Acha Mountain Fortress is located in Gwangjin, Seoul on Mt. Acha. Mount Acha is only 287 metres high but was a very important sight during the Three Kingdom Period in Korea. A fortress was built on this mountain by the Goryeo Kingdom with great views of the Hangang River and valleys below making it an [...]]]>

Acha Mountain Fortress Seoul

Acha Mountain Fortress is located in Gwangjin, Seoul on Mt. Acha. Mount Acha is only 287 metres high but was a very important sight during the Three Kingdom Period in Korea. A fortress was built on this mountain by the Goryeo Kingdom with great views of the Hangang River and valleys below making it an important strategic stronghold. Many battles were fought here for control of the regions and lots of people died. The fortress is 1.3 km in length but there is not much left of it today. You can still see parts of the wall, some old tombs and other interesting things. The area is now a park that offers the usual facilities such as sports facilities, outdoor exercise equipment, walking trails and places to rest. Being elevated at over 200 metres you can get some stunning views of the Hangang River, Seoul City and more.

Opening Hours / Admission

Open 24 hours all year round.

Admission

Free to all.

How to get to Acha Mountain Fortress Seoul:

Take line 5 to Achasan station and leave exit 2. Follow the map below.

Seoul Forest Park was opened in June 2005. The park has a long and diverse history over the years. A water purification plant was established here in 1908 to provide water for the royal family and citizens. Another area of the park was turned into an industrial area in the 1950′s. Seoul Horse Race Track, [...]]]>

Seoul Forest Park

Seoul Forest Park was opened in June 2005. The park has a long and diverse history over the years. A water purification plant was established here in 1908 to provide water for the royal family and citizens. Another area of the park was turned into an industrial area in the 1950′s. Seoul Horse Race Track, a golf course and a sports park were built here. In the early 2000′s the area was developed into a park.

Seoul forest Park is quite large and made into 5 park zones. There are the Cultural Art Park, Ecological Forest, Nature Experience area, Marshland Ecological Field and Hangang Riverside Park. Throughout the whole park there are a whole range of facilities to enjoy.

Cultural Art Park: As you can guess from the name, this part of the park celebrates art. There are sculptures around this area of horses to commemorate the horse track that used to be located on this site. There is an outdoor theatre and a book cart. Here you can rent books for the day and read them in the park. Also located are two playgrounds, one for disabled children.

Ecological Forest: This area of the park is filled with trees and plants. This area is a natural habitat and is home to animals such as deer, ducks and rabbits. There is also a visitors centre where you can learn about the local wildlife and you can even feed the deer in a special weekly event.

Nature Experience Area: This area was made from old materials and the buildings left behind from the Water purification plant. There is an insect study building which was once part of the factory. Here visitors are offered an opportunity to see various garden insects including butterflies along with foliage and tropical plants. There is also an exhibition area. In other areas on this zone, you can enjoy an observation deck with great views of the Hangang river.

Marshland Ecological Field: This area was originally the factory’s water purification area and the new park has used what was left behind to create a wetland area that is perfect for bird watching. Close by there is a playground and an area dedicated to teaching young children about the environment and making them aware of it’s importance.

Hangang Riverside Park: This park is located beside Hangang River and from here it is possible to take a boat ride to other areas around the Hangang river such as Jamsil Park, Yeouido Island etc. For those hot summer months there are some water sports available e.g wind surfing, water skiing and speed boat rides.

Opening Hours / Admission

Seoul Forest Park is open 24 hours a day. The Ecological Forest is the only area that closes. Open from 7:00 am to 20:00 pm in Summer and from 08:00 am to 18:00 pm in Winter.

Admission

Free.

How to get to Seoul Forest Park:

Take line 2 to Ttukseom station and leave exit 8. Follow the map below.

Yeoido Supia Hangang theme park is a seasonal theme park located on Yeouido Island near the National Assembly Building. In the summer it becomes a water park with 6 outdoor pools including a flowing water pool. The name Supia comes from the old name for the Hangang River “Arisu” and the [...]]]>

Supia Yeouido Hangang Theme Park in Summer

Yeoido Supia Hangang theme park is a seasonal theme park located on Yeouido Island near the National Assembly Building. In the summer it becomes a water park with 6 outdoor pools including a flowing water pool. The name Supia comes from the old name for the Hangang River “Arisu” and the world “Utopia” using the last few letters combined. It was renovated in 2010 and is more popular than ever. Unlike the Ttukseom Supia Them park, Yeouido Theme Park is geared more towards adults and the office workers that work on the financial district that is Yeouido Island. Kids are not forgotten and there are still a wide range of activities for them to partake in such as, water slides and events. In the summer there are also some concerts held nearby.

