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The Best Picnic spots in Seoul

Even with Seoul鈥檚 large population,  there are some wonderful natural areas around the city that allow you to connect with nature.

The Unesco World Heritage city wall surrounds much of central Seoul and allows visitors to access excellent views whilst exploring the mountains.

Seoul and cities in the metropolitan area are dotted with pretty parks, perfect for spending a day out.

In addition, each park has its own unique atmosphere and attractions making every trip a new experience.

When spring arrives carrying with it the sun and cool breezes! It is time to dust that basket and have a picnic.

A picnic in the park wouldn鈥檛 be complete without lunch and something to sit on!

Usually, there are not many restaurants or convenience stores around parks so it is a good idea to prepare something to eat in advance.

Are you in Seoul? Visit these parks for the best picnic spots.

1.  Seoul Forest

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This is a great attraction for visitors to walk, bike, or hike deep into the forest. In addition to being the ideal outdoor area to relax in Seoul, it also has an eco-park to educate young children about plants, insects, and mangroves.

There are about 40-star deer, 10 elk, 30 squirrels, and 8 fallow deer living in this ecological forest.

There are also lovebirds, mallards, and waterfowl living in the pond. The best way to observe these wild animals is on the footbridge over the pond and use binoculars to get a better view.

The pedestrian bridge above the pond is the most suitable place to see the whole ecological forest in sight. 

This is an ideal place for family picnics and also a popular place for photographers to take the best natural shots

Getting There: One can easily get there by subway (Seoul Forest Station 鈥� Exit 3, Bundang Line or Ttukseom Station 鈥� Exit 8, Line 2).

2.  Yeouido Hangang Park

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The Hangang River runs through the heart of Seoul and serves as a resting place and perfect weekend outing location for the local citizens.

There are 11 public parks spread out along the banks of river Hangang, but the most popular among tourists and locals alike is Yeouido Hangang Park.

Visit in April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom the view is breathtaking.

The park鈥檚 most charming feature may be that it is easily accessible by both subway and bus.

There are various events and fun activities happening throughout the year.

Enjoy the skyline of Seoul from the large grassy field, or rent a bicycle and follow the paths along the river.

Getting There: Take Seoul Subway Line 5, Exit 3, from the Yeouinaru Station and Walk approximately 1 min to the park.

3. Yongsan Family Park

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The park is a slice of Spain in the heart of Seoul.

The 243 hectares park is a former military base occupied by Japan and the US.

Therefore, this park is not only a green space with wonderful natural scenery, but it also contains cultural and historical values 鈥嬧�媐or you to learn and improve your knowledge about Korea. 

In the park, there is a lake, man-made hills, mounds, streams, ponds, and lotus tubs. A day in the park feels like a trip to the peaceful countryside.

Spread a blanket and sit down for a picnic and watch your city life stress melt away.

Getting There: You can take Seoul Subway Line 1 or 4 to Ichon Station, take Exit 2 or take Seoul Subway Line 1 to Seobinggo Station, take Exit 1, and then walk 10 minutes to get to the park.

4. Seonyudo Park

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Before opening as a park in 2002, Seonyudo was the site of a water purification plant.

Seonyudo Park is a tiny island located west of Yeouido, in the middle of Yanghwa Bridge.

It is popular with photographers, as its observatory boasts spectacular night views of Seoul, including Namsan, Gwanaksan, Bukhansan, Cheonggyesan, the National Assembly building and the World Cup Stadium.

Aspects of its past life remain, with the water treatment facilities transformed into architectural and landscaping features.

The park won the Asia-Pacific Landscape Architecture award in 2004 for its aesthetic marriage of concrete structures and vegetation.

The park is divided into gardens according to many different themes such as the Garden of Time, the Garden of Green Pillars, the greenhouse, etc. 

It is also Korea鈥檚 first environmental regeneration ecological park. A leisurely walk around the park takes about an hour. The park is closed between midnight and 6 a.m.

Getting There:  take Seoul Subway Line 9, get off at Seonyudo Station, and take Exit 4. Walk for about 20 minutes to get to the park.

5. Noeul Park

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The park site was originally a landfill, along with Haneul Park, but was turned into a beautiful attraction in time for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan.

A must-visit destination in Seoul the park is the vast fields of flowers and low green lawns that are super suitable for camping and going for a picnic.

Previously, this area was a landfill. After that, the area was planned to be the venue for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea – Japan.

Walking along the trails at this park in the heart of Seoul, you can freely take pictures with sculptures and flower fields.

If you have the opportunity, you should definitely visit this place around 4 or 5 pm to see the brilliant red sky of the setting sun.

Another big draw of the park is the large grassy fields and camping sites also great for picnics.

Getting There:  Walk approx. 10 min from World Cup Stadium Station (Seoul Subway Line 6), Exit 1

6. Haneul Park at World Cup Park

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 鈥淗anuel鈥� means sky in Korean.

