“This is a description of tourist attractions in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, South Korea. Gangseo-gu is known for its vibrant cultural scene, delicious street food, and beautiful riverside parks. Explore the traditional markets, visit historical sites, and enjoy the scenic beauty of this dynamic district in Seoul.”
Seoul Botanical Garden in Gangseo-gu, Seoul
“The Seoul Botanic Park was created in the last undeveloped area of Magok in Seoul to introduce the plant life and culture of 12 cities around the world and enhance the city’s ecological sensitivity. It is a combination of a botanical garden and a park, known as a ‘botanic park,’ covering an area equivalent to 70 soccer fields. In addition to its role as a plant research and conservation institution, focusing on expanding habitats for endangered wild plants and conducting research on the propagation of difficult-to-breed species and variety development, it also serves as a cornerstone for spreading urban garden culture and as a lifelong learning institution. Following the basic concepts of emptiness, connection, ecology, and sensitivity of ‘Garden City, Seoul,’ it provides a unique experience and relaxation as a hub for plant culture exchange, establishing itself as an attractive green destination. The Seoul Botanic Park is divided into four main areas: Open Forest, Lake Garden, Wetland Garden, and Theme Garden, each with its own unique characteristics, allowing visitors to experience four different colors within the botanical garden. Particularly, the exhibition greenhouse located in the Theme Garden is the only one in the world shaped like a concave dish, showcasing native plants from 12 cities in tropical and Mediterranean regions, offering a unique opportunity to experience the distinctive plant life and culture of each climatic zone.”
• Address (location): “161 Magokdong-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul Special City”
• Hours of use: Operating Hours of Tourist Attractions “[Greenhouse, Theme Gardens]
– Regular Season (March to October) 09:30~18:00 (Last admission 17:00)
– Winter Season (November to February) 09:30~17:00 (Last admission 16:00)”
Seoul Gangseo District ‘Mitas Temple (Gangseo)’
“Mita Temple is a serene and peaceful Buddhist temple nestled on the southwestern slope of Gaeohwasan Mountain in Gaehwa-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Situated at the western edge of Seoul near Gimpo Plain and Hangju Naru, Mita Temple offers a tranquil escape within the bustling city center. The temple grounds, adorned with beautifully manicured trees and charming wildflowers, exude a quaint charm. However, this place bears a somber history as a fierce battleground during the Korean War, where over 1,000 army soldiers valiantly defended Gimpo Airport and ultimately perished, leading to the temple’s tragic loss of many of its members. One of the most striking features of Mita Temple is the majestic statue of Maitreya Buddha standing tall on a large rock next to the main hall. This statue, believed to be closely tied to the temple’s founding, is steeped in numerous legends, with stories suggesting that this compassionate Buddha emerged from the earth itself.”
• Address (location): “56-33 Gaehwadong-ro 13-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul Special City (Gaehwa-dong)”
• Hours of use: “Open all day”
Seoul Gangseo District ‘Yaksa Temple’
“Gaeohwasan Yaksa Temple is a temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism located in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. In the central courtyard, there is a three-story stone pagoda designated as a Tangible Cultural Heritage of Seoul, and inside Daewoongjeon Hall, there is a stone Buddha statue also designated as a Tangible Cultural Heritage of Seoul, reflecting the history of its establishment in the late Goryeo period. According to the “Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam” completed in 1486 during the reign of King Seongjong, it is mentioned that Yaksa Temple is located on Juyongsan Mountain. According to the “Yangcheon Eupji” written in the late Joseon period, it is said that a hermit named Juryong stayed on this mountain, which was then named Juyongsan, and after Juryong left, a mysterious flower bloomed, leading people to call it Gaeohwasan. In 1737, Song Inmyeong studied at Gaeohwasan and became a high-ranking official, establishing a close connection with the temple, eventually leading to it being named Yaksa Temple during the reign of King Sunjo. According to “Gaeohwasan Yaksaam Reconstruction Record” written by Song Suk-ok in 1827, it was referred to as ‘Yaksaam’ and recorded as a place of worship for the three kingdoms. The renowned painter of the late Joseon period, Geumjae Jeongseon (1676-1759), also painted the temple and its surrounding scenery under the title of Gaeohwasan. In 1911, due to the Japanese temple decree, Yaksaam briefly became a branch temple of Bongeunsa. In 1928, Monk Wonyo repaired Yaksa Temple, followed by another restoration by Monk Seolho in 1984, and the construction of Yosachae and Beomjonggak in 1988.”
• Address (location): 261, Geumnanghwa-ro 17-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Seoul Gangseo District ‘Gangseo Han River Park’
“Located from the southern end of Han River at Yanghwa Bridge to the border of Seoul and Gimpo City, Gangseo Hangang Park is a themed park combining wetland ecological park and sports park. Selected as one of Seoul’s 30 ecological tourism attractions, Gangseo Wetland Ecological Park restores wetland ecosystems such as tidal flats and marshes, providing natural purification functions for the river. Under Banghwa Bridge, in front of Family Picnic Area, and under Hangju Bridge, the park features exercise equipment for citizens’ leisure activities and sports spaces.”
