Welcome to Seocho-gu, a district in Seoul known for its cultural heritage and modern amenities. Explore traditional Korean architecture at Bongeunsa Temple, or indulge in luxury shopping at Gangnam District. Don’t miss out on the vibrant nightlife and delicious street food in this dynamic part of the city. Enjoy a blend of tradition and contemporary lifestyle in Seocho-gu!”
Banpo Han River Park
Banpo Han River Park is located on the southern bank of the Han River, centered around Banpo Bridge (also known as Jamsu Bridge) with Hannam Bridge upstream and Dongjak Bridge downstream. Especially noteworthy is the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, installed on both sides of Banpo Bridge within Banpo Han River Park as part of the Han River Renaissance project. With a total length of 1,140m, this fountain was recognized by the Guinness World Records in 2008 as the longest bridge fountain in the world. At night, with over 200 lights, it creates a beautiful scene resembling a seven-colored rainbow each time water is sprayed. Visitors can also enjoy various sports facilities such as a water droplet playground, an inline skating track, soccer and basketball fields, as well as breathtaking views of the Han River and the skyline from the Sunset Cafe and Cloud Cafe located at the southern end of Dongjak Bridge. Connected to Banpo Han River Park, Seoraeseom (Seora Island) is an artificial island located between Banpo Bridge and Dongjak Bridge, offering a peaceful retreat and recreational space within the city. Depending on the season, crops like rapeseed and buckwheat are cultivated on the island, making it a popular walking path when the flowers bloom. In spring, the yellow rapeseed flowers in full bloom attract many people who come to enjoy the Seora Island Butterfly and Rapeseed Flower Festival. Additionally, Banpo Han River Park offers a wide array of attractions and activities such as an ecological learning center, boat rentals, bike paths, and picnic areas, ensuring endless fun and exploration for visitors.
• Address (location): “40, Sinbanpo-ro11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Banpo Han River Park Visitor Center”
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Sulipul Park – Understanding a Hidden Gem in Seoul’s Seocho District”
“The Sullip Park in Seorae Village, Seocho-gu, Seoul, is a favorite spot among local residents for relaxation and wellness. Formerly a military base in the 1970s, inaccessible to the public, the park was transformed in 2019 following the military relocation in 2015. The well-designed walking trails around the grassy square are charming and inviting. The park’s walking trails (hiking paths) consist of two routes, a quick path and a leisurely path, stretching from Banpo-dong to Bangbae-dong, crossing the heart of Seocho-gu. The approximately 4km walking trails (hiking paths) connect to Montmartre Park, bridging the disjointed path with Nue Bridge and Sullip Bridge, offering views of the Han River to the north and Umyeon Mountain to the south.”
• Address (location): 1005-6 Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Yangjae Citizen’s Forest Park
“The Neighborhood Park, located about 300m from Exit 2 of Yangjae Citizens’ Forest Station on the Shinbundang Line, is a hidden gem in the city where you can escape into a well-maintained green oasis. Situated between Eonnamm Jung High School and Maehan Elementary School, this park serves as a popular spot for students to relax after school and as a sports facility for local residents. The park features playgrounds, fountains, benches, walking paths, and various sports facilities including basketball courts, playgrounds, soccer fields, and athletic tracks. You might even catch a Seoul Citizen League (futsal matches) taking place at the soccer field. Easily accessible from Exit 2 of Yangjae Citizens’ Forest Station on the Shinbundang Line, just a short 300m walk away.”
• Address (location): 35 DongSan-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul Special City (Yangjae-dong)
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Seorae Village in Seocho-gu, Seoul
“Seorae Village is a charming neighborhood located across Banpo Sports Complex at the southern end of Banpo Bridge in Seoul. As you stroll down Seorae-ro, you’ll be greeted by a luxurious villa village. The village is named Seorae Village because a stream in front of the village meanders gracefully, and another name, Suh-ae, was given due to the steep Cheongryong Mountain on the western shore causing geomantic changes. In 1985, the French School of Seoul relocated here, turning Seorae Village into a residential area for the French and gradually evolving into a global village, attracting foreigners from various other countries to choose Seorae Village as their home. When you explore the streets of Seorae Village, you can find the French School of Seoul. A signboard written in French saying “Attention Ecole” catches your eye. It’s known as Seoul’s French Street. The shops in Seorae Village are quaint and charming, filled with European-style cafes and restaurants that give off a cozy vibe. With an abundance of French-style wine bars, upscale coffee shops, and sunny balconies for dining or enjoying a cup of tea, Seorae Village has been recognized as one of the coolest spots in Seoul. Cafes have taken the spotlight over restaurants, making it a great place for a leisurely day out. Since parking is limited in this residential area, it’s recommended to use public transportation. Seorae Village is located about 850m from Exit 4 of Sinnonhyeon Station on Seoul Metro Line 9.”
