Travel
Seoul launches overnight Han River Camping
haps Magazine Korea
July 26, 2026
(Photo by Seoul Metropolitan Government/courtesy of haps Magazine Korea)
Seoul will transform the Han River into a 24-hour leisure destination this August with the launch of its first major night economy project, featuring overnight camping, late-night events, food delivery, and expanded safety measures.
Temporary campgrounds accommodating up to 200 tents per night will operate at Yeouido and Ttukseom Han River Parks throughout August.
The campsites will be open daily from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m., with reservations required and campsite admission free during the pilot program.
The initiative is designed to encourage visitors to spend more time along the river by combining transportation, cycling, swimming, performances, outdoor movies, festivals, and camping into a single experience.
Nighttime DJ events at Han River swimming pools will be expanded through the end of August, while the annual Han River Summer Festival will feature programs including silent DJ parties, overnight walking events, and riverside movie screenings.
To support nearby businesses, the city will offer discounts of up to 8,000 won on food deliveries to designated Han River pickup zones and promote 21 nearby traditional markets and neighborhood shopping districts.
Additional CCTV cameras, improved lighting, 24-hour patrols, on-site staff, and enhanced maintenance services will be introduced to improve visitor safety. Seoul said it will evaluate the pilot program’s impact on tourism, visitor spending, and the local economy before considering expanding overnight camping in future years.
Yeouido Han River Park
Han River Night Walk 42K – Non-competitive overnight walking event (approx. 8,000 participants), August 1, 4 p.m. – August 2, 8 a.m. Participants will depart from Yeouido in staggered groups, passing Banpo, Jamwon, Jamsil, Gwangnaru, Ttukseom, Ichon, Mangwon, and Yanghwa before returning.
Silent DJ Party – Wireless headset dance party beneath Mapo Bridge, August 1, 8, and 15, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Silent Yoga – Headset-guided yoga session, August 16, 6–8 p.m.
BigBang 20th Anniversary Listening Party – Pre-release album listening event at Mulbit Stage, August 19, 8–9 p.m.
Hi Seoul Cruise Fireworks Cruise – Evening cruises with fireworks departing August 1, 7, and 15 at 7:30 p.m.
3rd Han River Seoul Half Marathon – August 30, 9 a.m. – noon.
Busking Performances – Live street performances beneath Wonhyo, Mapo, and Seogang bridges throughout August (37 performances).
Ttukseom Han River Park
Under-the-Bridge Cinema – Free outdoor movie screenings beneath Cheongdam Bridge, August 8 and 15, 8–10 p.m.
Blue Wave Challenge – Paddleboard marathon (3 km and 6 km), August 8, 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Han River Paddle Sports – Paddleboard and kayak experiences at the Seoul Windsurfing Center, August 1–16, with sessions at 10 a.m., 4 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.
3rd Seoul Sculpture Festival – Outdoor sculpture exhibition and public art programs, August 29 – September 4.
Busking Performances – Daily performances in the Rose Garden and beneath the north side of Cheongdam Bridge throughout August (29 performances).
Mangwon Han River Park
Seoul Battleship Water Picnic – Water bounce attractions and water gun activities at Seoul Battleship Park, August 1, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Han River 2 Days, 1 Night – Overnight outdoor movie marathon with food, games, and relaxation at Seoul Battleship Park, August 8, 8 p.m. – August 9, 5 a.m.
Banpo Han River Park
Golden Blue Marina Yacht & Kayak Festival – Ongoing yacht and kayak experiences at Sebitseom. Yacht rides operate 2–10 p.m., while kayaks are available 2–7:30 p.m.
Healing Yacht Experience – Wellness-themed yacht cruises departing daily from The River, 5–6 p.m. and 6–7 p.m.
Tubester Han River Experience – Circular floating boat rides at Sebitseom, operating 3–11 p.m. on weekdays and 1–11 p.m. on weekends.
Nighttime DJ events at Han River swimming pools will also be expanded through the end of August, while food delivery discounts of up to 8,000 won will be offered at designated delivery zones. The city will also promote 21 nearby traditional markets and neighborhood shopping districts to encourage visitors to explore local businesses.
Additional CCTV cameras, improved lighting, 24-hour patrols, and on-site staff will be deployed to enhance safety. Seoul plans to evaluate the pilot program’s impact on tourism and the local economy before considering expanding overnight camping and other nighttime attractions in future years.