Previously a landfill, the park has been reclaimed into an appealing garden that welcomes sundry.

The park aims to achieve its green goals by harnessing the natural energy of the wind through the use of five large wind turbines.

As there are no shops at the park, it鈥檚 a good idea to prepare some snacks and drinks before visiting if you are planning a picnic.

In October, when the grass blanket the fields and flowers bloom in various hues of the pink line the walking routes, Haneul Park is at its most gorgeous.

The park an excellent for photos allowing visitors to capture memories of time spent here under the big blue sky.

Take in Seoul from one of the park’s many seats!

Getting There: Walk for approximately 30 min from World Cup Stadium (Seoul Subway Line 6), Exit 1.
Maengkkongi Electric Train available from the parking lot

7. Gyeongui Line Forest Park

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Gyeongui Line Forest Park is constructed along a former railroad (Gyeongui Line) that runs along Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, west of Seoul.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government transformed the long-neglected site into a park in 2016.

Often highlighted as a successful example of an urban regeneration project, the park is nicknamed Yeontral Park by locals, after Central Park in New York.

The former train line was converted into a leafy park with pathways, lawns & streams, plus cafes nearby.

This place is famous among Koreans and foreigners as it is known as a good venue to picnic.

There are adequate grounds for people to sit around and picnic. Often, you will see people sitting on the ground having food and a good cheer.

Around this area, there are many take-away foods sold such as steaks, pizza, fries and more! So you can just buy food and snacks easily and enjoy your picnic.

If you do not have a mat, no worries because some provide mat renting services.

Getting There: The Yeonnam-dong district can be reached via Exit No. 3 of Hongdae Station on Subway Line No. 2.

8. Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park at Imjingak Resort

Pyeonghoa-nuri Park was created in 2005 as part of the World Peace Festival.  It is the northernmost park in Gyeonggi-do and is found within Imjingak Resort.

Although the war and subsequent separation are painful moments in Korea鈥檚 history, the park serves to promote peace and reconciliation.

The park鈥檚 key points are Hill of Music, a large grassy outdoor concert venue  and the Hill of Wind, featuring a photo zone of over 3000 pinwheels spinning freely.

The location is perfect for a simple picnic on a blanket. The colourful pinwheels spinning in the breeze create a wonderful background to the sounds of people enjoying their time.

Children will love Peaceland, an amusement park with the popular Viking Ride, a merry-go-round and other exciting attractions.

Getting There: Walk to Hanjin 1cha鈻狹unsan Station Bus Stop from Munsan Station (Gyeongui-Jungang Line), Exit 1 鈫� Take Bus No. 58 or 93-9 to Imjingang Station Bus Stop 鈫� Walk approximately 15 min

9. Olympic Park

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Located in Songpa-gu, Seoul, the Olympic Park is grand in both size and name, having served as the venue of both the 1986 Asian Games and the 1988 Summer Olympics.

Its seemingly endless green field is inhabited by wild rabbits. It has been commended by the International Olympic Committee as one of the best examples of Olympic heritage management.

The park takes up a vast 1.4 million square meters and would take roughly 3 hours to walk through the entire park.

 the musical fountain at Mongchon Trench and  One Tree Hill are some of the park鈥檚 signature highlights.

Benches are also installed along the walking trails, so you can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

There are many ways to enjoy this vast park. Options include taking pictures with outdoor sculptures and skating in the skate park at Peace Plaza.

Or grab a bite as you take a break before finishing your round the park walk.

Getting There: Walk approx. 10 min from Mongchontoseong Station (Seoul Subway Line 8), Exit 1

10. Ilsan Lake Park

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Ilsan Lake Park is definitely a flower park. The park is populated by over 1,800 cherry blossom trees, in addition to numerous weeping willows and forsythia shrubs.

The beautiful bloom of flowers has an-out-of a fairy tale feel. The park is also the venue of the annual International Horticulture Goyang Korea, a global flower Expo.

Ilsan Lake is the largest man-made lake in Asia, but the trees lining the shore give it a very natural outlook.

The perfect example of an urban oasis, the park features bicycle paths as well as pedestrian paths dotted with benches to catch your breath, relax or eat your snack.

The large grassy areas are open to picnickers; be sure to go early if you want a spot in the shade of the trees!

The nearby shopping centres. Western Dom and La Festa are great spots to get your picnic supplies.

Getting There: Walk approx. 15 min from Jeongbalsan Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 1

Every culture has its own style for picnics so do Koreans. In Seoul, everyone heads to the Han river as there are many parks along with it.

There are some quirks to Korean picnics. The majority of people take a tent when going on a picnic. 

People aren鈥檛 camping, they just have the tents up for the picnic. They are usually lightweight, easy to put up, tents because usually, picnics are a whole day affair.

Don鈥檛 forget to bring your camera and some great tunes to listen to!

Some of these parks have even been used as filming sites for Korean dramas and movies, a big draw for Hallyu fans.