• Address (location): “Seocho-gu, Banpo-dong, Seoul Special City”
Gilsang Ceramic Studio
“Gilsang Ceramic Studio offers classes for both hobbyists and professionals. The hobbyist classes are divided into one-day pottery workshops, lasting about 2 hours each. Group experiences with 5 or more participants require separate inquiries, while most sessions for 4 or fewer individuals are held as small elite classes. With a 1:1 or 1:2~4 ratio, even beginners can easily create pottery in their desired shapes. Techniques include wheel throwing and hand-building, with production time varying based on the design, allowing for 1 to 2 pieces per person. Finished pieces are ready in about 4 weeks and can be picked up in person or shipped via courier. Gilsang Ceramic Studio is famous among ARMYs, fans of BTS, as the place where the members, Jimin, V, Jin, and Suga, made cups for each other. Visitors can design and create cups, vases, plates, and bottles using the wheel and hand-building methods. Trying to recreate the artwork of BTS members adds an extra fun element to the experience.”
• Address (location): Seoul Special City, Seocho-gu, Seocho-dong 1362-9, Baniel Building, Room 101
• Hours of use: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Simsan Memorial Cultural Center
“The Simsan Memorial Cultural Center is operated by Seocho Cultural Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes cultural and arts activities for citizens and supports cultural projects in the local community. The building, consisting of 3 floors above ground and 2 floors below ground, offers a large-scale reading room, digital camera classroom, European flower arrangement, florist, art history tour through famous paintings, healing calligraphy, fabric art, and various classes to facilitate cultural and artistic activities. It also features performance halls and classrooms including Banpo Simsan Art Hall.”
• Address (location): Seoul, Seocho-gu, Sapyeong-daero 55, Banpo-dong
• Hours of use: 09:00~18:00 – Study Room & Performance Hall: 09:00~23:00 – Cultural Classes: 09:00~21:00
Seoul Seocho-gu ‘Floating Island’
“Located on the Han River’s iconic Banpo Bridge, the floating island of Sebitseom Convention Center was constructed with the idea of creating a unique venue that spans the heart of the Han River. Sebitseom consists of three islands and a media gallery, providing a perfect convention space for hosting various international events, performances, exhibitions, product launches, press conferences, outdoor weddings, fashion shows, and launch events.”
• Address (location): 2085-14 Olympic Boulevard, Seocho-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Seoul Seocho District ‘Central City’
“Central City is located in Banpo-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It is a complex building that enhances Korea’s architectural culture, with amenities such as Shinsegae Department Store, Marriott Hotel, and Central Park for relaxation. The Millennium Hall can host weddings and large events, and there are convenient facilities like banks, hospitals, securities, post offices, and ample parking space. Inside Central City, you can find the upscale luxury shopping mall Marquis Plaza, the vibrant record store Synnara Records, the large bookstore Youngpoong Bookstore, the state-of-the-art Central 6 Cinema featuring a variety of genres, and a downtown theme park with advanced entertainment facilities like simulation games. Come and experience the vibrant cultural scene at Central City!”
• Address (location): 176 Sinbanpo-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul Special City (Banpo-dong)
• Hours of use: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Woomyeon Mountain Wish Tower Observatory
“Woomyeon Mountain, which forms the boundary between Seocho-gu in Seoul and Gwacheon City in Gyeonggi Province, got its name because it resembles a sleeping cow. Easily accessible from downtown areas like Umyeon-dong, Seocho-dong, and Yangjae-dong, this mountain sees a constant stream of hikers from dawn till late at night. The gentle slopes make it a beloved trail for novice hikers who may not even need hiking boots. Most adults can reach the peak at So-mang Tower in about an hour. So-mang Tower started as a small pile of rocks where visitors placed their wishes, eventually forming a large stone tower. The nearby observatory offers a stunning view that has been recognized as an excellent spot for enjoying the scenery. The night view from here is dazzling, with historic relics like prehistoric stone tombs and Baekje-era temples such as Daeseongsa adding to the charm.”
• Address (location): 419-3 Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: “Open 24 hours”