…It was summer. A sentence that runs through the seasons. It’s been consumed as a meme, but the impression it leaves is strong. The cicadas chirping in the distance, the hot season. If you’re wondering what to do during your vacations and school breaks, check out our list below.
1. Han River Pools & Waterparks
There are quite a few Han River pools and water playgrounds in Seoul. Ttukseom and Yeouido, Jamwon and Jamsil, and Yanghwa Nanji are the main ones. They are open from June 20 to August 31 without closing. Pool fees are 5,000 won for adults and 3,000 won for children, so you can enjoy clean and safe water play at an affordable price. For more information, visit the official website of Hangang Park.
🗓️ June 20 (Fri) ~ August 31 (Sun)
🩳 Swimming pool: Adults: KRW 5,000 ⎸ Teens: KRW 4,000 ⎸ Children: KRW 3,000
💦 Water playground: Adults KRW 5,000 ⎸ Youth KRW 4,000 ⎸ Children KRW 3,000
2. Yangyang
A place where it’s true that the Seoul-Yangyang express bus is already sold out every weekend. Yangyang was hot last year and this year too. Temple on the Beach in Yangyang has a pool party every Friday and Saturday. It boasts a lineup of DJs who are taking the club scene by storm, and each week has a different concept. Check out these festivals and parties to help you plan your trip to Yangyang.
📍Yangyang Temple on the Beach, Yangyang, Gangwon-do (Naver Map)
🗓️ July 4 (Fri) – August Every Friday, Saturday
3. S’mer X Chroma Professional Pool Party
Paradise City’s massive spa, S’mer, also throws pool parties. It’s held at the outdoor pool with a top-notch light and sound set-up. Guests can enjoy both DJs and live performances in the exotic setting of the pool. In collaboration with Chroma Club, the Seymour Pool Party also offers Chroma Club admission and free drinks. It takes place every Saturday until August 30, with shuttle buses departing from Apgujeong Rodeo.
See a list of more pool parties here.
📍Incheon Paradise City S’mer (Naver Map)
🗓️ Every Saturday from June 28 (Sat) – August 30 (Sat)
⏰ 3 p.m. ~ 9 p.m.
4. Coffee Boating
When other cafes with a view of the Han River offer a bay window or terrace, Cafe Hay offers coffee boating. It’s a time to drink a cup of coffee while enjoying the cool river breeze on a blue jean boat. Hyundai Yacht on the Han River also offers a sunset package where you can drink beer while sailing under the sunset. For more information, check out Hyundai Yacht ‘ s official Instagram.
📍 THE RIVER 1F, 2085-96 Olympic-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Naver map)
⏰ 12pm ~ 9pm
5. Han River Water Leisure
The Han River is a large and wide body of water. This makes it the perfect place to enjoy water leisure. There are a variety of water leisure companies and programs, from yachting to windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, paddling, paddle yoga, and more. Thanks to a collaboration between the Seoul Metropolitan Government and KakaoT, booking and paying for water activities is now as easy as booking a taxi, so let’s head to the Han River for some water fun.
6. Shilla Hotel Urban Island
Shilla Hotel’s outdoor pool, Urban Island, has private sunbeds and white parasols for a resort vacation feel. The view of Namsan Tower is a bonus.
For more outdoor pools in Seoul, check out our list here.
📍249 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu (Naver map)
🗓️ Open: March 14 (Fri) – November
⏰0 9:00-22:00 (14:00-15:00 break)
7. Gapyeong Paju
Paju is a term used to describe water leisure activities such as floating tubes, boats, and rides on rivers. There are many companies offering Paju water leisure centered around the Bukhan River. There are also package deals that allow you to enjoy water sports, barbecue, and accommodation all at once.