The reason I love Seoul is not just because of the Han River. No matter who goes and at what time, there is always a place that welcomes us in the same place, every season, just as we saw it before: the park.
These are the parks in Seoul that welcome us when we want to take a break for a moment, or when we want to forget everything and run for dear life.
1. Ttukseom Han River Park
The panoramic view is visible as soon as you get off the train in the Ttukseom area, with the bridge and trains passing over it at night. At first glance, you might think you’re looking at Seoul in 2050. The are bicycle paths to the bottom of the stairs, and people of all ages are found walking or running on the well-maintained paths.
It’s one of Seoul’s romantic parks where you can get lost in the forest of buildings across the street and realize that each one is beautiful in its own way. In the summer, the pool next door is open, and it’s a Han River park that sometimes hosts drone light shows and other events.
2. Seoul Forest Park
You may not know where the cherry blossoms are, but everyone has seen the photo of the cherry blossom path from the bridge. The famous photo spot is by the Seoul Forest Deer Corral. The park is known for the beauty of the cherry blossoms in the deer playground in spring, and the abundance of greenery walking through the drizzle in summer. In the fall, the sound of crunching leaves is a welcome sight, and Seoul Forest is a beautiful place to visit in all seasons.
Seoul Forest doesn’t need to be compared to London‘s Hyde Park or New York‘s Central Park to showcase its unique charms. The ponds, gardens, and sprawling lawn parks in the 350,000 square kilometre boreal forest are a reason to visit Seoul Forest in and of themselves.
3. Nodeul Island
The entire park was awarded the Seoul Architecture Prize, so even if you don’t enjoy the sunset and waves glimpsed from floating in the middle of the Han River, you can also enjoy the beauty of the building, which is a complex cultural centre focused on music.
It hosts a variety of art exhibitions and music concerts, and offers something to see throughout the year. You can access it via the upper deck leading from the Han River Bridge.
4. Sky Park
Sky Park is a beautiful place to watch the sunset. Every October, the park hosts a silvergrass festival to remind you that fall is here. Pink muhly and cosmos in full bloom decorate the finale of fall.
For a longer stay, there is a campground in one corner of the park where you can camp facing the Han River and Bukhansan Mountain.