Day and Night in Seoul: A Record of a Relaxing Afternoon at Ttukseom Hangang Park

An Afternoon at Ttukseom (Ttukseom-Hangang Park) where the Hangang Breeze Ripples

When you take subway line 7 and get off at Ttukseom Resort Station (Ttukseom-yuwonji-yeok), there is a river breeze that mixes into the air the moment the doors open. It’s a scent distinct from the stuffy city air—strangely refreshing and filled with the moisture of the Hangang River. Ttukseom Hangang Park has too many expressions to be defined simply as a 'park.' True to its reputation as a riverside resort that has been loved for a long time, this is a magical space where just walking around makes your heart feel lighter.

You can hear the sound of pedals from riders zipping past on the long bicycle paths and the laughter of people sitting in clusters on the grass waiting for food delivery. The seasonal flowers planted throughout the park change their colors each time you visit, quietly signaling the passage of the seasons. If you lie down on a picnic mat and let your eyes soak in the sunlight scattering through the leaves, it feels as if the fatigue accumulated over the week is being washed away by the ripples of the Hangang River.

'J-Bug (Jabeollae)', a Passage of Art with a Long, Hunched Body

One thing you cannot miss when talking about Ttukseom Hangang Park is the 'J-Bug (Jabeollae, meaning inchworm).' This path connecting the subway station to the park has a long, cylindrical structure like its name suggests, and it is a space too precious to be called just a passageway. Serving as an exhibition hall themed around the Hangang River, it makes you re-examine the history of the river and the scenery we often pass by without much thought from an artistic perspective.

The panoramic view of the Hangang River seen through the windows is as peaceful as a painting in a frame, and the inside of the passage often hosts sensory exhibitions by media artists that make you stop and linger. When it's too hot or too cold outside, it's quite fun to take shelter here and enjoy the exhibitions under the cool air conditioning. Since it is directly connected to Ttukseom Resort Station (Ttukseom-yuwonji-yeok), it is highly accessible, so I recommend taking the time to stop by before entering or after leaving the park.

A Record of Scenery Where the Four Seasons Reside

Ttukseom Hangang Park shows a completely different face in every season. In spring, you get drunk on the splendid fragrance of flowers in the Rose Garden, and in summer, you can enjoy the refreshing sensation of water splashes from windsurfing and motorboats. The cool breeze of autumn invites you for a stroll, and in winter, the park is filled with the laughter of children at the snow sledding slope and skating rink. Walking around the Waterfront Plaza (Subyeon-gwangjang), you will soon nod in agreement as to why this place has been loved by Seoul citizens for so long.

Personally, I like visiting around sunset when the sun is slowly going down. It is hard to express in words the strange emotion felt when the burning red sky spreads over the ripples of the Hangang River and the buildings in the distance start to light up one by one. It is the perfect place to put complex thoughts aside for a moment, look at the flowing river, and pat yourself on the back, saying, 'I held on well today.'

Visit Tips & Information

• Location: 2273, Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (Jayang-dong)
• How to get there: The park is directly connected to exits 2 or 3 of Ttukseom Resort Station (Ttukseom-yuwonji-yeok) on line 7.
• Small Pleasures: Convenience stores and cafeterias are well-equipped within the park, so I recommend bringing simple snacks to enjoy a picnic atmosphere on the lawn. Bringing a picnic mat or a parasol in advance will make your time even more comfortable.
• Surroundings: There are many famous cafe streets nearby and restaurants around Konkuk University Station (Geondae-ipgu), making it great for moving around after a walk in the park.