🌅 Travel Korea (6) | Hangang Park: Where Locals Unwind by the River

 

🌅 Travel Korea (6) | Hangang Park: Where Locals Unwind by the River

Picture: Unsplash의SC Jang

Welcome back to the Travel Korea series!

Today, we’re exploring a place where Seoulites go to jog, picnic, bike, or simply relax — Hangang Park, a long stretch of parks along the Han River that cuts through the city. Whether you’re looking for romantic sunsets, riverside food delivery, or an outdoor adventure, Hangang is the place to be. 🇰🇷🚴‍♂️🌊

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📍 What is Hangang Park?

Hangang Park refers to a series of 11 riverside parks located along the Han River, which flows east to west through the heart of Seoul. Each park has its own personality — some focus on biking and sports, others on picnic spots and performances. It's one of the best ways to see how locals enjoy their leisure time.

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🚇 How to Get There

Here are 3 of the most popular Hangang Park spots:

• Yeouido Hangang Park (여의도 한강공원)

  • Subway: Line 5 or 9 to Yeouinaru Station, Exit 2

  • Famous for cherry blossoms, bike rentals, food trucks, and sunset views

• Banpo Hangang Park (반포 한강공원)

  • Subway: Line 3, 7, or 9 to Express Bus Terminal Station, Exit 8-1

  • Home to the Banpo Rainbow Fountain Bridge, especially beautiful at night

• Ttukseom Hangang Park (뚝섬 한강공원)

  • Subway: Line 7 to Ttukseom Resort Station, Exit 2

  • More relaxed, great for couples and families with kids

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🕒 Opening Hours

• Open 24 hours (though lighting and facilities vary at night)

• Best time to visit: Late afternoon to sunset, or early morning on weekdays

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💰 Admission Fee

• Free! Access to the parks, trails, and picnic areas is completely free

• Rental services (bikes, paddleboards) and convenience stores may charge fees

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📸 What to See & Do

• Bike the River Trail:
  Rent a bicycle for about ₩3,000/hour at most major parks. Ride along the scenic riverside path that connects all parks.

• Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain:
  Visit after sunset (April–October) to watch the world's longest bridge fountain light up the night.

• River Cruises:
  From Yeouido, take a cruise on the Han River — some even offer music and wine onboard.

• Outdoor Activities:
  Try paddleboarding, kayaking, inline skating, or even water-skiing in summer.

• Enjoy a Korean-style Picnic:
  Bring a picnic mat, pick a spot under a tree or by the river, and enjoy snacks or delivered food while watching the sunset — this is how locals relax in the city.

• Experience ‘Hangang Ramen’ (한강라면):
  Try cooking your own instant noodles at the self-ramen machines found in CU or GS25 convenience stores at the park. Just pick your ramen, scan it, and the machine boils it fresh. It’s simple, satisfying, and uniquely Korean.

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🍽️ Where to Eat & Drink

• Hangang Ramen:
  Almost every Hangang Park convenience store has a ramen-making machine. Choose your favorite cup or packet ramen, add it to the machine, and in just 3 minutes you’ll have a hot bowl of noodles to enjoy by the river. It's cheap, fun, and iconic.

• Fried Chicken Delivery to the Park:
  Ordering chicken to your picnic mat is a true Korean experience. Here’s how:

  • Look for signs with delivery numbers posted on benches or lamp posts (especially in Yeouido or Banpo).

  • Call the number (basic English is often okay), or use Yogiyo or Baemin food apps.

  • Tell them your location code (e.g. “Bench D-14”), which is printed on nearby posts.

  • Popular chains: BBQ Chicken, BHC, Goobne, Nene Chicken.

• Convenience Stores:
  CU and GS25 stores at the parks sell triangle kimbap, beer, ramen, snacks, and picnic mats.

• Food Trucks (Yeouido & Banpo):
  On weekends, food trucks offer tacos, burgers, Korean hotteok, ice cream, and more.

• Nearby Cafés:
  Visit IFC Mall (Yeouido) or Starbucks Banpo Riveryard for coffee, air conditioning, and a clean restroom stop.

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🚶‍♂️ Travel Tips

• Bring a picnic mat — or rent one from vendors for ₩2,000–₩3,000.

• Don’t forget mosquito repellent in summer!

• Restrooms, bike rentals, and convenience stores are well marked and mostly English-friendly.

• Best photo spots: sunset over the Banpo Bridge, skyline view from Yeouido, or picnic scenes at Ttukseom.

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🗺️ Nearby Attractions

1. 63 Building (63 Art, Aquarium)

• Location: Near Yeouido Hangang Park

• Description: Iconic golden skyscraper offering panoramic views of Seoul, plus an art gallery and aquarium inside

• Best For: Families and first-time Seoul visitors

2. Nodeul Island

• Location: Between Banpo and Yeouido, accessible by pedestrian bridge

• Description: A cultural space with cafés, rooftop stages, live music, and bookshops. A hidden gem in the middle of the river

• Best For: Art lovers, photographers, and chill couples

3. Seoul Marina Club & Yacht (Banpo)

• Description: Offers river cruises and private yacht rentals. Fun for sunset tours or small events

• Book via: Naver, Klook, or on-site

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Thanks for joining us on this relaxing ride along the Han River!
Next time, we’ll head back into the vibrant streets to explore another one of Seoul’s dynamic neighborhoods. Stay tuned for Travel Korea (7)! 🇰🇷✨