• Address (location): 279-23 Yangcheon-ro 27-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul Special City (Banghwa-dong)
• Hours of use: “Open at all times”
Seoul Gangseo District ‘Gaehwasan Patriot Park’
“Gaehwasan Homeland Park is a memorial space dedicated to honoring the fallen heroes who bravely defended the defense line while retreating during the Korean War. When disguised North Korean forces infiltrated with a large number of troops, the South Korean Army, retreating to Gimpo, designated Gaehwasan as their final defense line. Cut off from ammunition supplies and facing communication challenges, over 1,100 soldiers from the 1st Division’s 11th, 12th, and 13th regiments perished on Gaehwasan. In 1994, to commemorate the soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect Gimpo, the Homeland Park was established here with a Memorial Tower. Every June, a memorial ceremony is held to honor the fallen heroes.”
• Address (location): “56-33 Gaehwadong-ro 13-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul Special City”
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Seoul Gangseo District ‘Guam Park’ in Seoul
“Gwam Park is located in Gayang-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, which is the birthplace of Heo Jun. Behind the park, there is a museum dedicated to Heo Jun, the author of ‘Donguibogam.’ The Heo Rock in the park is a large rock big enough for twenty adult men to hide in, which was used as a shelter during turbulent times like the Imjin War and the Byeongjahoran. Moreover, the music fountain installed in Gwam Park boasts a size of 16m wide, 3m tall, and water jets reaching up to 15m high. The dancing fountain, harmonizing music and water, is a highlight attraction in the park. The music fountain shines the brightest at night. In the evening, 282 lights illuminate, transforming the fountain into a spectacular light show.”
• Address (location): 42, Heojun-ro 5-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul Special City (Gayang-dong)
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Seoul Gangseo-gu ‘Lotte Mall Gimpo Airport Branch Sky Park’
“Sky Park at Gimpo Airport is a nature-friendly cultural relaxation space connected to Gimpo Airport, open not only to airport passengers but also to all citizens. Located on the right side of the entrance to Gimpo Airport, Sky Park is a large green space divided into six themes. It consists of a traditional park, an international Sky Forest Garden, a Sunken Square, and Lake Park, with various sculptures and character statues like Pinkfong for visitors to enjoy. The traditional park features a pond and a pavilion for a relaxing break. Visitors can stroll along the walking paths and find designated play areas for children at the playground.”
• Address (location): “38 Sky City, Hangang Road, Gangseo-gu, Seoul Special City, Kimpo Airport Lotte Mall Sky City”
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Magok Square in Gangseo-gu, Seoul
“Magok Square is a multi-cultural space located in Magok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Situated between Line 9 of the subway and Magoknaru Station on the Airport Railroad, this square covers an area of approximately 12,979㎡. The square is designed with one above-ground floor and two underground floors. The above-ground area is transformed into a park, offering a relaxing space for citizens. The underground first floor houses a large plaza, shops, and convenient access to Line 9 Magoknaru Station, ensuring easy transportation. Located at the heart of the Magok area, Magok Square intersects the pedestrian axis traversing the business district and the horizontal axis where festivals take place. This positioning makes it a hub for transportation and cultural activities. Moreover, around the square, advanced facilities such as the Smart Moss Tower, Smart Mobility, and a vertical garden for reducing fine dust have been installed, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience a futuristic city environment. Magok Square is a harmonious blend of nature and cutting-edge technology within the city center, serving as Seoul’s new landmark that offers citizens various cultural experiences and relaxation opportunities.”
• Address (location): 9th floor underground, Magokjungang 5-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul Special City (Magok-dong)
Bongje San Park in Gangseo-gu, Seoul
“Bongje San Park is a park located in Hwagok-dong, Gangseo-gu. The name of the mountain comes from the view of it resembling a crane sitting on an egg when looked down from above, and the main peak is called Maebong. Originally, the park was named after the nearby Baekseok Middle School and Baekseok Elementary School, where white stones were found in the past, hence the name ‘Baekseok.’ However, in 2004, the park’s name was changed to the more familiar ‘Bongje San’ due to public opinion. The park features lush forests and well-maintained walking trails, with prominent plants such as zelkova, camellia, and pine trees. Additionally, you can find facilities like the Bongje San Rest Area, Nature Experience Learning Center, badminton court, and a spring in the park.”
• Address (location): “5-6, San, Hwagok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul Special City”
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Seoul Botanical Garden Lake Park in Gangseo-gu, Seoul
Located in Magok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, Seoul Botanical Garden is the city’s first urban botanical garden seamlessly integrated with a park. The park features walking paths and waterfront observation decks around a serene lake, providing a tranquil space for visitors to relax while enjoying views of the botanical garden. It also serves as an ecological education center where visitors can observe wetland plants and various bird species.
• Address (location): 161 Magokdong-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Seoul Gangseo District ‘Magok Safety Experience Center’
“The Magok Safety Experience Center is the first large-scale safety experience facility built with the leadership of the local district. Through 12 programs in 6 areas including traffic safety, student safety, disaster safety, and health safety, visitors can experience various disaster scenarios and learn how to respond to accidents. The Magok Safety Experience Center hopes that through disaster simulations, citizens will internalize a sense of safety in their daily lives and be prepared to handle any emergency situation.”
