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Hangang Park Nanji

admin — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:52:11 +0000

Nanji Hangang Park

Nanji Hangang Park is one of the most westerly park of the 12 parks that sit on the banks of the Hangang River. It is located beside the world cup stadium and parks. The park is 4km long and has a lot to offer. The theme of the park is energy conservation. In the summer months there is an outdoor swimming pool right on the banks of the Hangang River. Nanji Hangang Park is a haven for sports enthusiasts. There is a football field, 2 basketball courts, a volleyball court, 5 badminton courts, a swimming pool, exercise facilities, a Korean traditional archery field, a bike trail / bike rental and a whole range of water activities including water skiing and wind surfing. Also there is a large camping area available with BBQ sets, toilets and showers, free of charge for campers. For more info and to book visit http://www.nanjicamping.co.kr/ko/index.asp (Korean Only).

Nanji Hangang Park is located beside 4 other parks also offering a range of facilities and activities. Noeul Park is one of them and the highest point in the area offering stunning views of Seoul city. There is also a water taxi boarding point at Nanji Hangang Park. When you get to the pier there will be sign and a number to call. The taxi holds 7 people. You must pay for the boat and not per person. If you have 7 people (maximun number) you can go anywhere on the Hangang for under 8,000 won. If you are going a short distance it can end up costing only 1,500 won per person.

Opening Hours:

The park is open 24 hours a day.

Price

Park is free and the swimming pool is 3,000 won for adults, 2,000 won for youths and 1,000 for children.

How to get to Hnagang Nanji Park:

Take line 6 to the World Cup Stadium Station and leave exit 1. Follow the map below

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Parks In Seoul

admin — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:43:42 +0000

World Cup Park Seoul

Parks in Seoul. Over the past few years the Government of Seoul have been implementing a five year plan for green growth. This means they will be using and promoting Eco products, using less fossil fuels and promoting green environments such as parks for it’s residents and tourists. The Cheonggyecheon river was part of this project and also the World Cup Parks.

There are hundreds of parks in Seoul with around 40 major ones. These are great for relaxing and getting out of the house. Some of the parks are huge and have a whole range of activities. Along the Han River alone there are 12 parks called the Hangang Parks.

Here is a list of some parks located in Seoul with detailed information, maps, directions and photos.
Changpowon Park
Children’s Grand Park
Dongdaemun History & Culture Park
Dream Forest Seoul
Hangang Parks
Jongmyo Park
Korean Military Academy
Marronnier Park Hyehwa
Naksan Mountain
Seoul Forest Park
Tapgol Park
World Cup Park Seoul

World Cup Park Seoul

admin — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:27:49 +0000

World Cup Park Seoul

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.

The parks and world cup site are located on what used to be an island called Nanjido Island. This island later got the nickname of the “Island of Death”. In the boom and development of Seoul in the 70′s the island was used as a landfill site that stretched for 2.4 kilometers and a height of 98 meters. The landfill site opened in 1978 and closed in 1993. No measures were taken to treat the waste and garbage was just left to rot. As a result the groundwater, soil and air was heavily polluted.

In 1991 the Seoul Metropolitan Government came up with a plan to prevent further environmental damage and to create a place that the citizens could enjoy. The landfill closed in 1993. It took 3 years to create plans to stabilize the landfill site. In December 1996 construction began. On May 31st, 1996 it was announced that Japan and Korea would co-host the 17th Fifa World Cup. With this new announcement, plans were quickly made to create an area for the world cup stadium and a park to commemorate this great event. In total 117 million dollars was spent on the stabilization of the landfill site and another 78 million was spent on the creation of the parks.

Enough about the facts let’s get on to the parks.

Pyeonghwa Park which means Peace Park in English. This is the first park located outside the west entrance of the World Cup Stadium. This park was built to represent the world cup event and peace and harmony between humans and nature. Located in the park is the World Cup Gallery, a play ground and a few shops and cafes. This park is very popular with families at the weekend. There are plenty of shaded areas to relax and have a picnic. There is a small lake called Nanji Lake which is a tributary to the Han River.

Nanji Hangang Park. This park is located south of Pyeonghwa Park and sits on the banks of the Hangang River and is 787,395 m2. The park was constructed as part of the Hangang Renaissance project. Nanji Hangang Park is based around an eco-friendly theme. There is a wetland area, campground and a marina. Sometimes concerts are held here such as the World DJ Festival. Other facilities include a Biking trail, Camping Area, Traditional Archery Range, Dock for Boats, Water Skiing, Boat Driver’s License Examination Centre, Bike Rentals and a Cycling Street (13.2km).

Haneul Park. Haneul Park is located in the highest place within the world cup parks which explains the name Haneul which means sky in Korean. To get to the top you must first climb 290 steps. At the top of the park you can get some stunning and breath taking views of Seoul. You can see the nearby World Cup Stadium, the Hangang River, the 63 building and the mountains surrounding Seoul. This park was originally a huge landfill pile. Many different types of plants and flowers were planted to try to restore the original ecosystem. A natural ecosystem was finally established through releasing 30,000 butterflies across the park. In keeping with environmental protection there are five wind power generators. The electricity from the generators is used to power the street lights around the world cup park.

Neoul Park. Noeul Park is a 9 hole golf course. Noeul means sunset in Korean and as you can guess, the park is a great place to view the sunset. Noeul Park was the main area for the landfill and a lot of rubbish is still buried under the golf course. Over the next few years the Seoul Metropolitan Government will began a recovery project.

Nanjicheon Park. Nanji park was once dead land made up of sewage run off from the landfill sites. However it is now bustling with nature and life following it’s restoration along with the other world cup parks. The Nanji Stream runs throughout the park filled with reeds / willows where diverse plants grow. Over 50,000 trees have been planted in Nanjicheon Park. Bicycles paths and other sports facilities are available at the park along side many rest and picnic areas.

How to get to the World Cup Parks Seoul:

Take line 6 to World Cup Stadium Station and leave exit 1. Head straight for Pyeonghwa Park. There are plenty of maps in the station and outside showing you all the locations of the parks. There is also a free shuttle bus near Mapo Agriculture -Fish Market.

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Jongmyo Park

admin — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 10:59:37 +0000

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.

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Dream Forest Seoul

admin — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 09:26:30 +0000

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.

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

Marronnier Park Hyehwa

admin — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:18:12 +0000

Marronnier Park Hyehwa

Marronnier Park takes it’s name from the Marronnier tree that is located in the centre of the park. The park is quite small but plays an important part in the lives of Seoulites. The park is located near Hyehwa Station. In 1975 the area began to develop. There are now over 50 theatres and hundreds of cafes. The park is located on the old ground of Seoul National University. Many university students come here to hang out with friends or before they go to the theatre.

There is a stage in the park where small concerts or plays are held. In the centre of the park there is a statue of Kim Sang-ok. Patriot Kim Sang-ok was a freedom fighter against the Imperial Japanese occupation of Korea. Also located in the park is the Arko Art Centre, opening hours 11am – 8pm, Closed on Mondays.

How to get to Marronnier Park Hyehwa:
Take line 4 to Hyehwa station and leave exit 2. The park will be right in front of you.

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