Once a golf course for the United States military, Yongsan Family Park has become an oasis and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The large park, which features wonderful wide open green spaces and trees, is situated right next to the National Museum of Korea just south of Mt. Namsan just off the banks of the Hangang River.
During the invasion of Korea by Japn during the Imjin War (1592–1598), the surrounding land was used as a base for the service corps. The area was once again used by the Japanese around 1882 at a military station for troops. When Japan surrendered after the second world war, the land was set aside as a garrison for the United States military. For almost 50 years, the land was used by the United States as a golf course and as a residential area.
In 1992, the land was handed over from foreign control back to Korea. Over the years it was converted into a park that now features winding walking paths that run past many beautiful trees, a peaceful small pond, athletic facilities, sculptures, wide open green spaces, and playgrounds for children.
At the center of Yongsan Family Park is Taegukgi (National Flag) Park. The park within a park is shaped like the Korean national flower, the rose of Sharon. It features the rose and 50 flags that wave in the wind for the purpose of evoking Korean patriotism after so many years of foreign invasion and intervention.
Yongsan Family Park Information
Hours
24 hours
Admission
Free
Address
185 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
GPS Coordinates: 37.521516, 126.983872
How to Get Here
Take Subway Line 4 or Jungang Line to Ichon Station (Exit 2).
Continue for 650 meters to reach the park on the left.
Yongsan Family Park Video
Map
Additional Resources
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Book Recommendations
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Nearby Sights
National Museum of Korea
The National Museum of Korea is the largest museum in Korea. It showcases important cultural assets of Korea from prehistoric times through modern day. The museum opened on October 28, 2005 on the grounds of Yongsan Family Park. Many of the pieces found at the National Museum Of Korea today were first located at the Imperial Household Museum at Changgyeonggung Palace.
Banpo Bridge (Moonlight Rainbow Fountain)
Banpo Bridge, the location of the Moonlight Rainbow Show, is a girder bridge that spans the Hangang River connecting the districts of Seocho and Yongsan. Construction on the double decker bridge was completed in 1982. The real reason people come here is to see the falling and dancing water, lights, and music of the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain show.
Itaewon
Itaewon is foreigner friendly international district popular for international cuisine restaurants, shops, bars, and clubs that cater to foreigners. The district is located in Yongsan-gu just south of Myeongdong and north of the Hangang River. The best time to visit Itaewon is during the evenings and on the weekends when locals, foreigners, and American soldiers flock here to shop, eat, and party.
Banpo Hangang Park
Banpo Hangang Park is a park located on the southern side of the Hangang River. Most people visit this park to see the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain show. The bridge is a well known tourist attraction and the longest fountain bridge in the world. The bridge measures in at 1,140 meters (3,740 feet).
Seoul Central Mosque
Seoul Central Mosque is Korea's first and Seoul's only mosque or masjid. It is located at the top of a hill above the busy neighborhood of Itaewon. Many residents visit on weekends to learn about Islam. Lectures can be heard in Korean, English, and Arabic. In 1974, construction on the mosque began with help of donations from Islamic countries.
Last Updated on Mar 11, 2025