This is a description of the attractions in Mapo-gu, Seoul, which is known for its cultural significance.
A Guide to Seoul’s Mapo-gu Area including Nanji Hangang Park and Other Tourist Attractions
World Cup Park Children’s Forest Experience Center
“Across from Seoul World Cup Stadium, before heading up to Sky Park, there is the World Cup Park Children’s Forest Experience Center. This place, created by the city of Seoul, allows children to run and play freely in the forest, interact with nature through sensory experiences, and grow up healthy. Covering an area of over 5,000㎡, the Children’s Forest Experience Center is equipped with outdoor experiential learning spaces, shelters, and safety facilities. Instead of artificial structures, it features sculptures and play equipment made using natural materials like rocks, trees, and soil to create areas such as the Rope Play Yard, Adventure Yard, Observation Yard, and Learning Yard where children can play with nature as the theme. The forest experience center includes facilities like a duck pond, treehouses, water play area, sand playground, tree bridges, shelters, net playground, log crossing, log climbing, and net crossing. Additionally, there are swinging bridges and rope bridges that allow visitors to explore the forest by riding on ropes between trees. There are multiple entrances to the Children’s Forest Experience Center, and stroller users can access through the entrance near the Children’s Train ticket booth. The center offers various children’s forest experience programs, and reservations can be made through the Seoul Public Reservation Service website. Surrounding the experience center are attractions like Sky Park, World Cup Park, Nanji Hangang Park, and Noeul Camping Site, providing plenty of sights to see.”
• Address (location): “Nanji Hangang Park, 365 World Cup-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea”
Mapo Streetcar Terminal 3.1 Independence Movement Cheers Rally Site
“The endpoint of Mapo Tram is now located at Mapo Bridge entrance area from Mapo Station on Seoul Subway Line 5. This place used to be the terminus of the tram that operated from the Japanese colonial period until the late 1960s, shuttling through the central part of Seoul. It holds historical significance as the site of the March 1st Independence Movement Manse Protest in 1919, where around 1,000 people gathered around 8 p.m. At that time, after the Declaration of Independence was held at Tapgol Park’s Octagonal Pavilion and students marched through various locations, they converged at Mapo Tram Terminus at around 8 p.m., shouting for Korean independence once again. The peaceful and nonviolent protest continued until around 11 p.m. near Yeonhee Vocational School without any riots taking place, demonstrating the strong will for independence of our nation. The current site is occupied by the Buddhist Broadcasting Building in Da Bo Building, where a sign indicating the protest site is installed in the building’s garden. It is located 112 meters away from Exit 4 of Mapo Station on Seoul Subway Line 5, making it easily accessible for visitors to learn about this historic location.”
• Address (location): “20 Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul Special City (Mapo-dong)”
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Seoul Mapo-gu ‘Mangwon Traditional Market’
Located in Hapjeong-dong, this pavilion in Seoul was restored and has been managed as a city monument since October 1989. In the 6th year of King Sejong’s reign (1424), Prince Hyoryeong wrote a poem here, and the following year, King Sejong visited to inspect agriculture in Seogyo and stopped by the pavilion. Legend has it that rain fell as he arrived, leading to its name, “Hee Woo Pavilion.” In the 15th year of King Seongjong’s reign (1484), Prince Wol San extensively renovated the pavilion and renamed it as Mangweon Pavilion. Despite being expanded to accommodate over a thousand people and renamed as Suryeo Pavilion in the 12th year of King Yeonsan’s reign, it was changed back to Mangweon Pavilion in September of the same year due to political changes. Hidden by the Eulchuk Dam and Han River development in 1925, the pavilion was reconstructed as part of the Han River cultural heritage restoration plan with groundbreaking in June 1988 and completion in October 1989. The nearby neighborhood of Mangwon-dong derives its name directly from this pavilion.
• Address (location): “23 Donggyo-ro 8an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul Special City (Hapjeong-dong).”
Seoul Mapo-gu ‘Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery
“Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery, located between Jeoldusan Catholic Sanctuary and Hapjeong Station, is the final resting place for over 480 missionaries from 13 countries, including Americans. These missionaries dedicated their lives to serving the Korean people during the dark days of the Japanese occupation. They came to share the light of the gospel in a country that was then less known to the world. Their contributions extended beyond missionary work and social projects, such as establishing hospitals and schools, to influencing Korean society by challenging social norms and customs. The seeds of the gospel they planted have borne fruit in the Korean church and society today. Notable missionaries buried here include Baelz, Herber, Underwood, and Appenzeller. The cemetery features a promotion hall, outdoor performance space, gravesites, volunteer center, Yanghwajin Hall, and a missionary memorial hall, all open for free viewing during operating hours. Guided tours are available three times a day from Monday to Saturday, with a fourth session on Saturdays conducted online. Advance reservations are required to join a guided tour. Managed by the Korea Christian Centennial Committee, a church with over 200 foreigners attending Sunday services is located at the cemetery memorial hall. Conveniently situated just 200 meters from Exit 7 of Hapjeong Station on Seoul Metro Lines 2 and 6.”
