“Explore Seoul’s Hangang River activities through seasonal activities in Yeouido, Banpo, and Ttukseom Hangang Parks. Enjoy cherry blossoms, water sports, autumn festivals, and winter lights, with top tips on food delivery, camping, and access.”
Introduction to Seoul’s Hangang River Activities.
The Hangang River is a centerpiece of Seoul life, offering activities that change with each season. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to its parks, especially Yeouido, Banpo, and Ttukseom, which showcase Korea’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. Whether you’re here for cherry blossoms in spring, riverside camping in summer, colorful foliage in fall, or winter light displays, each season reveals new experiences. This guide to Seoul Hangang River activities will help you explore the river’s highlights, enjoy seasonal food markets, and experience Korean culture by the riverside.
Seoul’s Hangang River Activities : Spring
Spring transforms Seoul’s Hangang River parks into a breathtaking landscape as cherry blossoms bloom, and locals celebrate the start of warm weather with festivals and picnics. Yeouido and Ttukseom Hangang Parks are prime spots to enjoy spring activities along the Hangang River.
Cherry Blossom Viewing and Picnic Spots
Spring at the Han River is famous for cherry blossom season, with Yeouido Hangang Park and Ttukseom Hangang Park as popular viewing spots. Yeouido hosts the annual Spring Flower Festival in early April, where visitors can walk through tunnels of pink blossoms, illuminated at night. Meanwhile, Ttukseom’s cherry blossom-lined paths offer a picturesque setting for picnics with stunning views of Seoul’s skyline.
| Picnic Spot | Key Attractions | Subway Access | Walking Distance |
| Yeouido Hangang Park | Cherry blossom festival, river views | Yeouinaru Station (Line 5), Exit 3/4 | 10 mins |
| Banpo Hangang Park | Riverside picnics, city views | Express Bus Terminal (Line 3,7,9), Exit 8 | 10 mins |
| Ttukseom Hangang Park | Cherry blossoms, city skyline | Ttukseom Resort Station (Line 7) | 5 mins |
Unique Tip: Ttukseom and Yeouido Hangang Parks offer a rare opportunity to combine cherry blossom views with picnic-ready lawns. Locals often bring picnic blankets or order fried chicken and pizza right to their spot through delivery apps. Grab instant ramen from park convenience stores, where you’ll find hot water dispensers to cook on-site—a unique Korean picnic experience!
Seoul’s Hangang River Activities : Summer
Water Sports, Riverside Camping, and Street Food Markets
The summer season transforms the Hangang River into a dynamic area for water sports, camping, and food markets. Yeouido, Banpo, and Ttukseom Hangang Parks all offer paddleboarding, kayaking, and tubing rentals. Banpo Hangang Park, in particular, has a designated camping zone where you can set up a tent and relax by the water—a popular activity among locals. In the evenings, Banpo’s Jamsugyo Bridge becomes home to a lively street food market on weekends, featuring Korean snacks and beverages, creating a vibrant summer atmosphere.
| Activity | Location | Approximate Cost | Ideal Time |
| Paddleboarding | Ttukseom Hangang Park | KRW 15,000/hour | Late afternoon |
| Kayaking | Yeouido Hangang Park | KRW 20,000/hour | Morning |
| Camping | Banpo Hangang Park | KRW 20,000 tent rental | Afternoon |
| Street Food Market | Jamsugyo Bridge (Banpo) | Varies | 6 PM – 10 PM |
Banpo Jamsugyo Bridge Night Market
During the weekends from spring through autumn, Jamsugyo Bridge near Banpo Hangang Park hosts a bustling street food market. Vendors offer a range of Korean specialties, from spicy tteokbokki (rice cakes) to savory hotteok (sweet pancakes). The market also includes craft beer and live music, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the river’s night scenery.
Safety Tip: Han River parks remain safe and well-lit into the evening, with security patrols and emergency stations along the riverside.
Seoul’s Hangang River Activities : Autumn
Autumn Foliage and Festivals at Yeouido and Ttukseom
Autumn at the Han River brings vibrant foliage, transforming the parks into colorful landscapes perfect for leisurely walks and photo ops. Yeouido Hangang Park’s trees turn shades of red, orange, and yellow, making it an ideal location for fall picnics. Ttukseom Hangang Park also offers beautiful foliage with scenic city backdrops, and rental bikes are available to explore the trails. Autumn is also festival season, and the Hangang Autumn Festival brings traditional music, dance, and food stalls to various river parks in October.
| Activity | Location | Best Viewing Time | Highlights |
| Foliage Viewing | Yeouido Hangang Park | Late October | Colorful tree-lined paths |
| Hangang Autumn Festival | Ttukseom Hangang Park | Early October | Traditional music, food stalls |
| Bicycle Rentals | Banpo Hangang Park | October | Scenic river views |
Unique Tip: During autumn weekends, Jamsugyo Bridge continues to host its popular street food market, where you can enjoy seasonal snacks and beverages under the colorful foliage.
Seoul’s Hangang River Activities : Winter
Light Displays, Ice Skating, and Cozy Cafes
Winter at the Hangang River is a quieter experience, perfect for those who enjoy a peaceful riverside view with seasonal lights. Banpo and Yeouido Hangang Parks feature winter light displays from December to February, adding a warm glow to the cold landscape. Ttukseom Hangang Park also opens an affordable outdoor ice rink, making it a popular winter activity.
| Activity | Location | Admission Fee | Hours |
| Light Displays | Banpo & Yeouido Parks | Free | Dusk to 10:00 PM |
| Ice Skating | Ttukseom Hangang Park | KRW 1,000 | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Riverside Cafes | Various Hangang Parks | Varies | Open daily |
Winter Tip: For a cozy retreat, try one of the riverside cafes with hot drinks and a view. This is also an ideal time to order delivery ramen or Korean BBQ to enjoy from the warmth of a tent.
Visitor Tips for Seoul’s Hangang River Parks
Food Delivery Options: All three parks—Yeouido, Banpo, and Ttukseom—are delivery-friendly, making it easy to have fried chicken, pizza, or other Korean snacks brought directly to your picnic spot. Just download a delivery app for quick service.
Public Transportation:
- Yeouido Hangang Park: Exit 3 or 4 of Yeouinaru Station (Line 5), 10-minute walk.
- Banpo Hangang Park: Exit 8 of Express Bus Terminal Station (Lines 3, 7, 9), 10-minute walk.
- Ttukseom Hangang Park: Ttukseom Resort Station (Line 7), 5-minute walk.
Safety at Hangang River Parks: Even late at night, the parks are safe due to regular patrols and emergency stations.
Han River App: Check the Han River app for real-time information on events, festivals, and activities, making planning easier.