Riverside Relaxation

The article courtesy of Seoul magazine

Quite possibly Seoul’s defining topological feature, the Hangang River not only bisects the city geographically but also serves as the social dividing line between the ber-posh districts south of the river and the grittier, more historic districts north of it. Its park spaces, walking and bicycle paths, leisure facilities and scenic cafés also make it an excellent place to relax and unwind, an oasis of calm in the very heart of the city. SEOUL shares with you some of our favorite things to see, do and eat alongside, on and above the mighty river.

Enjoy an evening at Banpo Hangang Park

The best night views along the river – and certainly the most accessible – can be enjoyed from Banpo Hangang Park, which runs along the southern side of the river from Hannam Bridge to Dongjak Bridge, with the titular Banpo Bridge in the middle. Here you’ll find the iconic Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, a popular attraction, especially at night, when the span’s 380 water jets open up in a beautifully choreographed display of water, light and music.

Just next to the bridge is Some Sevit, aka “The Floating Islands,” three circular artificial islands that house cafés, eateries (including a popular buffet restaurant), shops and convention facilities.

Take a helicopter tour of the river

Enjoy the beauty of the Hangang River from above … way above. Small-scale Korean airline Blue Air offers thrilling helicopter tours of the city that offer truly jaw-dropping vistas over the river as well as many of Seoul’s other major landmarks. The trips are not especially long, with the lengthiest option lasting just 20 minutes, nor are they especially cheap, but if killer views are what you’re after, you’ll find none better than the ones on offer here.

Surfing, sailing, skating, biking and camping

The Hangang River is also a great place to connect with nature. Best of all, you’ve got a lot of options that allow you to do just that.

Though perhaps not visible to the average Seoul resident, the refreshing winds of the Hangang River make it an excellent place to windsurf. In fact, on any given summer weekend, you’ll find hundreds of windsurfers on the river. The waterfront between Gangbyeon Station (Line 2) and Hangang Park is lined by windsurfing clubs. Zooty Club (T. 010-6351-9768), located near Exit 2 of Ttukseom Resort Station (Line 7), offers English-language lessons as well as wakeboard and water ski rentals. A four-day windsurfing package will set you back KRW 200,000.

If you’re looking for something a bit bigger than a wakeboard, Yeouido’s Seoul Marina (T. 02-3780-8400), a short walk from Exit 1 or 5 of National Assembly Station (Line 9), rents out sailboats and powerboats to those qualified to pilot them. It also offers sailing lessons, too. The granddaddy of Seoul’s yachting community is the 700 Yacht Club (T. 010-8192-982, 700yachtclub.com), which rents out boats from small dinghies to large catamarans. Call them up or maybe pop by their clubhouse in Nanji Hangang Park for more information.

Much more luxurious are the Hangang River cruises (www.elandcruise.com) that depart from docks at Yeouido and Jamsil. Depending on which course you choose, the cruise may include a buffet dinner or live music. The views of the city, especially at night, are worth the price of admission, which, incidentally, is roughly KRW 12,000 for a 30-minute cruise.

Landlubbers needn’t feel dejected – there are plenty of terrestrial activities along the river, too. The entire length of the waterway is lined by walking, rollerblading and bicycle trails. You’ll find automated bike rental shops at several spots along the river, including one in front of Yongsan District Office (a short walk from Noksapyeong Station, Line 6). Bike rentals are free for the first three hours, and KRW 1,000 for each additional hour. Several spots along the river are especially recommended, including the ecological wetlands in the Amsa and Gangseo districts of Hangang Park and Seoul Forest near Ttukseom Station.

Finally, if sitting back with a cold beer and slab of your favorite barbecued meat is more your idea of a perfect weekend, try the public camp ground at Nanji Hangang Park (T. 02-304-0061). You can pitch your own tent there for KRW 15,000 a night, or rent a four-person or six-person tent for KRW 33,000 or KRW 44,000, respectively.

Free lessons on Korean culture with Korean Culture to the World

The nonprofit organization Korean Culture to the World provides free classes on Korean arts and culture. Sponsored by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the classes provide the depth and subtlety long-term residents crave, but are fun enough for new visitors as well. In July, there are classes on making traditional Korean food (July 20), Korean tea ceremonies and meditation (July 16), dyeing Korean traditional paper and Korean book-binding (July 14), Korean folk painting (July 21) and understanding Korean hanok architecture (July 18).

More info

Banpo Hangang Park

• www.visitseoul.net, www.somesevit.com
• Enjoy views of the sun setting over the river
  and skyscrapers of Yeouido from the café on the south end of Dongjak Bridge.
• Chavit Cuisine (T. 02-3477-3100), located on
  the second floor of Some Sevit’s second largest island, is a high-end buffet offering a selection of 160 mouthwatering dishes that are prepared right in front of you. The views of the river add to the dining experience. If you’re in the mood for a simple beverage, you can enjoy a cup of java while taking in real-time broadcasts of CNN at the appropriately named CNN Café on the first floor of the largest island.
• Take Bus Nos. 4-5 or 740 and get off at Banpo
  Hangang Park.

Blue Air offers thrilling helicopter tours

• T. 02-1899-2679, www.blueairlines.co.kr.
  The 20-minute ‘Special Course’ to Yeouido costs KRW 540,000 (two persons) or KRW 690,000 (three people).
• You’ll find plenty of dining options at nearby
  Lotte World and Lotte Mall.
• Tours depart from the helipad in Jamsil
  Hangang Park, which is a 10-minute walk from Exit 6 or 7 of Sports Complex Station (Line 2).

Seoul Metropolitan Government

• To save a spot in the free class, send an
  application with you name, age,
  gender, job and telephone number to kctw2558@gmail.com. Contact them
  at T. 02-722-0204 or www.kctw.org.

The article courtesy of Seoul magazine

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