Gwanghwamun Plaza in Seoul transforms into free summer water park

An illustration of people enjoying the water park.

(Illustration by Seoul Metropolitan Government/courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)

Gwanghwamun Plaza will become a free summer playground from July 20 to August 9, featuring water attractions, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities as part of the 2026 Seoul Summer Beach festival.

Visitors can enjoy an 8-meter-tall water slide, large swimming pools, splash fountains, a sand playground, and food trucks in the heart of the city.

The event also includes free changing rooms, drying facilities, shaded rest areas, and three fountain zones that operate throughout the day.

Evening visitors can enjoy free cultural performances from July 31 to August 2, including magic shows, live music, and instrumental performances.

The festival will also feature interactive events at Gwanghwamun Plaza’s Garden of Gratitude, where visitors can participate in bingo missions and other activities for a chance to win prizes.

Open daily from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., the event is free to attend and aims to provide a convenient summer getaway without leaving the city.

USAG Yongsan