park is close to the Express Terminal Station and features the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain on Banpo Bridge and the world’s tallest World Cup Fountain. There are leisure and cultural facilities such as bicycles, boats, swimming pools, floating islands, noddle islands, and a Zen path.
Ichon Han River Park: Located close to Ichon Station, this park offers natural views of the Han River and cityscapes such as 63 Building and Namsan Tower. There are leisure facilities such as bicycles, boats, swimming pools, camping grounds, and a riverboat experience center. You can also visit cultural facilities such as the National Museum of Korea, Seoul War Memorial, and Ichon Hanbit Island.
Yeouido Hangang Park⭐⭐⭐⭐: Located close to Yeouinaru Station, this is the most visited park by Koreans and tourists alike. There are leisure and cultural facilities such as bicycles, boats, swimming pools, Han River cruise ships, and the World Floating Stage. Yeouido Hangang Park also hosts festivals such as the Cherry Blossom Festival, Fireworks Festival, and Seoul Night Ghost Market.
Seonyudo Hangang Park: Located close to Yeouido Station, this park offers natural views of the Han River alongside the Seonyubong. There are leisure and cultural facilities such as bicycles, boats, swimming pools, camping grounds, and Seonyudo Ecological Park. You can also enjoy artworks such as Design Seoul Gallery, Soft Seoul Exhibition Hall, Amphitheater, and Fog Fountain.
Yanghwa Hangang Park: Located close to Dangsan Station, this park offers natural views of the Han River and the cityscape of Yanghwa Bridge. There are leisure facilities such as bicycles, boats, swimming pools, water training grounds, and camping grounds. Yanghua Hangang Park also offers special services such as Yanghua Observation Café, No Deuk Café, and water call taxis.
Mangwon Hangang Park⭐: Located close to Mangwon Station, this park offers natural views of the Han River and the cityscape of Seongsan Bridge. There are leisure facilities such as bicycles, boats, swimming pools, camping grounds, water skiing grounds, yachting grounds, and a pilot’s license test center. In addition, Mangwon Hangang Park has special attractions such as a mirror fountain, water playground, music fountain, ecological wetland, and Nanji Campground.
Nanji Hangang Park⭐⭐: Located close to Sangam Station, this park consists of Noeul Park, Sky Park, and Nanji Cheon Park. There are leisure and cultural facilities such as bicycles, boats, swimming pools, camping grounds, inline skating rinks, Seoul Jazz Festival, Seoul Fashion Week, and more. In addition, Nanji Hangang Park has special attractions such as the Mirror Fountain, which creates a rainbow every time it sprays water, riverside water playground, ecological wetland, and Nanji Campground.
Gangseo Hangang Park: Close to Ganyang Station, this park offers natural views of the Han River and the cityscape of Ganyang Bridge. There are leisure and cultural facilities such as bicycles, boats, swimming pools, camping grounds, wetland ecological parks, and sports parks. In addition, Gangseo Hangang Park has a loading dock, nature observation paths, and wetlands such as wet meadows.
How to enjoy Han River Park
You can find a variety of things to do and see at Han River Park. For example, you can
– Ride a bike and enjoy the scenery along the Han River, or enjoy water activities such as boating, swimming, and water skiing. There are places to rent bikes and boats in Hangang Park.
– Spread a mat on the grass, have a picnic, or enjoy a chimac on the lawn at Hangang Park. Convenience stores and food delivery are available.
– Take part in various festivals and events held at the parks. For example, Yeouido Hangang Park hosts cherry blossom festivals, fireworks displays, and the Seoul Bamdokebi Market.
– Check out cultural facilities and artworks in Han River Park. For example, Ttukseom Han River Park is home to the Seoul Jazz Festival, Seoul Fashion Week, Ttukseom Textile Garden, and Jabalegwan (Seoul Thinking Floor).
Han River Park Festivals
Han River Park hosts a variety of festivals each year. For example, there are the following festivals
– Cherry Blossom Festival: Usually held during the first week of April, you can see the cherry blossoms in full bloom at various parks in Hangang Park. You can enjoy it by walking, biking, or picnicking by the river. The cherry blossom festival is free to attend.
– Fireworks festival: Usually held in early October, you can watch fireworks shows in parks such as Yeouido, Ttukseom, and Jamsil in the Han River Park. The fireworks are very popular, so you’ll need to arrive early to get to the parks. The festival is also accompanied by a variety of other events, including food vendors, busking, and performances.
– Seoul Night Market: Held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening from May through October, Seoul Night Market offers a wide variety of goods, food, culture, and art at locations such as Yeouido, Ttukseom, Banpo, and Cheonggyecheon in Han River Park. Seoul Bamdokebi Market: The festival is the epitome of nightlife in Seoul.
– Seoul Jazz Festival: Held at the end of May, this festival features performances by renowned local and international jazz artists at Hangang Park on Ttukseom Island. The Seoul Jazz Festival is the largest jazz festival in Korea.
– Seoul Fashion Week: Held in March and October, you can enjoy shows and exhibitions by local and international fashion designers at Ttukseom Hangang Park. Seoul Fashion Week is the leading festival for fashion culture in Korea.
Why we recommend visiting Han River Park
Here are a few reasons why we recommend visiting Han River Park.
Hangang Park is a place where you can enjoy nature and culture in Seoul at the same time. You can experience the beautiful scenery of the Han River and various leisure facilities, cultural facilities, artworks, festivals, and more.
Han River Park is a classic date night spot in Seoul. You can spend romantic time with your significant other while biking, boating, picnicking, watching fireworks, enjoying a concert, or camping.
Han River Park is where you can enjoy Seoul’s nightlife. At night, you can play chee-mak by the river, watch buskers, or enjoy the Seoul Night Market. The bridges and buildings of the park are colorfully illuminated at night, creating a spectacular view.