In Spring, the theme park serves food and has events while visitors enjoy the cherry blossom trees that cover  Yeouido Island. Autumn also includes a range of events and activities.

In Winter, the pools are covered and turned into ice rinks. For the children, they can enjoy sledding, snow play areas where they can build snowmen and arts and crafts.

Opening Hours / Admission

Open from 09:00 am – 20:00 pm. Opening hours are based on the Summer events from July to August. The times change every year and with each season. Please visit the official Supia website for all the details (Korean Only) http://www.supiapark.com/

Admission

Adults ( 19+): 5,000 won
Youth (13 – 18): 4,000 won
Children ( 6 – 12): 3,000 won
Extra costs for sunbeds and some other events

How to get to Yeouido Supia Hangang Theme Park:

Take line 9 to National Assembly Building station and leave 3. Head straight and take second left (park in front you). Head straight and you will arrive at Yeouido Supia Hangang Theme Park. Takes about 10 minutes.

Alternatively, take line 5 to Yeouinaru Station and leave exit 2. Follow the Hangang park to Yeouido Supia Hangang Theme Park.

Ttukseom Supia Hangang Theme Park is an all year round theme park located at Ttukseom Hangang Park. With every season, the park changes it theme. There are now 2 Supia Theme parks with one located at Ttukseom Hangang Park and the other at Yeouido Hangang park beside the

Ttukseom Supia Hangang Theme Park in Summer

Ttukseom Supia Hangang Theme Park is an all year round theme park located at Ttukseom Hangang Park. With every season, the park changes it theme. There are now 2 Supia Theme parks with one located at Ttukseom Hangang Park and the other at Yeouido Hangang park beside the National Assembly Building. The name Supia comes from the old name for the Hangang River “Arisu” and the world “Utopia” using the last few letters combined.

Ttukseon Supia theme park is located on the banks of the Hangang River. In summer there is a large pool broken up into different sections with some water slides, water boats and a running water pool. Although the theme park is best for children, parents can still enjoy it. There are tanning spots with decking and chairs located around the pool. Sunbeds are extra at 5,000 won. Tables with beach umbrellas are located throughout the park so you can eat your own food and have a picnic or opt to pick something up from the cafeteria. Kids can also enjoy bumper cars and bouncy castles in the summer months. It is also possible to rent bicycles or even segways.

In winter, there are a wide range of activities to partake in. The theme park is covered with snow and winter events are enjoyed. The main pool area is turned into an ice rink where everybody can enjoy skating. There is an area for children to make snowmen and play in the snow. Also a wide range of Christmas decorations are added to give everyone that festive feeling. There is also an area where kids can expirercnce 3D movies and do arts and crafts.

In Spring and Autumn there is a small theme park with rides with a wide rage of games and events.

Opening Hours / Admission

Open from 09:00 am – 20:00 pm. Opening hours are based on the Summer events from July to August. The times change every year and with each season. Please visit the official Supia website for all the details (Korean Only) http://www.supiapark.com/

Admission

Adults ( 19+): 5,000 won
Youth (13 – 18): 4,000 won
Children ( 6 – 12): 3,000 won
Extra costs for sunbeds and some other events

How to get to Ttukseom Supia Hangang Theme Park:

Take line 7 to Ttukseom Resort Station and leave exit 2 or 3. Theme park is located right beside the station.
Alternatively, take line 2 to Konkuk University Station and leave exit 5. Take the first right and head straight all the way to Supia Theme Park. About 15 minutes on foot.

The World Cup Park Seoul is made up of five parks. Neoul Park, Haneul Park, Nanji Hangang Park, Nanjicheon Park and Pyeonghwa Park. The parks are located around the World Cup Stadium and opened on May 1st, 2002 just 30 days before the start of the 17th Fifa World Cup hosted by Japan and Korea.

Changpowon Park is also know as Seoul Iris Garden, opened on June 7th, 2009. The park covers an area of 52,417㎡ and was a wasteland area before the park was developed and opened. The name of the park, Seoul Iris Garden comes from the fact that there are more than 130 species of the Iris [...]]]>

Changpowon Park Entrance

Changpowon Park is also know as Seoul Iris Garden, opened on June 7th, 2009. The park covers an area of 52,417㎡ and was a wasteland area before the park was developed and opened. The name of the park, Seoul Iris Garden comes from the fact that there are more than 130 species of the Iris Plant making up a total of 300,000 Iris Plants.

