The Han River flows through the center of Seoul and is the most significant river in South Korea. Since the river literally splits Seoul in two, there are 32 bridges which allow for easy commutes back and forth. The banks of the river are also home to an impressive 11 parks so locals can enjoy the landscape and leisure activities near the water.

Yeouido Hangan (Han River) Park is just outside of the Yeounaru Station on Line 5 and stands out as the liveliest among the 11 parks. Here you can enjoy numerous entertaining activities like peaceful picnics, duck boat rides or a refreshing pedal on rental bikes. Spending time by river is a trendy activity in Korea because it provides a taste of the outdoors without leaving the big city.

Check out the top activities to enjoy at Yeouido Han River Park!

1. Enjoy a picnic at the picnic mecca

At Yeouido Hangang Park, anywhere you sit is a perfect picnic spot, whether or not you prepared your basket and blanket ahead. You’ll see many groups of Korean couples or friend groups sitting on picnic mats drinking beer on the grassy lawn or on the large stones near the water.

There are plenty of food vendors and convenience stores at the park or nearby, so you won’t go hungry if you’re having an impromptu picnic. Grab fried chicken, desserts, drinks and more from the street vendors or you can even order food to delivery zones near your picnic area from local restaurants. Check out the delivery zones to find restaurant phone numbers.

Rental picnic items are available at the park from street vendors, convenience stores and rental shops. Renting a picnic mat costs around 3,000 – 5,000 won. Rental shops also offer picnic sets including tents, tables chairs and more starting for about 25,000 – 30,000 won for the day. Tents are allowed between 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Sept.-May) and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Jun.-Aug.) in designated areas, and tent doors must remain open at all times.

• Delivery zone

• Naver Map

• Haru tent (Picnic item rental shop): Yeouinaru Station Exit 1, Naver Map

2. Try an instant ramyeon

At the park, don’t miss grabbing some ramyeon instant noodles, a beloved Korean soul food which is easy to cook and delightful to eat. Ramyeon is a camping favorite and because the river gives the camping vibe, having the food is a must for many visitors.

Any of the convenience stores in the area will have a good variety of instant noodles and ramyeon cookers to use. Usually, a package is around 1,000-2,000 won, but if you plan to cook it there, the total charge will be around 4,000 won.

After you pick out your ramyeon, don’t forget to grab extra ingredients like boiled eggs or cheese slices if you want to customize the flavor. After your purchase, the staff will tell you where the cooker is. Follow the instructions on the machine (usually in both Korean and English), and in about three minutes you’ll have a camping meal ready to eat. You might also be able to add a raw egg, but you need to ask the staff.

3. Ride Seoul Bike to explore the park

Seoul Bike, a public bike rental service managed by Seoul City, is available throughout the city and also at the park. Riding along the Han River is a popular route, offering a safe and enjoyable experience with beautiful scenery. The park is vast, but a bike makes it easy to explore. Bike rental stations are available 24 hours throughout the year and the rental prices are between 1,000 - 5,000 won. Even if you don’t speak Korean or have a Korean credit card, it’s very simple to use this service. Just download the “Seoul Bike (Ddareungi)” app.

Seoul bike info: Korea Tip of the Day

4. View Han River at E-Land Cruise

A great way to enjoy the Han River view is by taking an E-Land Cruise on a river boat. This trip allows you to explore the river from Yeouido, passing other Han River areas like Nodeul Island, Han River Railway Bridge and Dongjak Bridge. You can see Seoul’s iconic landmarks, including the National Assembly Building, 63 Building and N Seoul Tower during the trip. The cruise offers a panoramic view and includes live performances of famous movie soundtracks.

Every angle of Han River on the cruise is spectacular as it’s crossing the most vibrant city of South Korea. The night tour is especially romantic, and the view is even more fantastic as the lights from the tall buildings reflect on the river.

You can either book tickets online or purchase on-site up to 30 minutes before boarding time. If booking online, make sure to get your ticket at the ticket booth. Also inform the staff if you need a free parking voucher. Ticket prices vary depending on the schedule, package, and trip duration. The standard trip is a 40-minute tour for about 20,000 won. Make sure to bring your ID.

• Address: 8-minute walk toward 63 building Yeouinaru Station, Exit 3 (Yeouido E-Cruise), Naver Map

• Hours: 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Tue.-Sun.) / 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Mon.)

• Parking: Free parking available with a voucher (Yeouido Hangang Park 1 Parking Lot), Naver Map

• Booking

• Contact: 02-6291-6900 (everyday)

5. Dine out at Ashley Queens

Ashley Queens is a Western-style buffet franchise restaurant offering a variety of cuisines, including Korean and American dishes and an ample dessert selection. They have restaurants all over Korea, but the branch at the E-Land Cruise station especially stands out for its premium quality and a stunning river view.

Many visitors plan their evening to include both E-Land Cruise tour and dinner at Ashley Queens, especially for special occasions like birthday parties or romantic dates.

• Address: Toward 63 Building, Yeouinaru Station, Exit 3 (Ashley Queens Yeouido Hangang Park Branch), Naver Map

• Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

• Prices: Lunch: 19,900 won / Dinner: 25,900 won / Weekends & holidays: 29,900 won

6. Explore the river by an adorable duck boat

If you want a fun adventure close to the water, hop on a duck boat for an exciting way to explore the Han River. Choose between an automatic or pedal boat depending on your preference. Keep in mind that a pedal boat is similar to riding a bicycle, so it requires some exertion. It is 5,000 won cheaper and can be faster than an automatic boat, so choose wisely!

Check out iconic landmarks along the river, including the 63 Building, N Seoul Tower, and Wonhyo Bridge, while you enjoy a relaxing ride (or exhausting pedal) on the boat. Sunset is a perfect time to get on the water to enjoy the incredible views.

The boats are four-seaters, so 2 adults and 2 children, or up to 3 adults can enjoy themselves together. The time limit is 30 minutes, and no prior reservation is needed.

There is a convenience store and fried chicken restaurant in front of the duck boat station with parasol tables overlooking the Han River, making it a popular spot to enjoy food and drink.

• Address: 10-minute walk toward 63 Building from Yeouinaru Station, Exit 3 (Yeouido Duck Boat), Naver Map

• Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Open every day but it can vary depending on the weather)

• Parking: Yeouido Hangang Park 1 Parking Lot

• Prices: Automatic duck boat 30,000 won / Pedal duck boat 25,000 won / Motorboat 50,000 won

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