Han River Park is a great place to learn about Seoul’s history and culture. The park used to be very dirty due to industrial and sewage pollution, but thanks to the Han River Water Quality Improvement Project, it is now a clean and ecological space. The park is also located in the center of Seoul, close to famous tourist attractions such as the National Assembly, 63 Building, Namsan Tower, National Museum of Korea, and the Seoul War Memorial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How to enjoy the Han River?
A: There are many ways to enjoy the Han River. For example, you can enjoy the scenic views of the Han River by bicycle or boat, have a picnic or chimac on the grassy lawn, attend one of the many festivals and events held at the Han River Park, or enjoy the cultural facilities and artworks along the river.
Q: What is special about the Han River?
A: What makes the Han River so special is its close connection to Korean history and culture. Since ancient times, the Han River has been the place where nations such as Mahan, Baekje, Goguryeo, Silla, Goryeo, and Joseon ruled, waged war, prospered, and fell. The Han River also flows through the center of Seoul, testifying to the city’s development and transformation. The Han River used to be very dirty due to industrial and sewage pollution, but the Han River Water Quality Improvement Project has made it a clean and ecological space.
Q: Is it safe to swim in the Han River?
A: Whether it is safe to swim in the Han River depends on the conditions. In general, the water quality of the Han River is good enough for drinking, and it is home to many types of fish and algae. However, the Han River is deep and fast-moving, and there are many areas where swimming is prohibited. It is also safe to use swimming pools and water recreation facilities along the river. Unauthorized swimming in the Han River is punishable by law.
Q: Which part of the Han River should I go to?
A: Which part of the Han River you should go to depends on your preferences and goals. The Han River is made up of 12 parks, each of which has its own character. For example, Yeouido Hangang Park is home to large-scale events such as the Cherry Blossom Festival, Fireworks Festival, and Seoul Night Market, Ttukseom Hangang Park is home to cultural and artistic events such as the Seoul Jazz Festival and Seoul Fashion Week, and Jamsil Hangang Park is home to leisure facilities such as swimming pools and water skiing. For more information about Han River Park, please visit the following websites.
Q: Why is the Han River so famous?
A: The Han River is so famous because it is closely connected to the history and culture of Seoul, and as a river that flows through the center of Seoul, it is a testament to the development and transformation of Seoul. Since ancient times, the Han River has been the place where countries such as Mahan, Baekje, Goguryeo, Silla, Goryeo, and Joseon ruled, fought, prospered, and fell. In addition, the Han River used to be very dirty due to industrial pollution and sewage pollution, but the Han River Water Quality Improvement Project has made it a clean and ecological space. The Han River is a place where you can enjoy nature and culture in Seoul at the same time, and offers a variety of things to do and see.
Q: How do I get to the Han River by subway?
A: How to get to the Han River by subway depends on which Han River Park you want to visit. Han River Park consists of 12 parks, each of which has a nearby subway station. For example, for Yeouido Hangang Park, you can get off at Yeouido Station (Line 5) or Yeouinaru Station (Line 9). For Ttukseom Hangang Park, you can get off at Ttukseom Station (Line 2) or Hanyang University Station (Line 2). Jamsil Hangang Park can be reached by getting off at Jamsil Station (Line 2) or Mongchon Toseong Station (Line 8). For more information about Hangang Park, please visit the following websites.
Q. Is the Han River in Seoul clean?
A. The Han River in Seoul used to be highly polluted, but recent efforts to improve water quality have made it cleaner. The Seoul Metropolitan Government has an intensive “Han River Naturalness” program to restore and preserve greenery, ecology, and water quality. The Han River is the most important landmark in Seoul, dividing the city into north and south, and there are many parks and recreational facilities on both sides of the river.
Q. How far is it from Myeongdong to the Han River?
A. The distance from Myeongdong to the Han River is about 4 kilometers. It takes about 1 hour to walk, about 20 minutes to bike, about 15 minutes to take a taxi, and about 30 minutes to take a bus. If traveling by bus, you can take the 151, 152, 500, 507, 640, 750A, 750B, 752, etc. from Myeongdong Station and get off at the LG U+ stop at the north end of the Han River Bridge.
Q. How do I get to the Han River from Seoul Station?
A. You can get to the Han River from Seoul Station as follows.
– By subway: Take Line 4 to Seoul Station, transfer to Line 2 to City Hall, get off at Line 2 Yeouinaru Station, and take Exit 1. It takes about 20 minutes.
– By bus: Take the 405, 740, 8840, etc. from Seoul Station bus stop and get off at LG U+ bus stop at the north end of the Han River Bridge. It takes about 30 minutes.
– By taxi: Take a taxi from Seoul Station and head towards Hangang Bridge. The ride takes about 15 minutes and costs about KRW 7,000.
Q. Which part of the Han River should I visit at night?
A. Depending on which part of the Han River you visit at night, you can enjoy different atmospheres. Here are some of our favorite spots
– Jamsil Han River Park: This is a classic nighttime spot along the Han River, with beautiful reflections of the lights from Jamsil and Olympic bridges. It also offers a variety of sports facilities, including an inline skating rink, bike paths, ice skating rink, soccer fields, and volleyball courts.
– Yeouido Hangang Park: This iconic stretch of the Han River is adjacent to Yeouido Park. Yeouido Park hosts a variety of events, including flower festivals and fireworks displays, and you can rent picnic equipment such as tents, mats, and chairs at Hangang Park. It’s also a popular spot for sightseeing boats and bike taxis.
– Mangwon Hangang Park: This is the hippest part of the Han River and attracts a lot of young people. You can pitch a tent, buy food from food trucks, or watch live performances.
