Hangang Park, Seoul (must see)

Hangang Park, a ribbon of greenery stretching along the banks of the Han River, consists of twelve distinct sections dotted throughout Seoul-from Yeouido to Ttukseom and Banpo-each offering its own character and recreational focus. Originally developed in the 1980s as part of the Han River Development Project and later enhanced by the Hangang Renaissance initiative, the park system transformed over 39 km² of riverside into environmentally-friendly public space.

Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities across its different sections. Well-maintained cycling and walking trails span the shoreline, with easy bicycle rental options in areas like Yeouido and Ttukseom. Water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, motorboat riding, and even water-skiing are supported in many parks, while select areas offer seasonal swimming pools and family-friendly amenities including rock-climbing zones, sports courts, and inline skating parks.

Several Hangang Park sites host lively events throughout the year. Yeouido Park, becomes a highlight each spring with the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival and bursts into color again in autumn during the International Fireworks Festival, drawing large crowds for spectacular displays. Meanwhile, Banpo Park is well-known for the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain show beneath Banpo Bridge-an illuminated water spectacle running multiple times nightly from spring through early fall.