Parks and Playgrounds in Seoul
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(The following has been prepared for other mom by Angela M. the mother of an 18-month and 3-year old, as well as from postings on the forum.)
This could never be an exhaustive list since there are so many great parks in Seoul. You'll probably find a favorite one close to you. Many apartment buildings have their own playground complexes. Ours does not, but I go to others and I'm never asked to leave because we don't live there. Often we're the star of the playground because little kids love practicing their English on a foreigner. Most large parks around Seoul have parking -- although it can be limited so go early on weekends) and concessions selling food, drinks, kites, bubbles and toys. Here are some of my favorite large parks; all can be found on a map. All of these parks are best enjoyed on weekdays since, even though they are large, they can extremely crowded on weekends. On Saturdays, we try to go by 9 a.m. and leave by noon.
Children's Grand Park in Gwangjin
This is a large, older park with a sort of depressing zoo in the back. However it does have other things going for it. Before you get to the zoo there is a giant kids' play area in a sand pit. And around the corner from the play area, there is a water feature where kids play. It is like a shallow, concrete stream running over steps and rocks. Toddlers can splash and play on a hot day. Before you get to the zoo, up the hill on the left is a dog petting area separated into small and large dogs. If you don't have a dog here, your kids may enjoy just sitting with a little dog on their laps petting them or playing with the big dogs. The areas are well-supervised by dog trainers. Buy a 1000KW ticket at the gift shop before going up.
Hangang Park
This is the river park that runs along the Han River in various stages. Try parking at the section in Yeouido and you can rides bikes for miles along the sidewalk or fly a kite or run around in lots of open space or play on the playground near the Wonhyo Bridge.
Han River Park
The Han River Park is great for bike riding, kite flying or picnicking with your kids. Find a spot in one of the many grassy fields and start a game of badminton or practice kicking the soccer ball.
TNamsan Park surrounding NamSan (Seoul) Towe
This park is hard to describe and even harder to tell where to park. Try the small pay lot near the cable car first then look around the mountain. The cable car will take you to the base of the tower or you can take the steps and soak up the views. About a third of the way up the steps from the cable car you'll find a green house worth touring and a small, outdoor zoo. Go down the steps from the cable car area and you'll find a children's playground.
Nature Park near the Grand Hyatt
This is a series of stroller-friendly nature trails that should not be missed. Walking along these hilly trails in the thick woods you'll forget you're in a crowded city. You'll see more butterflies and birds than you thought could exist here. There's no parking -- I've always found something on the street on a weekday near the left side of the Hyatt and start by crossing the pedestrian foot bridge there behind a little pavilion where bus drivers wait. Good luck; it's worth the effort.
Olympic Park
On the east side of town near Songpa-Gu.
This is Seoul's biggest park. It has everything; but also involves a lot of walking on stroller-friendly trails
Seoul Grand Park
Way south of the river, south of the Gangnam area, but worth the trip for its two great zoos. It's a long, uphill walk from the parking lot, so consider taking the tram if you can haul your stroller up the steps to the station. The children's petting zoo on the left lets you feed llamas and donkeys and pet free-roaming pigs and watch some pretty playful monkeys. The larger zoo on the right is in better shape than the one at the Children's Grand Park and it has a fabulous dolphin and seal show. The Seoul Land Amusement Park also is down here.
Seoul Forest
On the north side of the river near the Seongsu Bridge and less than a 15-minute drive from Hanamm-dong area.
This also is a huge park with lots of stroller-friendly walking trails. There is plenty of parking in a pay lot. Look for the kids' play area that has giant slides and great climbing equipment. There's also a giant chessboard-like fountain area where people congregate and children run in and out of the streams of water.
World Cup Stadium Park
Near the stadium in Mapo-Gu.
It has two or three large parking lots. If you park in the pay lot directly across from the stadium and walk around the lake clockwise you'll find a huge playground in a sand pit. Your kids won't want to leave.
Yeouido Park
It is located at about the middle of Yeouido, south of the Han River, and will come up directly on your right after crossing the Mapo Bridge (i.e., easy to find!). For parking, just make a right at the far end of the park and follow the boundaries of the park for available spaces, either paid or along the street. (Or you can just say "Yeouido Gong-won" to any taxi driver worth his salt.)
A long, thin, city park with a football-field size concrete area in the middle for rollerblading and riding bikes (you can rent adult and kids' bikes, and bikes with kid seats for 3000KW an hour, but bring your own helmet), three small playgrounds, lots of walking trails and ponds for feeding ducks and plenty of sites.
There are also quite a few basketball hoops and a small bumper car ride (500 won for about 5 minutes) in the central, paved plaza. One nice thing is that separate and parallel walking and biking/skating paths are provided and well-marked, so you're not dodging others on wheels if you prefer to walk or trail your family on foot. There are also quite a few restrooms and at least one concession area with tables for snacks and drinks. All in all, the park is a nice green space and big enough that it doesn't feel crowded, which is a nice change in Seoul.
Piqued your curiosity? You can find additional information here:
Yongsan Family Park
Next to the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan.
The front parking lot is small, but you can also park in the museum parking lot and walk around the back way. This park is the former golf course for the U.S. Military here so it's all rolling hills and great open grassy spaces. There is a large exercise machine area, but no kids' playground. Large public art and Weeping Willow trees over the lake make for great pictures. Bring a blanket and something to feed the ducks.
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if you have any updates or additional parks to add to this list please do so here. we will update the appropriate pages.
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Don't know the exact name, but at the lower end of the samcheon tunnel there is a forrested park area - also with some hiking trials. As you come downwards through the tunnel and mountain-road, you see cars on your lefthand side. This is one entrance of the park - but no parking here. Drive on and take the first street to the left - you will see the main park entrance at the end of the street. There is some parking just in front of the park - but limited. Just drive up the street over the hill - at the top there is designated parking. It's not a huge park, but beautiful with waking trails and excercise equipment. There is also a childrens play area with swings and climbers etc. Lots of benches to sit on, but no real picknic areas. It's close for the Sungbuk-dong residents.
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