Yeouido Hangang Park

Yeouido Hangang Park is one of the most popular parks found along the Han River which runs through the heart of Seoul. The park is located on the northern edge of Yeouido, an 8.4 square kilometer (5.2 square mile) island. Yeouido is the center of Seoul’s finance and banking. Located nearby are many important buildings related to finance, business, banking, and politics such as the National Assembly Building.

Yeouido Hangang Park is popular with locals, tourists, and office workers. Activities here include biking, running, swimming, cycling, inline skating, picnicking, and relaxing. With so much open space, the park offers room for everyone.

Another great thing about Yeouido Hangang Park is its accessibility. Located in the park is Yeouinaru Station on Seoul Subway Line 5. Thanks to this station, reaching the park from anywhere in Seoul is easy. From Seoul Station, the park can be reached in about 20 minutes.

Those who enjoy cycling will be happy to find bike paths running through the park. If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one from the bicycle rental kiosks located near Yeouinaru Station. Bike rentals start at 3,000 won for the first hour. After the first hour, the charge is 500 won for every 15 minutes. Tandem bikes are also available for a charge of 6,000 won for the first hour and 1,000 won for every 15 minutes thereafter.

Those looking to enjoy the park at a more leisurely pace will find many wide open walking paths along with strategically placed benches and seating areas. No matter where you walk or sit in the park, you will have great views of the city and the Han River.

If you have children, you will find many activities to keep them entertained. During the hot and humid days of summer, it’s not uncommon for children and families to cool themselves down by playing in the shallow water fountains. Kids will also enjoy the expansive playgrounds found around the park.

Scenic Views

Yeouido Hangang Park offers scenic views of the Han River, surrounding bridges and islands, and of the skyline of Seoul. Stand anywhere in the park and you will be rewarded with views of the many skyscrapers of Yeouido including the golden 63 Square (63 Building). In the distance, Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower can be seen.

With spacious green lawns, Yeouido Hangang Park is a popular picnicking spot for couples and families. Even in a city as crowded and busy as Seoul, the park offers plenty of open space for everyone. It is not uncommon on the weekends in warmer months for the entire park to be packed with tents and people on blankets. Many come for sunset, which is beautiful from here. The only downside, with so many people walking across the lawns, the grass is often yellow or brown, even in summer.

If you are having a picnic or need some snacks or drinks, be sure to stop by one of the convenience stores found around the park. These convenience stores carry everything you need for a picnic including packed meals, cold drinks, soju, snacks, ramen, desserts, and ice.

I·SEOUL·U Sculpture

One of the most popular sights at Yeouido Hangang Park is the I·SEOUL·U Sculpture. This iconic sculpture, one of many found around Seoul, is a popular spot for photographers and Instagramers.

In 2015, the citizens of Seoul voted to make I·SEOUL·U the official slogan of Seoul. The slogan is meant to showcase the diversity, passion, and relaxation of Seoul from its rivers and mountains to its ancient palaces and modern skyscrapers. No matter where you come from, you can coexist in harmony in this diverse city.

As of December 2020, there are currently 29 I·SEOUL·U sculptures located around Seoul.

Festivals and Concerts

Each year, many festivals are held at Yeouido Hangang Park. This includes the Seoul International Fireworks Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival, Summer Jazz Festival, Summer Hangang Festival, and a Christmas Market.

Along with festivals, the park holds many concerts and performances at the Floating Stage. Officially known as the Yeouido Mulbit Stage, this stage is the world’s largest floating stage with a retractable roof. The stage was designed in the shape of a water droplet, coexisting in harmony with the Han River.

From May to October, the stage holds many free open-air concerts. Performances include jazz, pop, and Korean traditional music. The location of the stage on the river makes for a unique experience.

Eland River Cruises

One of the best ways to enjoy Seoul is not from the park but from cruising on a boat along the Han River. River cruises allow for a different perspective of the city.

Eland operates a number of cruises which depart from Yeouido Hangang Park Terminal 2. Daytime and nighttime cruises vary in length from 40 to 90 minutes including a lunch and dinner buffet cruise.

Bamdokkaebi Night Market

From May to October, the park is home to the Bamdokkaebi Night Market. Other than Yeouido Hangang Park, the night market is held at locations across Seoul including Banpo Hangang Park, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Cheonggyecheon Stream, Cheonggye Plaza, and Oil Tank Culture Park.

Established in 2015, the market today attracts over 5 million visitors a year and features over 500 vendors across all its locations. While many vendors sell handmade goods, most sell food.

Each night market features a unique theme. The night market at Yeouido Hangang Park describes itself as a world market, selling food and goods from around the world against the backdrop of the Han River.

Nearby Sights

63 Sky Art Gallery

63 Square (63 Building)

63 Square (63 Building) is a golden landmark and icon of the skyline of Seoul. At completion, it was one of the tallest buildings in the world.

Former Yongsan Water Level Observatory

The Former Yongsan Water Level Observatory was the first self-recording water level station along the Hangang River in Seoul, Korea. Located on the north bank of the Hangang River between Mapo Bridge and Wonhyo Bridge, it was the ninth water level observatory in the country when built.

Noryangjin Fish Market

The Noryangjin Fish Market is a large and vibrant fish and seafood center located in the Noryangjin-dong neighborhood near the 63 Building and Han River. The market is open 24 hours a day but is at its best early in the morning when the market comes alive with amazing and interesting seafood. The official name is Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market.

Yeongdeungpo Market

Large, covered tradition market south of the Han River

Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine

Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine is a Catholic shrine on the Han River dedicated to those who gave up their lives during the Byeongin persecutions of 1866. In late 1866, nine French missionaries were martyred. This caused two attempted invasions into Korea by a French fleet. After the attempted invasions, the Joseon government punished, targeted, and brutally murdered many French and native Korean Roman Catholics. The place became known as "beheading mountain."

Last Updated on Feb 7, 2025