Spring is here, it’s getting warm and we are naturally heading outside whenever we have free time. With more and more time spent outside with friends and family, how about going here some time? It is the Yeouido Han-gang Park. A wide scene of the blue river, a clear atmosphere, and green areas are spaces for all ages to joy. In the morning, you might likely enjoy sports, or walk outside while late at night, you could find joy with the night scenery and chatting. That’s the reason many people visit this park. Let’s get into the charm of Yeouido Han-gang Park.
How to get to Yeouido Han-gang Park from Heukseok Station
By Bus: 360, 362 in Myeongsu-dae Hyundai Apt.
By bicycle: hire a bicycle at Heukseok Station and head straight to Han-gang (10-15minutes)
Cascade Plaza
There is a place where most people always visit when they go to Yeouido Han-gang Park: Cascade Plaza. It’s directly connected to the water front, providing a place to rest and play for everyone. It is always filled with people who are here to cool down the hot heated weather. Compared to other “swimming pools” there aren’t any rules or anything to prepare for swimming, which is why lots of people enjoy swimming here. The hot spot is the fountain; lots enjoy playing around here. When we plan on going to the pool or play inside water, we often need a lot of stuff and there is an entrance fee to pay. In Cascade Plaza, you can enjoy swimming and some fun with no fee and that is probably one of the reasons why people love this place. The eagerness to get inside the water and play! That is all you need in order to enjoy Cascade Plaza.
The Floating Stage
While walking in Yeouido Han-gang Park, this might catch your eye: it’s the floating stage. By looking at the floating stage, people can find time to relax in their busy lives. The stage has a beautiful view and is also used for events and concerts. People love this place because you can enjoy both the event and the view of the river behind the stage. Get rid of the thought that this stage is small because it’s on the river! With 12m in height and 24m in width, the stage can show various stage changes. At night time, there are lasers and fountain shows. It is often used for events and concerts however depending on the weather, it can also be used as a café.
Enjoy tradition and the Folk Game Yard
These days, there aren’t a lot of places to experience traditional games especially in Seoul. At the Folk game yard, everyone can enjoy traditional culture. Since it isn’t tiring or anything by listening to an explanation or learning something big, it is by playing and enjoying, there isn’t any pressure or fear. By gently enjoying, resting and experiencing, this might be a place to simply figure out what our traditional culture is. You could indirectly experience the time period by riding the swing or wrestling; it will be a good time for everyone.
Other Places to Go:
As well as places like cascade plaza and the floating stage, there are also places that are closer to nature.
A. Seoul Color Park: This is a place made for citizens who weren’t willing to go under the Mapo-bridge, re-made as a rest place. Here, there are many benches or parts made with 10 colors that represent Seoul.
B. Yeoui-pond/ecology pond: This is a pond to see different algae and birds like the red-crowned crane and bronze-winged duck, or fish like the Stone Moroko, Carp.
C. Bridge of culture: place for rest and meet. It is a bridge which expresses an image of a wondumak.
D. Budle-square: It is a square connected to the Yeouido Park: A place for leisure. It’s a cultural space about ecology; there are lots of events and ceremonies going on.
Places to eat
Enjoy the beautiful view on the river, Paradise
If you want to enjoy the view, if you are on a date, or just want a cup of tea, I’d say this is just the place for you. It isn’t cheap, but with the beautiful scenery that can be seen, the cozy atmosphere, and the live stage, this is what makes the place popular. Whether it’s a special day or not it is a great place to make memories with lovers, friends and family. The 1st floor is where you can enjoy chicken and the 3rd floor is the restaurant where you can enjoy meals, tea, or wine; where you go is your choice at Paradise, you can enjoy various types of food including full course meals to snacks.
Menu: Pasta 19,800 won /Soup 5,500 won/Salad 16,500won (Lunch Special): weekdays 11:30~2:00) All food 11,000won/ Steak 32,000won
Location: Han-gang Park in front of 63 floor building
Yeouido café of light
When you want to go inside while enjoying Yeouido Han-gang Park, you should visit the café of light. The café of light is a place where many visit; in the morning where people can see the beautiful view, at night there is a great scene of colorful lights. The cozy café is a perfect place for people to visit after their meal or after playing sports. In cold weather, you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee and on hot days you can have a cool juice or red bean bingsu. You can also enjoy chicken here with beer if the outside isn’t the place for you.
Menu: Drinks 4,000 won / Cake 4,500 won / Blueberry muffin 2,000 won / 1,000 won per cookie / red bean bingsu 11,000won
Location: Behind the Cascade Plaza
Yeouido Han-gang Park, a place where many can enjoy, find leisure activities, or play sports: many who visit once will, go there again. The weather is perfect these days. Instead of staying inside, you should head outside to get some sunlight. Isn’t it a happy thing to take a rest in this busy society? Why not head outside and visit Yeouido Han-gang Park during the weekend, with your family, friends or a loved one?