• Address (location): “46 Yanghwa Jin-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul Special City”
• Hours of use: “Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.”
Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine in Mapo-gu, Seoul
“Jultusan, originally known as ‘Gaeuldu’ for its resemblance to a person with a high head, or ‘Jamdubong’ for its similarity to Nue’s head, is a place steeped in history. Down at the Yanghwajin Ferry, boats carrying goods from various regions sailed through the Han River, bringing joy to many visitors and poets who enjoyed boating and composing poems amidst the scenic beauty of Jamdubong. In February 1866, the French military entered the Han River up to Yanghwajin and Seogang, provoked by the suppression of Catholicism. Enraged, the Daewongun, the regent of Joseon, executed numerous Catholics by beheading them at Jamdubong. This tragic event led to the mountain being named ‘Jultusan’ or ‘Beheading Mountain.’ In 1967, the Korean Catholic Church commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Pyeongin Persecution by opening the Martyrs’ Memorial Hall. Today, within the Jultusan Shrine, you can find exhibits related to the Korean Catholic Church, relics, a hall for the remains of 28 martyrs, a pilgrimage church, an educational center for martyrs, and an outdoor exhibition hall. The Jultusan Martyrs’ Shrine is a sacred place where the spirit of martyrdom of the early Korean Catholics, who sacrificed their lives for their faith, lives on.”
• Address (location): “6 Tojeong-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul Special City”
• Hours of use: “09:30~17:00.”
Seoul Mapo District ‘Nanji Hangang Park’ – A Guide to a Riverside Oasis
Nanji Hangang Park is a versatile park that not only serves as a waterfront space but also offers leisure, recreational, and wetland ecological park functions. The upper part of the park features water activities areas with camping sites, docks, and waterfront squares, while the middle section consists of buffer green zones with multi-purpose grassy fields and lawns. The lower part utilizes existing trees and plants to create a wetland ecological park. Stretching 4.02km (about 776,000㎡) between Hongjecheon Bridge and Nanjicheon Bridge in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, this newly revamped park, part of the Han River Renaissance project, boasts various amenities like the Central Connecting Bridge linking it to Noeul Park and Sky Park, the Bridge of Peace, and mixed-use pathways, enhancing accessibility and convenience for park visitors. The Mirror Fountain in front of the Bridge of Peace serves as a landmark, providing a delightful spectacle with beautiful water displays resembling a rainbow, offering a range of attractions and activities. The riverside water play area available in the summer is a nostalgic space for families to enjoy water activities by the riverbank. Moreover, with the installation of a pedestrian bridge in the ecological wetland area, visitors can observe animals living in the riverside habitat, along with nearby facilities like the Wildlife Exploration Center and Waterfront Cultural Center, making it a great natural learning playground for children. The nearby Nanji Camping Site is popular for its BBQ facilities, adding to its appeal for camping enthusiasts.
• Address (location): 162 Hangang Nanji-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Seoul Mapo-gu ‘Sunset Park’
Once a landfill site known as Nanjido Park until the 1990s, Noeul Park has been transformed into World Cup Park through environmental regeneration projects. It has been reborn as a space where citizens can enjoy leisure activities such as natural habitats, sports facilities, and walking paths. The observatory offers a picturesque view of the Han River near Gayang Bridge and Yanghwa Bridge, Olympic Highway, and the camping grounds of Nanji Hangang Park, which can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons. It’s easy to reach the observatory with the Meanggongi electric car. Approximately 57% of the total area of Noeul Park is a golf course, while the rest is dedicated to natural habitats, sports facilities, and walking paths for citizens to enjoy leisure time. The vast grassy field adorned with sculptures and a viewing deck allows visitors to relax and unwind.
• Address (location): 108-2 Haneulgongwon-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: January to February / December: 07:00~18:00 – March: 06:00~20:00 – April / September: 05:30~20:00 – May: 05:00~20:00 – June to July: 05:00~20:30 – August: 05:30~20:30 – October: 06:00~19:00 – November: 06:30~19:00
Mangwon Reservoir Sports Park
“Located in Mangwon-dong, the Mangwon Water Purification Sports Park was opened in 2004 by refurbishing a water purification facility for flood control. In 2008, additional features were added, including an inline skating track, a rubberized track for pedestrians, an international standard soccer field, and night lighting facilities. The park currently boasts 2 soccer fields, 3 futsal courts, 3 basketball courts, an inline skating practice area, a multi-purpose track, gateball courts, and 56 pieces of fitness equipment. With night lighting available, visitors can enjoy evening workouts. Moreover, there are small walking paths within the park where you can often spot locals taking leisurely strolls.”