After entering the main entrance of the park you will notice the visitor’s centre building to the left. Here you can find out information about the development of the park and the many kinds of plants and trees that are in Seoul Iris Garden. After the visitors centre you can start to explore the park. The park has 12 themes. Each theme has different plants, flowers and trees. The main themes are the Iris Garden and the Medicinal Botanical Garden. The Medicinal Botanical Garden has flowers and plants that were used to treat diseases.

Each theme in the park has a sign beside it with pictures and information about the trees, plants and flowers that make that theme special.

How to get to Seoul Iris Garden:

Take line 1 or 7 to Dobongsan Station and leave exit 2.

The Korean Military Academy is a great spot to visit and definitely off the the beaten tourist track. The Korean Military Academy is a prestigious academy famous for their strict regime, patriotism and high ranking graduates. The academy follows the motto: wisdom, integrity and courage. Until 1997 the Korean Military Academy was off limits to [...]]]>

Korean Military Academy

The Korean Military Academy is a great spot to visit and definitely off the the beaten tourist track. The Korean Military Academy is a prestigious academy famous for their strict regime, patriotism and high ranking graduates. The academy follows the motto: wisdom, integrity and courage. Until 1997 the Korean Military Academy was off limits to tourists but now it is open for all. The academy is huge but only select parts are open to tourists for security reasons.

The tour starts off at the visitors centre and the first stop is the Korean Army Museum which has a wide range of weapons on display alongside military treasures and documents relating to the Korean War. It is very interesting to visit and is almost deserted even at weekends.

The next stop is Hwa Rang Parade Ground. This is a enclosed field. It is here that all the ceremonies are held such as graduation, festivals, national holidays and the remembrance for the dead. Also, sports events such as horse riding. Scattered around the academy you will see statues of heroes who have died while serving their country. Also included is a statue of James A. Van Fleet a General of the United States Army who made outstanding contributions to improve U.S.-Korean ties.

Next there is a pond, park and picnic area. It is here that many local families stop by on the weekend to relax, have some food and let their children run free. Beside the park is the outdoor Weaponry Exhibition Area. Tanks, rockets, guns from both North Korea and South Korea used during the Korean War are on display here.

Finally we visited Memorial Hall Tower. Memorial Hall Tower is over 66 meters high and offers a stunning view of the academy and surrounding mountains and cities. On the first floor and basement floor of the building you can learn about the academy and students. This entails What they study, how they sleep to what clothing they wear. Unfortunately Memorial Hall was the last stop of the tour.

If you visit Korean Military Academy you must bring some form of identification. One per group is fine. I don’t think they are too strict as to what I.D as I gave my student card. It is also possible to visit the Korean Military academy and wander around by yourself. I visited on a Saturday and it was empty. This is a great spot to get some rest at the weekend, see some cool war exhibitions and learn some history.

Official site of the Korean Military Academy http://www.kma.ac.kr/english/

Opening Hours / Admission:
Open Monday ~ Sunday: 10:00 ~ 17:00

There is no admission and you are free to look around the academy by yourself. If you wish to join a tour they start at 10:00, 14:00 and 15:30. a Reservation is needed.

How to get to the Korean Military Academy:
The academy is quite far away from the station but if you wish to walk view the map below.
Take line 6 to Hwarangdae Subway Station, leave exit 4 and walk for 15minutes following the map below.
BUS:
Take line 6 to Hwarangdae Subway Station, leave exit 1 and take bus number #202, #1155, #1156, #1225 and get off at the Seoul Women’s University stop and the academy will be on your right.

Tapgol park is located on the former site of Wongak Temple. The Temple was destroyed during the reign of Yeonsangun and Jungjong due to the repression policy of Buddhism. In the late 19th Century John McLeavy Brown, an Irishman and financial advisor/Chief Commissioner of Customs in Korea suggested that a western park be built. Tapgol [...]]]>

Tapgol Park Entrance

Tapgol park is located on the former site of Wongak Temple. The Temple was destroyed during the reign of Yeonsangun and Jungjong due to the repression policy of Buddhism. In the late 19th Century John McLeavy Brown, an Irishman and financial advisor/Chief Commissioner of Customs in Korea suggested that a western park be built. Tapgol Park was built sometime in the 1890′s and became the first modern park of Korea. The park was open to the public from 1913.

Tapgol park played a very important role in modern Korea. It was here that on March 1st, 1919 that the Declaration of Independence was recited and began the start of the independence movement against Japanese Rule. From here the movement spread across Korea. In the park there is a tower with the 1,762 word declaration of independence inscribed on it in English and Korean alongside statues of the independence leaders such as Byung Hee Son.

The park is a somewhat open museum honouring the independence movement and displaying treasures from Wongak Temple. National Treasure No.2, Wongak Temple 10 level stone tower is on display in the park.

