Seonyudo Park is a popular park and open space located on an island on the Hangang River that was formerly used as an industrial water treatment plant. The small island, located west of Yeouido, was opened in 2009 after city officials realized that the island could be better used as an urban park instead of an idle industrial plant.
Seonyudo was originally a scenic island. Many centuries ago, Confucian scholars would visit this beautiful location to reflect, write poetry, and paint. In 1925, much of the island was destroyed by floods. In the 1970s, the area was connected to Yeouido by bridge and transformed from a public use area to a water filtration plant. A water plant was essential at the population of Seoul skyrocketed which caused an increase in the need for drinking water.
After twenty years, the plant closed and became an eyesore. The government of Seoul decided it would be best to return the land to the public and convert the plant into an urban park.
Architect Sung-Yong Joh designed the park in a way that highlighted the past industrial destruction of the island. He hoped that future generations that visited the area would better understand and realize the dangers of an industrial society on nature. He found a way to beautifully mix nature back into the island while not forgetting its brutal concrete past.
The unique geography of the land and the original plant facilities played an important role in the creating of the park that now features an aquatic botanical garden, a museum, and a pavilion.
The park has exceptional 360 degree views of the surrounding area, the Han River, and Seoul making it a great place for a picnic or a leisurely walk at sunset. Residents of Seoul flock here in the hundreds each weekend to relax, walk, or ride their bike or rollerblades around the island.
Many of those who visit the park stay until sunset to view the colorfully lit up and arched Seonyudo Bridge which links the park to the Yangwha Area on the southern side of the Han River.
Seonyudo Park Information
Hours
The park is open daily from 6:00-24:00.
The exhibit hall is open daily from 9:00-1800 in the summer and 9:00-17:00 in the winter.
Admission
FreeHow to Get Here
Option 1
Take Subway Line 2 to Dangsan Station (Exit 1). From the station, take bus 605, 6623, 6631, 6632, or 6633 to Hanshin Apt. Cross Seonyudo Bridge to reach the park.
Option 2
Take Subway Line 2 or Line 6 to Hapjeong Station (Exit 8). From the station, take bus 604, 5712, 6712, or 6716 to Hanshin Apt. Cross Seonyudo Bridge to reach the park.
Map
Additional Resources
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Book Recommendations
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Nearby Sights
Seonyudo Bridge
Seonyudo Bridge is a pedestrian only footbridge that connects Yanghwa-dong in the south to Seonyudo Park located on the Hangang River. The name means "spending time idly in the scenic heaven." It is also known as the footbridge of peace.
Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery
Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery is an international cemetery designated by King Gojong that holds the tombs and graves of many foreign missionaries. The cemetery is also known as Hapjeong-dong International Cemetery.
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."
Hongdae (Hongik University Area)
Hongdae area is a vibrant, energetic, and youthful neighborhood and nightlife district popular for indie music, street art, galleries, cafes, and shops. The area is named after the nearby Hongik University (Hongik Daehakgyo), one of the most prestigious fine arts universities in Korea.
Hongdae Free Market
The Hongdae Free Market is a fun and unique arts and crafts market where artists, performers, musicians, and visitors can interact face to face. Artists from all over Korea, and even from other countries, meet here each Saturday from March to November.
Last Updated on Dec 23, 2021