• Address (location): 13 Magokjungang-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul Special City (Naebalsan-dong)
• Hours of use: Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 18:00
‘Seoul Upcycling Plaza’ – A Cultural Experience Center for Recycling in Seoul
“It is a space where children can see, hear, and experience the water recycling process through play and hands-on activities. It is a place for active learning where they can understand how the water we use becomes clean on its own. Visitors can learn about the flow and treatment process of sewage, the role of sewage systems, and the importance of water and the environment through engaging educational programs. [Source: Seoul Water Reuse Experience Center]”
• Address (location): “Seoul Water Reuse Experience Center within Seonamul Recycling Center, 74 Magok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul Special City”
• Hours of use: Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-17:00 ※ Operating Times by Session: 1st Session 10:00-12:00 / 2nd Session 12:30-14:30 / 3rd Session 15:00-17:00 ※ Maintenance Time for Exhibition Viewing: 30 minutes after each session.
The Seoul Future Lab 4.0 in Gangseo-gu, Seoul
Seoul Future Lab is conveniently connected directly from Magoknaru Station, making it easy to visit by public transportation. Seoul Future Lab is a digital playground where you can experience the Fourth Industrial Revolution era in a fun and easy way based on “Fun+Technology.” You can experience the entire process for free. Seoul Future Lab is comprised of three spaces: Future Education Center, New Tech Experience Hall 1, and New Tech Experience Hall 2. At the Future Education Center, you can start by attending an introduction to the Fourth Industrial Revolution at the Future Hall, then move to the themed experience halls that you reserved. In the Future Education Center, there are different zones like the Metaverse Experience Zone, which includes XR Experience Zone for exploring virtual future job worlds, Metaverse Creator Experience Zone for creating virtual spaces, and MR HoloLens Experience Zone. New Tech Experience Hall 1 offers robotics and autonomous driving experiences. You can design robot movements, play basketball and soccer with robots, learn about drone operation principles through a drone simulator, and even fly a real drone. In the autonomous driving corner, children can enhance their understanding of autonomous driving by programming computers for reinforced learning, playing racing games, and operating RC cars using hand tracking technology. They also learn about the working principles of delivery robots. In New Tech Experience Hall 2, you can solve various missions with AI robots and enjoy a game-like escape room experience. Each program is divided into lower grades (1st to 3rd graders) and upper grades (4th to 6th graders). Therefore, you need to make a reservation for the specific grade’s date, and on-site registration is possible if there are available spots. General adults and preschool children can apply for the Rounding Program.
• Address (location): B1, 9 Maebongsan-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Hours of use: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Seoul Gangseo District ‘Gangseo History and Culture Street’
“Gangseo History and Culture Street is located in the Gayang-dong area, where various historical and cultural landmarks are scattered. It has transformed the once neglected landscape of Gayang-dong into a vibrant street full of history and culture. The area around Gungsan in Gayang-dong is rich in historical and cultural heritage, as it used to be the administrative center where the Yangcheonhyeon governorate was located during the Joseon Dynasty. As you exit from Exit 1 of Yangcheon Hyanggyo Station on Line 9 and head towards Yangcheon-ro 47-gil leading to Magok District, you will come across a symbolic sculpture that signifies [Gangseo History and Culture Street]. This sculpture serves as a guidepost in the form of a column, providing information about the historical sites and their locations for easy navigation. The street connects various attractions such as Gyumjae Jungseon Art Museum, Gungsan Caves, Soakru Pavilion, Yangcheon Fortress Site, and Yangcheon Hyanggyo, offering a leisurely one-hour walking course. As the sun sets, the street transforms with beautiful lighting illuminating the sculptures, creating a picturesque scene different from the daytime ambiance.”
• Address (location): The address of the travel destination “291 Yangcheon-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul Special City (Magok-dong)” could be easily understood by foreign tourists.
Seoul Gangseo District ‘Patriots and Martyrs Memorial Tower’
Located just a 15-minute walk from Gaehwa Station on Seoul Subway Line 9, the Memorial Altar for the Patriotic Martyrs stands in the beautiful surroundings of Gaehwasan Peace Park. In June 1950, as our nation faced a crisis due to North Korea’s invasion, around 1,100 soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division’s 11th, 12th, and 15th Regiments bravely defended Gaehwasan against overwhelming enemy forces. Despite being cut off from supplies and communication, they fought valiantly, but tragically, they faced defeat in the face of the enemy’s superior numbers and firepower. In honor of these brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, the Memorial Altar was erected on Gaehwasan in 1994. The 4.7m tall altar features a pedestal adorned with two hands and lotus flowers, with the names of the fallen soldiers on the left, and the names of veterans, merit recipients, and survivors on the right. Every year on June 28th, a memorial service is held here to honor their sacrifice.
• Address (location): “56-33 Gaehwadong-ro 13-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul Special City (Gaehwa-dong)”
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”