How to Spend a Day at Hangang River Like a Local

The Hangang River is a rare slice of nature running through the middle of Seoul. Lined with 11 public parks, it’s a go-to place for locals looking to relax, exercise or enjoy a simple day outdoors. If you want to experience the city like a Seoulite, spending a day by the river is a good place to start.

1. Picnic at the Park

Picnicking is one of the most common ways locals enjoy Hangang Park. You don’t need to bring much—there are rental shops nearby with tents, mats, tables and speakers. Convenience stores in the park stock picnic basics too.

Small sunshade tents (up to 2m x 2m) are allowed in designated zones.

• April–May and September–October: 9:00–19:00
• June–August: 9:00–20:00

Popular Picnic Spots:

• Yeouido Hangang Park
  330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu
• Banpo Hangang Park
  40 Sinbanpo-ro 11-gil, Seocho-gu
• Mangwon Hangang Park
  67 Maponaru-gil, Mapo-gu
• Ttukseom Hangang Park
  112 Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu

Try Something Different: Tubester

At Banpo Hangang Park, you can ride a Tubester—a circular boat with a table in the middle for a quiet picnic on water.
📍 2085-14 Olympic-daero, Seocho-gu
🕒 Mon–Fri: 16:00–24:00 | Sat–Sun: 14:00–24:00
📞 +82-70-4288-1363 | 🌐 tubester.co.kr

2. BBQ by the River

You can grill your own food in designated areas at Nanji, Mangwon and Yanghwa Hangang Parks. A typical BBQ set includes meat, sides, skewers and water. Charcoal grills are provided.

BBQ Spots:

• Waikiki Market
  332 Maponaru-gil, Mapo-gu | 11:30–23:00
  📞 +82-2-854-8000 | Instagram: @waikiki_market
• Arisu Manchan
  111 Nodeul-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu | 11:00–02:00
  📞 +82-2-2632-2100
• Jamdubong The Nine
  582 Maponaru-gil, Mapo-gu | 12:00–22:00
  📞 +82-507-1385-8903

3. Simple Picnic Foods

Chicken and beer (chimaek) is a popular combo at the park. Many shops offer boneless options for easy eating.
Ramyeon is another park favorite. Cooking it using the ramyeon machines adds to the experience. Just follow the step-by-step instructions.

4. Bike and Water Activities

Biking

Hangang Park has long bike paths. Rent a bike from one of the shops by leaving your ID or passport. You can also use Ddareungi, Seoul’s public bike rental.
🌐 bikeseoul.com | App available on iOS and Android

Water Sports

Jamwon Hangang Park offers kayaking, wakeboarding, paddle boarding and more. Ttukseom Hangang Park has kayak and paddle board rentals.
For a quieter experience, take a yacht tour from Banpo or Yeouido Hangang Parks.

5. Swimming Pools and Playgrounds

From June to August, Hangang’s outdoor pools and water playgrounds are open.

• Yeouido: Largest pool, good for families
• Ttukseom: Has a lazy river
• Jamwon: Family-friendly
• Nanji: Infinity pool view
• Yanghwa & Jamsil: Water play zones for kids

🕒 Pools open during summer. Night hours usually start mid-July.

6. Evening by the River

Moonlight Rainbow Fountain

Located at Banpo Hangang Park, this bridge fountain lights up and plays music.
🕒 April–October: Shows at 12:00, 19:30, 20:00, 20:30, 21:00
July–August adds a 21:30 show
📍 649-1 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu | 📞 +82-2-3780-0578

Hangang River Cruise

Choose between a Sunset Cruise, Starlight Cruise, or Moonlight Music Cruise. Each offers a different view of the city at night.
📍 Yeouido Cruise: 280 Yeouidong-ro
📍 Jamsil Cruise: 2 Baekjegobun-ro
📞 +82-2-6291-6900 | 🌐 maketicket.co.kr

A day by the Hangang River isn’t about doing everything—it’s about slowing down and enjoying the space. Locals come here to rest, eat, move and take in the view. It’s one of the few places where Seoul feels still. Try it for yourself.