If you enjoy being outside, why not plan a memorable picnic during your visit to Seoul? After all, it’s ideal for romantic outings, group outings, and quality family time.
How unique can a picnic be if it consists of eating finger foods and reading under the sun? Our list of Seoul picnic spots will demonstrate that the Korean experience is unlike any other – you’ll know you’re in Korea when you can rent a complete picnic set that includes artificial flowers and a heart-shaped mirror.
Yeouido Hangang Park
The most popular picnic spot in Korea is Yeouido Hangang Park, also known as Yeouido Han River. In addition to the expansive green field facing the Han River, there is a beautiful cycling trail that you must explore to appreciate Hangang Park fully. On both sides of Yeouinaru Station, the closest train station to Hangang Park, are bicycle rental shops.
Not to worry, as the rental fees will not empty your wallet. They are affordable at KRW3,000 (approximately USD2.39) for the first hour and KRW5,000 (about USD3.98) for two hours. If you intend to cycle with a friend or significant other, you may wish to rent a tandem bicycle. An hour costs KRW6,000 (USD4.78), and two hours costs KRW10,000 (USD7.96).
Always bring your identification card with you! Note that additional fees will be incurred if the time limit is exceeded.
It’s also one of the popular destinations during the cherry blossom season, when visitors can admire rows of blossoms.
Banpo Hangang Park
The Banpo Bridge Moonlight Fountain Show is not to be missed if you visit Banpo Hangang Park. Note that the performance only begins at night. Each show lasts approximately 20 minutes. Here is the schedule for the Banpo Bridge Moonlight Fountain Show:
April-June & September-October: Weeknights: 8:00 pm, 8.30 pm, 9:00 pm.
Weekends: 7.30 pm, 8 pm, 8.30 pm, 9 pm
Weekdays in July and August: 7.30 pm, 8 pm, 8.30 pm, and 9 pm
Weekends: 7.30 pm, 8 pm, 8.30 pm, 9 pm, 9.30 pm
In fact, the Guinness Book of World Records lists the Banpo Bridge Moonlight Fountain as the world’s longest bridge fountain! The length of the fountain’s approximately 400 rainbow-coloured jets is 1.14 kilometres.
Who says that picnics can only occur when the sun is shining? Nighttime breezes with mood lighting have a therapeutic effect. Banpo Hangang Park is the place to go immediately if you want to experience the splendour of the Seoul landscape. In addition, the best months to travel are April, June, September, and October.
Yanghwa Hangang Park
Yanghwa Hangang Park is the picture of peace with its wide-open field and clear blue river. As roses begin to bloom in the park during May, this is the best time of year to visit. If you need a break from your city life, simply visit Yanghwa Hangang Park to relax. Bring a picnic blanket, iced coffee, and finger foods to complete your picnic experience.
You can use the athletic facilities for sports such as football and basketball if you are a more active and energetic individual. This picnic location is so picturesque that it appears to have leapt from a painting.
Given the tranquil ambience, it’s the ideal place to have meaningful conversations with your significant other and close friends. At the information centre, you can rent a stroller or wheelchair.
Nodeul Island
If you have seen the popular Korean drama Start-Up starring Nam Joo-hyuk and Suzy, the name Nodeul Island may sound familiar. On Nodeul Island, the business incubator Sandbox was featured in the drama.
Despite its proximity to Seoul’s financial district, this mini-island offers a tranquil environment. There are convenience stores, a book cafe, a camping rental shop, and even a stage for musicians and dancers on Nodeul Island.
Nodeul Island was formerly a farm, but it was redesigned to integrate culture and nature. 2019 marked the public debut of the newly designed space. It also provides the best sunset view; the Hangang bridge silhouetted against the setting sun is something to write home about.
Seonyudo Park
Seonyudo Park is a tranquil place tucked away from the chaos of the city and is known as a “hidden gem” in Seoul.
Seonyudo Park was originally a sewage treatment facility. When the Hangang Renaissance Project was implemented, the area was redesigned to become the first recycling park in Korea. There are numerous examples of repurposed spaces in Korea, such as the Bucheon Art Bunker. It was once a waste-incineration facility but is now a cultural arts centre.
Several popular Korean dramas were filmed here, including Boys Over Flowers, Princess Hours, and IRIS. If you have the time, visit the Seoul Design Gallery and botanical garden in Seonyudo Park. Although this area is beautiful throughout the year, it is exceptionally breathtaking in the spring.
In fact, it is a hidden spot for viewing cherry blossoms, so you won’t have to squeeze your way through a crowd.
