Travel
Giant floating ‘Haechi’ playground coming to Seoul’s Han River Festival
haps Magazine Korea
May 14, 2026
Han River Festival (Photo by Seoul Metropolitan Government/haps Magazine Korea)
Seoul’s annual “Hangang Easy Triathlon Festival” will return to Ttukseom Hangang Park from June 5 to 7, featuring large-scale water activities, cultural programs, and interactive events designed for visitors of all ages.
Now in its third year, the festival focuses on participation and leisure rather than competition, encouraging residents and tourists to enjoy sports and outdoor activities at their own pace along the Han River.
Online reservations for many of the festival’s hands-on programs will open on May 14 at 2 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.
One of this year’s main attractions is “Haechi Island,” a giant floating water playground featuring inflatable obstacle courses, trampolines, rolling logs, and balance challenges set directly on the Han River. Organizers said the expanded attraction will include live MC-hosted events and interactive games throughout the festival.
The event will also introduce a range of K-culture themed programs, including “Haechi-Mac,” a riverside 치맥 experience pairing fried chicken with non-alcoholic beer and live performances. Singers Kassy and Gyeongseo Yeji are scheduled to perform during the evening program on June 6.
Visitors will also be able to participate in a Han River ramen-making experience, scavenger-style “Haechi” missions around the park, and traditional Korean cultural activities connected to the upcoming Dano holiday.
Sports experiences will include climbing, ssireum wrestling, basketball, badminton, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and other recreational activities led by professional instructors and athletes.
The festival will also host several inclusive sporting events, including a children’s “Iron Rookie” triathlon, a foreigner swimming competition across the Han River, and a swimming event for participants with disabilities.
Seoul officials said the festival is designed as an inclusive event where residents, tourists, children, foreigners, and people with disabilities can all participate together while enjoying the Han River’s outdoor attractions.
Interest in the event has already been strong, with all 30,000 participant slots for the main triathlon programs selling out within two weeks of opening. Additional registration for canceled spots is scheduled to begin on May 18 at 2 p.m.