• Address (location): 190 World Cup-ro 25-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Mangwon-dong)
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Seoul Mapo-gu ‘Sky Park’: A Guide for Foreign Tourists
“Haneul Park is located within the World Cup Park and is one of the five major parks surrounding the World Cup Stadium, along with Peace Park, Nanji Park, Nanji Hangang Park, and Noeul Park. It was created with the purpose of restoring the natural environment, operating its own facilities using renewable energy. The park features tall grass fields, mixed flower meadows, rocky gardens, sunflower fields, observation rest areas, and wind turbines. Situated closest to the sky among the World Cup Park, it showcases the transformation from barren landfill to natural beauty. In autumn, the silver grass flowers create a spectacular view, offering a glimpse of Seoul’s landscapes including Bukhansan and the Han River. Additionally, it is renowned for its beautiful sunset and night views.”
• Address (location): “95 Sky Park Road, Mapo-gu, Seoul Special City”
• Hours of use: January to February / December: 07:00-18:00 – March: 06:00-20:00 – April / September: 05:30-20:00 – May: 05:00-20:00 – June to July: 05:00-20:30 – August: 05:30-20:30 – October: 06:00-19:00 – November: 06:30-19:00
Gwangheungdang – A Cultural Landmark in Seoul
Located at the foothills of Mount Wausan in Mapo, Gwangheungdang is a traditional Hanok cultural space on the right side of the shrine of King Gongmin. It aims to awaken the importance of traditional culture by offering various programs. Gwangheungdang operates educational programs for excavating and exhibiting local historical materials in Mapo, as well as programs for youth. During the Daeboreum festival, traditional customs and activities from pre-modern times are showcased, including folk games like kite flying, stepping on the ground god, stone-jumping, and tug-of-war. On Coming-of-Age Day, a traditional coming-of-age ceremony is held, along with events like the Korean traditional music festival and performances of Mapo’s traditional music. The Gwangheungdang Shrine Festival has evolved into a celebration of unity and festivity for local residents, featuring cultural classes such as drumming, Pansori singing, and sword dancing for a fee. Gwangheungdang is conveniently located just 400m from Exit 1 of Gwangheungchang Station on Seoul Subway Line 6.
• Address (location): 15 Dokmak-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: “09:00~18:00”
My Own Phone Case Hongdae Branch
“‘My Own Phone Case Hongdae Branch’ offers a wide variety of parts for customization, allowing you to choose colors, shapes, and more based on your preferences. One of the advantages is that you can use as many parts as you want without restrictions. In addition to decorating phone cases, experiences like making popular Molrang dolls, decoden, top decoration, and pole decoration are also highly sought after. The basic experience usually takes about 1 hour, and you can create your own design according to your taste, making it a perfect place for souvenirs or gifts. Moreover, this place is where Jennie and Jisoo from V LIVE made their own phone cases, so trying to recreate their designs can be a fun experience.”
• Address (location): “3rd Floor, Big Mama Building, 21 Wausan-ro 19-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul”
• Hours of use: “12:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Last order at 7:50 PM)”
Seoul Mapo-gu ‘Real Escape Challenge’
“The ‘Real Escape Challenge’ is a thrilling escape room café filled with exciting games, fresh themes, and amazing stories. Guests must escape from the room within a limited time based on the theme. This place is popular among celebrities like Lovelyz member ‘Miju’. The themes are regularly changed, and there is an English guide service for foreigners in each room. Reservations are required, and visitors must book through Naver or the website. Before starting the game, electronic devices such as phones and smartwatches must be stored in lockers, and participants must sign a waiver before beginning. Once the game starts, there is no exiting allowed during the 60-minute gameplay unless there is a valid reason. If you escape quickly, you might even make it onto the escape room leaderboard.”
• Address (location): 4th floor, 339-5 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: “11:00 AM to 11:00 PM”
Seoul Mapo-gu, Mountain Culture Experience Center
“The ‘Mountain Culture Experience Center’ is equipped with various convenient facilities such as exhibition halls, climbing walls, adventure experience facilities, cafes, and outdoor gear shops. For a day of climbing experience, you can rent shoes that fit your foot size without having to bring your own climbing shoes, and enter the climbing wall after signing a waiver form. After listening to the instructor’s theoretical explanation, you will learn how to balance yourself while climbing on the wall. ◎ Travel Information Meeting the Charm of Hallyu – Drama In episode 4 of the drama , the character Shim Hyoung-woo was seen climbing at the Mountain Culture Experience Center, a climbing spot where you can enjoy mountain culture and sports together. It offers exhibition facilities where you can experience mountain culture, as well as indoor and outdoor sports climbing walls.”
• Address (location): “112 Haneul Gongwon-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul Special City”
• Hours of use: Weekdays 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Weekends and Holidays 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Seoul Mapo-gu, Seoul Indie Space
“Seoul Indie Space is a dedicated independent film theater showcasing a variety of non-commercial films such as independent, documentary, and experimental films to the audience. Through events like audience discussions (GV) and special screenings, it fosters communication between viewers and filmmakers, aiming to energize the independent film industry. Located in Jongno-gu, Seoul, it is a cultural space where anyone can comfortably come and enjoy independent films.”
• Address (location): “8th Floor, 176 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul Special City, South Korea (Donggyo-dong, Wise Park)
• Hours of use: “Daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM”