Hangang Park

Hangang Park is the shared name for 11 riverside parks running along both banks of the Han River through Seoul. This is where Seoulites cycle after work, spread out picnic mats at weekends and come for the river breeze at night, so it is the best place to see an ordinary Seoul evening. As a visitor, start at Yeouido Hangang Park, which is easy to reach and has the most going on.

History: from the Han River development to the Hangang Renaissance

Today's parks grew out of the Han River Comprehensive Development project of 1982 to 1986, which reshaped 41.5 km of the river within Seoul and created parks, sports grounds, swimming pools and piers along its banks. From around 2009, the "Hangang Renaissance" project redeveloped areas such as Banpo, Yeouido and Jamsil.

The 11 parks at a glance

On the north bank are Gwangnaru, Ttukseom, Ichon, Mangwon and Nanji; on the south bank Jamsil, Jamwon, Banpo, Yanghwa and Gangseo; and on the island in the middle, Yeouido. Beyond Seoul, more Hangang parks continue into Gyeonggi Province, for example at Guri and Sampae. The ones visitors seek out most:

• Yeouido Hangang Park: On Yeouido, home to the National Assembly, broadcasters and the finance district. It hosts the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival with its cherry blossoms and, in autumn, the Seoul International Fireworks Festival. There is a water plaza, a floating stage and a marina, and the well-preserved island of Bamseom and the Saetgang ecological park are close by.
• Banpo Hangang Park: Famous for the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain spraying from both sides of Banpo Bridge. At 1,140 m, it entered the Guinness World Records in 2008 as the world's longest bridge fountain. The artificial island of Seoraeseom, covered in canola flowers in spring, connects from here, and the park also has an inline skating track, a splash playground and cycle paths. The Gureum and Noeul cafés at the southern end of Dongjak Bridge are lookouts over the river and the towers along its banks.

Things to do

• Cycling: Long cycle paths follow both banks. Most parks have rental shops, and Seoul's public bike Ttareungyi is easy to pick up.
• Picnics: Sitting on a mat and watching the river is the most Seoul way to enjoy the Han.
• On the water: Cruise boats and water buses link piers at several parks.

Tripto tips

• Opening and fees: The parks are open 24 hours and free. Car parks charge fees that vary slightly from park to park.
• Getting there: Yeouido Hangang Park connects directly to Yeouinaru Station (Line 5). Banpo Hangang Park lies at the southern end of Banpo Bridge.
• When to go: Cherry blossom season in spring and cool September–October evenings are best. On fireworks festival day, spots fill up from the afternoon and roads are closed, so check the date carefully.
• Time needed: 1–2 hours for a walk in one park, or half a day to cycle between several.
• Watch out: During the summer monsoon the river can rise and flood the banks, closing parts of the parks. The Moonlight Rainbow Fountain's schedule depends on the season and weather, so check before you go.