No matter how enjoyable city life can be, the hustle and bustle can get tiring sometimes. Luckily, you don’t have to leave the city to have a memorable trip with your family. There are hundreds of city parks all over Seoul that offer a great sanctuary with easy accessibility and convenient facilities like swimming pools, bike paths, and even campgrounds. Read on to learn about five major parks to choose from in the Seoul Metropolitan Area.

<World Cup Park>

A first time visitor to the World Cup Park, built in commemoration of the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the new millennium, would never guess that it was built on the site of a former landfill. It is divided into five different smaller parks, each offering a distinct atmosphere. The largest of the five parks is Pyeonghwa Park, located near the south gate of the World Cup Stadium and home to the UNICEF Plaza, Nanji pond, Garden of Peace, Forest of Hope, and a gallery.

* Park Features

Pyeonghwa Park(평화공원) The main section of the World Cup Park, Pyeonghwa features UNICEF Plaza, Nanji Pond, Garden of Peace, and a picnic area. It offers convenient facilities like a nursing room and a restroom for children.

Nanjicheon Park(난지천공원) A quiet park located along a restored stream with a children playground and a multipurpose sports stadium. There are stands of Dawn Redwood and pine trees nearby.

Haneul Park(하늘공원) Given that the Haneul Park sits at the highest altitude of all five sections, it’s easy to understand how this grassland park got its name, which means sky. Once the second site of the Nanji Landfill, there is now an annual reed festival is held here in autumn.

Noeul Park(노을공원) The park is dedicated to arts and culture. Visitors can spend a leisurely time at the expansive garden or viewing sculptures, or watching the setting sun from the observatory deck.

Nanji Hangang Park(난지한강공원) Located where Nanjido bounds the Hangang river, the Nanji Hangang Park has a camping site, archery range, and soccer, perfect for outdoor activities