Best picnic spots in Seoul
From eating finger foods to reading under the sun, how special can a picnic experience truly be? Our list of picnic spots in Seoul will show you that the experience in Korea is like no other – you know it hits different when you can rent a full picnic set that includes artificial flowers and a heart-shaped mirror.
Table of Contents
1. Yeouido Hangang Park
Image credit: @neer_and__deer
Yeouido Hangang Park, also known as Yeouido Han River, is the most popular picnic spot in Korea.
It’s also a hot spot during the cherry blossom season as visitors get to admire rows of cherry blossoms.
Image credit: @anheezzang
Apart from the spacious green field facing the Han River, there’s a beautiful cycling trail you must check out to enjoy the full Hangang Park experience.
There are bicycle rental shops on both sides of Yeouinaru Station, which is the nearest train station to Hangang Park.
Fret not as the rental fees won’t burn a hole in your wallet. They are affordably priced at KRW3,000 (~USD2.39) for the first hour, and KRW5,000 (~USD3.98) for two hours.
If you’re planning to cycle with a friend or significant other, you can consider renting a couple’s bicycle. It costs KRW6,000 (~USD4.78) for an hour, and KRW10,000 (~USD7.96) for two hours.
Pro tip: remember to bring an identity card along with you!
Take note that additional costs will be incurred if you exceed the time limit.
2. Yanghwa Hangang Park
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Yanghwa Hangang Park is the epitome of peace and tranquillity with a wide open field and clear blue river.
May is the best time of the year to visit this place as roses begin to bloom throughout the park.
Image credit: @yumi.co.kr
If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, it’s your sign to head down to Yanghwa Hangang Park and take a breather.
Image credit: @jeongsgi
Bring along a picnic mat, iced coffee, and finger foods – you’re all set for the picnic experience!
For more active and energetic folks out there, you can make use of the athletic facilities for sports such as football and basketball.
Image credit: @__hyuniiii0
This picnic spot is so beautiful that it looks like it jumped straight out of a painting.
Given the serene atmosphere, it’s the perfect space to have heartfelt conversations with your significant other and friends.
Pro-tip: you can borrow a pram or wheelchair at the information centre.
3. Seoul Forest
Image credit: @do.onng
Seoul Forest is another hot spot among youths in Korea.
This park is unique as it comprises four parts – Culture and Art Park, Educational Experience Park, Eco-forest Park, and Riverside Park along Hangang River.
If the idea of eating and chatting by the river bores you, don’t worry. There are several places that will capture your attention, such as the butterfly garden and an insect garden.
Image credit: @lwlub_
Fun fact: in the past, Seoul Forest was used for horse racing as the space served as a royal hunting ground for kings.
There are plenty of cafes around Seoul Forest, which makes it convenient for those who plan on getting take out food and drinks to complete their picnic set.
Image credit: @1004_k__
The park is only a 5-minute walk from Seoul Forest station Exit 3.
Like many picnic spots, there’s a bicycle rental shop at Seoul Forest. You can make your way to Entrance 5 to rent a bicycle.
The minimum rental time is an hour, and it costs KRW4,000 (~USD3.19).
Here’s a trick: simply pay RW10,000 (~USD7.96) to rent a bicycle for an entire day. This way, you don’t have to pay additional charges if you lose track of time and end up riding for a few hours!
4. Banpo Hangang Park
Image adapted from: @ma1rang0.0 and @ma1rang0.0
If you ever pay a visit to Banpo Hangang Park, you mustn’t miss the Banpo Bridge Moonlight Fountain Show.
Take note that the show only begins at night. Each show is about 20 minutes long.
Here’s the Banpo Bridge Moonlight Fountain Show schedule:
April-June & September-October:
Weekdays: 8PM, 8.30PM, 9PM
Weekends: 7.30PM, 8PM, 8.30PM, 9PM
July-August:
Weekdays: 7.30PM, 8PM, 8.30PM, 9PM
Weekends: 7.30PM, 8PM, 8.30PM, 9PM, 9.30PM
Image credit: @926._min
Fun fact: the Banpo Bridge Moonlight Fountain was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s longest bridge fountain!
The fountain is made of approximately 400 rainbow-coloured jets that span a total of 1.14km.
Image credit: @hjhj_star
Who says picnics should only take place when the sun is out? There’s something therapeutic about having a picnic at night with mood lighting.
If you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Seoul landscape, Banpo Hangang Park is where you need to be ASAP. By the way, the best time to visit is April, June, September, and October.
5. Olympic Park
Image credit: @jjiwoo__
Did you know that the Olympic Park was built to host the 1988 Summer Olympics?
Although it was actively utilised as a sports arena, it is now better known as a place of relaxation.
The park is enormous, so much so that it would take hours to explore the entire space.
Besides the picnic spot, there are several places you can visit, including the Cultural Art Park, Environmental Eco-Park, Leisure Sports Park, and History Experience Park.
Image credit: @_luv.lian
Olympic Park is also a flower paradise. In April, the park brims with cherry blossoms, while red poppies bloom from May to June.
And as summer goes and autumn comes, you’d be greeted by yellow cosmos everywhere!
Image adapted from: @_luv.lian and @evelinbysuzy
There’s even a fast food restaurant and convenience store at Olympic Park, which means you don’t have to prepare food in advance for your picnic.
Make sure you check out the one-tree hill when you visit Olympic Park. It’s famously known as the “lonely tree” as there’s literally only one tree on that hill, and it’s one of the most iconic spots for photos.