Opening Hours / Admission:
Open everyday year round from 06:00 – 20:00

Admission is free.

How to get to Tapgol Park:
Take line 1, 3 or 5 to Jongno 3 (sam)-ga station and leave exit 1. Head straight.
Take line 1 to Jonggak station and leave exit 3 and head straight.

Jongmyo Park is located right in front of Jongmyo Shrine. The park is full of retired old men about 3500 per day playing board games such as GO. Underneath the park there is a huge underground parking lot. Inside the park there are plenty of benches, trees, water fountains, a small pond [...]]]>

Jongmyo Park

Jongmyo Park is located right in front of Jongmyo Shrine. The park is full of retired old men about 3500 per day playing board games such as GO. Underneath the park there is a huge underground parking lot. Inside the park there are plenty of benches, trees, water fountains, a small pond and a statue of Lee Sang-Jae. Lee Sang-Jae was a South Korean patriot who was heavily involved in the resistance of the Japanese Colonial Rule. The statue was erected on April 10th, 1986 to commemorate his glorious achievements.

Currently part of the park has turned into an archeological site. The park is located in front of Jongmyo Shrine which was built over 600 years ago and recently they have discovered many artifacts buried in the park. Some of the artifacts are displayed in the park accompanied with pictures of the excavation under the tittle “Street Museum”.

The park has in the recent past been involved in scandal.  Police cracked down on a ring of elderly women who were soliciting prostitution in the park for the elderly men. Although most of the prostitutes have moved on, you can still see some elderly women looking for some customers.

How to get to Jongmyo Park:
Take line 1, 3 or 5 to Jongno 3 (sam)-ga station and leave exit 11 and follow the map below.

Dream Forest is a massive green park located in Northern Seoul. It takes its name from Dreamland, a theme park with a small petting zoo, which was formally located here before being closed down in 2007. Dream Forest is the 4th largest park in Seoul before Seoul Forest, Olympic Park and World Cup Park. Surrounded [...]]]>

Dream Forest Seoul

Dream Forest is a massive green park located in Northern Seoul. It takes its name from Dreamland, a theme park with a small petting zoo, which was formally located here before being closed down in 2007. Dream Forest is the 4th largest park in Seoul before Seoul Forest, Olympic Park and World Cup Park. Surrounded by densely forested mountains of Byeogosan and Opaesan, Dream Forest provides diverse attractions to visitors, together with an abundant amount of natural vegetation. This park has tons of things to do and a great day out for the family.

After entering the park through the main east gate you will see the visitors centre. This centre is equipped with a nursery room, toilets and a souvenir shop. Also, you can visit the Design Seoul Gallery which is located on the first floor of the visitors centre. Following the winding paths and stream into the park you will come across Changnyeong wigung Ancestral Shrine which is Registered Cultural Heritage NO. 40. Following the path you will find the Moon Reflecting Pond and Lawn Plaza where concerts and events are held.

Towards the west gate of the park you can find the observation centre. The observatory was built in order to emphasize the purpose Dream Forest was built for. It is a 49.7m-high, 3-story building located west of Dream Forest Arts Centre. At the top of the observatory, downtown Seoul can be seen in a single sight. At north, the sight of Bukhansan (Mt.), Dobongsan (Mt.) and Suraksan (Mt.) provides an amazing panoramic view. To the south, a breathtaking view of Namsan (Mt.) and Hangang (River) can be seen.

Height: Altitude 139m (Observatory Height 49.7m)
Open Hours: 10:00 ~ 22:00 (Closed on Monday)
The observatory has been made famous by the KBS Drama for the filming location of IRIS.

How to get to Dream Forest Seoul:
There are 5 stations near to Dream Forest but you will need to transfer onto a bus for a few more minutes.
Take Line No.1 to Wolgye Station and 50m from Exit 2 get on Blue bus 147 Blue Bus for about 8min.
Take Line No.1 to Seokgye Station and 20m to the right from Exit 7 (across the street) and take Seongbuk 14 bus, Village Bus for about 10min.
Take Line No.4 to Mia Samgeori Station and 10m from Exit 1 get on Gangbuk 09 or Gangbuk 11, Village Bus for about 10 min.
Take Line No.6 to Dolgoji Station and 10m from Exit 3 get on Bus 147, Blue Bus for about 6min.
Take Line No.7 to Hagye Station and 100m from Exit 5 get bus 149, Blue Bus for about 10min.
All buses will take you to Dream Forest. Get off at the Dream Forest stop at the east gate.

View larger map
Admission is free to the park and observatory.
Here is a link for Dream Forest Park (Only Korean)