Geumgang Riverside Park

In Boram-dong, near Sejong City Hall on the south bank of the Geumgang River, Geumgang Riverside Park is a city park for relaxing with a view of the water. With a campsite, barbecue area and picnic decks, it is a favourite weekend spot for local families. Combine it with the Ieung Bridge, a circular footbridge over the Geumgang about 450 m away, and you get a good feel for the riverside of Korea's new administrative city.

What to do in the park

• Riverside walks: pine-lined paths and a cycle track follow the Geumgang. Across the river you see the skyline of the new city, home to the Government Complex Sejong.
• Camping and picnics: the Geumgang Riverside Park Campground, a barbecue area and wooden decks around the park are made for pitching a tent or spreading out a picnic blanket.
• Musical fountain: in summer the fountain on the plaza is switched on and children play in the water.
• Playground and stage: a children's playground, an outdoor stage and shaded shelters make it easy to spend time here with a family.

On to the Ieung Bridge

The Geumgang Pedestrian Bridge, nicknamed the Ieung Bridge after the round Hangul letter ㅇ, is a double-deck footbridge 1,446 m around, a nod to 1446, the year Hangul was proclaimed. The upper deck is for walking and the lower deck for bicycles, and decorative lighting comes on after sunset. It is open daily 06:00–23:00. Walk up onto the bridge from the park, take in the city from the middle of the river and loop back.

Sejong and the Geumgang

Sejong is a city planned from scratch to house relocated central government ministries. The Geumgang flows east to west through its middle, with the Government Complex Sejong and Sejong Lake Park to the north, and residential districts such as Boram-dong, home to the city hall, to the south. Geumgang Riverside Park is part of the green belt along the river that ties the two halves together, so a walk here shows at a glance how the planned city is organised around the water. Follow the riverside cycle path and you can carry on to the Ieung Bridge and further views along the river.

Tripto tips

• Opening and fees: the park is open 24 hours, every day, with no entry fee. There is a large car park right next to it.
• Campsite: check prices and booking on the Sejong city website.
• Time needed: 1 hour for a walk in the park, 2 hours including a loop of the Ieung Bridge, half a day or more for a picnic or camping.
• Best time: summer evenings, when the fountain runs and the bridge is lit. There is little shade at midday, so bring a hat.
• Combine with: Sejong National Arboretum and Sejong Central Park are just across the river, which makes for an easy day out.
• Cycling: the riverside cycle path runs past the park, and the lower deck of the Ieung Bridge is reserved for bicycles, so you can ride across the river.
• Ieung Bridge entrances: the Boram-dong entrance, near the city hall and shops, is busy with pedestrians, while the Sejong-dong entrance across the river has a car park.
• What to bring: for a picnic, pack a mat and a sunshade. The decks and lawns are spacious, but there is little tree shade.
• Information: +82 44-301-3623