6. Nodeul Island
Image credit: @arago__o
Nodeul Island may ring a bell if you’ve watched the popular Korean drama Start-Up, starring Nam Joo-hyuk and Suzy.
The business incubator Sandbox located on Nodeul Island made an appearance in the drama.
Image credit: @u_bokyung
This mini island is located in the vicinity of Seoul’s financial hub, but you can enjoy a serene atmosphere nonetheless.
There are several amenities on Nodeul Island, such as convenience stores, a book cafe, camping rental shop, and even a stage for singers and dancers.
Image credit: @nijeeh__
Fun fact: Nodeul Island used to be a farm, but it was redesigned to interweave culture and nature. The newly designed space opened its doors to the public in 2019.
Image credit: @becoming.locals
Nodeul Island offers the best sunset view – the sight of Hangang bridge silhouetted against the setting sun is something to write home about.
7. Ttukseom Hangang Park
Image credit: @s_zeung
Ttukseom Hangang Park is another ideal place in Seoul for a picnic party.
This place is known for pedal duck boat rides. Make your way to Exit 2 of the Ttukseom train station and you’ll find the rental shop.
For a 30-minute pedal duck boat ride, it’ll cost KRW18,000 (~USD14.52). The motor duck boat costs KRW25,000 (~USD20.16) for a 30-minute session.
Take note that a maximum of three persons can ride a boat at a time.
Image adapted from: @heerockbubu and @immmrecordyoon
You know what they say – Hangang ramyun is the best ramyun.
All you have to do is choose a ramyun brand at a convenience store and cook it with the amazing ramyun-boiling machine.
After you place the ramyun on the machine, press the start button and wait for it to cook.
If you want to take your ramyun experience to the next level, purchase additional ingredients such as sausage and cheese strings as toppings for your noodles.
Image credit: @dan_silver_122
Ttukseom Hangang Park’s biggest flex is how spacious the place is. This means that you’d never have to fight for space!
You can easily spot groups of people playing games while having a picnic here. It’s popular among university students carrying out their orientation activities and bonding sessions.
Image credit: @heoming_h
Besides riding a duck boat, you can also rent a bicycle for KRW3,000 (~USD2.17) per hour.
The rental shop is located near Exit 2 of the train station.
8. Seonyudo Park
Image credit: @uu_dinee
Known as a hidden gem in Seoul, Seonyudo Park is a tranquil spot hidden away from the chaotic city.
Seonyudo Park was initially used as a sewage treatment plant. When the Hangang Renaissance Project was implemented, it was redesigned to function as Korea’s first recycling park.
Image credit: @luv.elllie
There are several instances of reforming spaces in Korea, such as the Bucheon Art Bunker. It used to be an incineration plant, but is known as an arts and cultural space today.
Image credit: @uu_dinee
Several popular Korean dramas, including Boys Over Flowers, Princess Hours, and IRIS were actually filmed here!
If you have time, check out the Seoul Design Gallery and botanical garden located in Seonyudo Park.
Image credit: @sjb_pic_
While this space is beautiful all year round, it’s particularly breathtaking during spring.
In fact, it’s a hidden spot for cherry blossom viewing – you don’t have to squeeze yourself into a crowd of visitors here.
9. Yongsan Family Park
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Yongsan Family Park is another popular Korean drama filming location. Playful Kiss and Something In The Rain were filmed here.
Besides, it’s also a kid-friendly space where all children are cordially invited to run and play.
This may not seem like a big deal in some countries, but considering the presence of several no kids zones in Korea, it’s a huge perk for families.
Image credit: @kwonji_wony
Instead of the regular picnic basket and sandwich meals, why not create your very own charcuterie board by taking inspiration from Pinterest for maximum bougie points?
Pair your charcuterie board with a fine glass of wine and your picnic experience will instantly be levelled up.
Image credit: @sw._.1o_26
There’s actually history behind Yongsan Family Park – when Japan invaded Korea during the Imjin War, the surrounding area was used as a military base.
It was also used by the US military as a golf course in the past.
Thankfully, the park is used for more peaceful purposes today.
10. Mangwon Hangang Park
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Did you know that Episode 10 of Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo was filmed at Mangwon Hangang Park?
Besides playing sports and riding a bicycle, you can also enjoy activities such water skiing and windsurfing here.
Image credit: @happy_bongsigi
It’s also a place where all furry friends get to run around and mingle with one another. Who knows, you may even befriend fellow pet owners!
Image credit: @bubucoffee_
If you’re all about the aesthetic, you can rent a full picnic set without having to go through the hassle of planning finger foods and choosing the colour of your picnic mat.
There are several businesses that provide picnic services. One such business is Picnic 109 – look up @picnic109 on Instagram to check out the different types of picnic sets that they provide!
Picnic spots in Seoul that are magical
If you love being outdoors, why not plan a unique picnic experience during your stay in Seoul? After all, it’s the perfect activity for romantic dates, group outings, and quality family time.
Also check out:
- 10 Korean drama filming locations to visit
- 11 cherry blossom cafes with stunning views
- 6 best cities in South Korea to visit besides Seoul & Busan
- 8 theme parks in Korea that are not Lotte World & Everland
- 8 Korean coffee shops from brands that are not Starbucks
Cover image adapted from (clockwise from left): @do.onng, @__hyuniiii0 and @happy_bongsigi