Han River Park

한강공원

An expansive riverside park system with multiple sections offering cycling, picnicking, sports, and riverside cafes where locals relax and exercise year-round. It's the city's green lung and a window into everyday Seoul life.

Things to do

• Cycling along the riverside paths — Rent a bike and cruise the dedicated cycling lanes that stretch across multiple park sections, covering over 40 km of scenic routes.
• Picnicking on the grass lawns — Spread a mat on the open fields near Yeouido Park section and enjoy meals while watching the river and Seoul skyline.
• Jogging and walking trails — Follow paved and unpaved paths suitable for morning and evening runs, popular with locals maintaining their daily fitness routines.
• Sports fields and basketball courts — Access volleyball, futsal, and basketball facilities available at designated zones throughout the park sections.
• Waterside cafe lounging — Relax at numerous riverside cafes serving coffee and light snacks while observing sunset over the Han River.
• Photography at scenic overlooks — Capture views of bridges, river bends, and seasonal landscapes from designated viewpoints throughout the park.

Food to try

• Kimbap (김밥) — Seek out park vendors and nearby restaurants selling this rolled seaweed rice dish with vegetables and proteins, a classic Korean picnic food.
• Hotteok (호떡) — Try these sweet Korean street pancakes filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and peanuts from vendor stalls near park entrances.
• Tteokbokki (떡볶기) — Find spicy rice cake street food at cafe stands throughout the park, a beloved casual snack for locals exercising.
• Iced coffee and bingsu — Order these refreshing treats at waterside cafes during warm seasons, with bingsu being shaved ice topped with beans, condensed milk, and fruit.
• Gimbap triangle kimbap — Purchase conveniently wrapped triangular kimbap portions from convenience stores near park entrances for easy on-the-go eating.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect jogger and cyclist paths — Stay clear of marked running and cycling lanes, as locals exercise intensely during morning and evening hours regardless of weather.
• Pack your own trash — Koreans practice pack-in-pack-out principles in parks; bring a bag for your waste as bins are limited to encourage environmental consciousness.
• Remove shoes when sitting on grass — Follow local custom by taking off your shoes before sitting on the park lawns, a sign of respect for shared community spaces.
• Join evening community exercise groups — Observe or participate in organized group activities like tai chi or group cycling that form spontaneously at dusk, a unique local tradition.