Marronnier Park

Marronnier Park is a park located in the Daehangno district of Seoul named after the large marronnier (chestnut tree) growing in the center of the park. The Marronnier tree originates from Italy and France in the Mediterranean where in the spring, red and white flowers can be seen blooming.

The district of Daehangno, also known as College Street, is a popular place for cultural events, exhibitions, and musical performances. Many of these events occur at Marronnier Park, especially on the warm afternoons in the summer and on weekends when you can find the area most alive and buzzing with activity.

The park, located just outside of exit 2 of Hyehwa Station, is also one of the venues for the Seoul Performing Arts Festival.

Seoul National University was once located here. In the 1970s, the university was relocated and the area was redeveloped. A miniature replica of the university can be found near the center of the park. The replica gives visitors an idea of what the area looked like before the university was moved.

Many small cafes and theaters moved creating a cultural zone popular with youths. Many of these youths can be found at Marronnier Park relaxing, studying, playing sports, practicing on their guitar, or hanging out and talking with friends.

Though small, Marronnier Park is a great place to spend the evening before heading over to the theaters, restaurants, and nightlife of Daehangno. Just take a seat at one of the many benches and enjoy the people watching, performers, and the natural beauty and scenery of the park.

Almost all of the amateur performers who set up here every weekend have aspirations to become famous one day. The road to stardom starts at Marronnier Park, or so they hope.

Many of these performers include musicians, dancers, comedians, magicians, and even mimes who often set up and perform on the open air stage. If you are looking for a spot to catch a unique and free outdoor performance, then this is the spot.

Nearby Sights

Lock Museum

The Lock Museum displays antique locks, keys, and furniture from Korea and all over the world and conserves this disappearing art for future generations. The museum is located in the district of Daehangno (College Street) just northeast of Hyehwa Staiton. The Korean name of the museum is "seotdae" which means "a key."

Daehangno (College Street)

Daehangno, also known as College or University Street, is a popular youth culture area that is lined with small theaters. Seoul National University was once located here. This lively and youthful area is a great place to catch a show, have a nice dinner, or just wander around.

Daehan Hospital

This red brick building was once the main building of Daehan Hospital, the leading medical and hygiene institution during the Great Han Empire (1897-1910). The building is now located on the grounds of the Seoul National University Hospital. In August 1906, construction on Daehan Hospital began on the site of Hamchunwon, the former outer garden of Changgyeonggung Palace.

Naksan Park

Stunning views of Seoul can be seen from Naksan Park, set high above Daehangno on Mt. Naksan. A portion of the old fortress wall runs through the park. Naksan Park is sometimes called Nakta Park. The name of the park is a reference to its hump like appearance as "nakta" is the Korean word for camel. "San" means mountain.

National Children's Science Center

Daehangno Philippine Market

Daehangno Philippine Market is a unique Sunday street market in Hyehwa-dong that sells groceries, food, snacks, and other products from the Philippines. If you are looking for hard to find products of the Philippines, then this is your one stop spot in all of Seoul. There is nothing else like it in the city.

Last Updated on Oct 21, 2023