A Day in Seoul’s Olympic Park: Nature, History, and the Perfect Walk

A Day in Seoul’s Olympic Park: Nature, History, and the Perfect Walk

Sometimes, the best way to experience a city isn’t through museums or shopping streets—it’s by finding a little peace and green. If you're looking for that perfect outdoor spot in Seoul, let me point you to Olympic Park. It’s big, beautiful, and full of surprises—and yes, you’ll probably take way more photos than you expected.

Originally built for the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Olympic Park (올림픽공원) has become a go-to hangout for locals and tourists alike. Whether you want to stroll, picnic, bike, or just take in the scenery, this place has something for everyone.

What to See and Do in Olympic Park

  • Peace Plaza & World Peace Gate: Start here. It’s hard to miss the massive gate with colorful murals—super iconic and a favorite photo spot.
  • Rose Garden: If you’re visiting in spring or early summer, this is a must. Rows and rows of roses in every color. Great for selfies and slow walks.
  • One Tree Hill: You’ve probably seen this on Instagram—the single tree standing on a hill surrounded by open grass. It’s simple but stunning, especially at sunset.
  • Olympic Sculpture Park: Walk among modern art installations scattered across the park. Some are quirky, some are deep, but all of them make you stop and think (or pose).
  • Bike and Walking Trails: Rent a bike or just walk the full circle. It’s a 2–3 hour loop if you take your time and enjoy the views.

Why People Love It

Olympic Park is one of those places that feels like a break from the city—while still being in the city. There are open fields, forests, lakes, and even little hills you can climb for a better view. It’s peaceful but not boring, lively but not crowded. And there’s something beautiful in every season: cherry blossoms in spring, lush green in summer, golden leaves in fall, and quiet snowy paths in winter.

Plus, it’s totally free. No tickets, no lines, just come as you are.

How to Get There

Subway: Take Line 5 to Olympic Park Station (Exit 3) or Line 9 to Hanseong Baekje Station. Both bring you right to different entrances of the park.

Tips for Visiting

  • Wear comfortable shoes—it’s a big park, and you’ll walk a lot without realizing it.
  • Bring snacks or grab a coffee from one of the nearby cafés. There’s plenty of space for a picnic.
  • Visit on a weekday morning for fewer people and softer light—perfect for photos.
  • Check out nearby attractions like Lotte World Tower if you have time.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a couple, Olympic Park is one of those Seoul outdoor attractions that makes you slow down and just enjoy the moment. It’s not flashy, but it stays with you. You’ll come for the views—but stay for the calm.

So next time you're in Seoul, pack your camera, wear comfy shoes, and give Olympic Park a visit. You won’t regret it.

Popular posts from this blog

How to Use Seoul’s Public Bike ‘ddareungi’ – A Simple Guide for Foreigners

How to Use Seoul’s Public Bike ‘Ddareungi’ – A Simple Guide for Foreigners If you’re visiting Seoul and want to explore the city in a fun, cheap, and eco-friendly way, you’ll love ‘Ddareungi’ —Seoul’s public bike rental system. It’s green, it’s easy to use, and it’s everywhere. The best part? You don’t need to be a Korean citizen to ride. I’m here to break it down for you step by step, with tips to make your first ride smooth and stress-free. Whether you want to cycle along the Han River, through quiet parks, or just skip the subway for a day, here’s how to get rolling. What is Ddareungi? ‘Ddareungi’ (따릉이) is Seoul’s official public bike-sharing system. You’ll see green-and-white bikes parked all around the city—in parks, near subway stations, and at busy intersections. The bikes are sturdy, have adjustable seats, and even come with a small front basket. You can rent one for as little as 1,000 KRW (under $1) and return it at any station. The system is available 2...
Read more

Seongsu-dong: Seoul’s Coolest Neighborhood You Absolutely Have to Check Out

Image
Ever find yourself wondering where Seoul’s trendiest locals hang out when they’re not snapping selfies at palaces or sipping bubble tea in Myeongdong? Say hello to Seongsu-dong —the city's artsy underdog that's quickly becoming the place to see and be seen. Once a gritty, industrial zone crammed with shoe factories and dusty warehouses, Seongsu-dong has pulled a full 180. It’s now a colorful, creative playground buzzing with quirky cafes, indie boutiques, and enough Instagrammable corners to fill your camera roll twice over. Some folks even call it the Brooklyn of Seoul —and honestly, they’re not wrong. Let’s dive into what makes Seongsu-dong such a standout. Why Seongsu-dong Feels So Different What makes this neighborhood so special? It's the way it embraces its past without getting stuck in it. Old factories haven’t been bulldozed—they’ve been reimagined. You’ll find art galleries tucked inside former workshops and cafés blooming in spaces that once smelled like rubber an...
Read more

Which Han River Park Is Best? A Local’s Guide to the Perfect Riverside Spot in Seoul

Which Han River Park Is Best? A Local’s Guide to the Perfect Riverside Spot in Seoul There’s something magical about the Han River —how it runs through the heart of Seoul, catching golden hour light, dotted with picnickers and cyclists, couples, and kids. But with over a dozen different parks along the river, the big question is: which one should you go to? I’ve lived in Seoul for over 10 years, and I've visited pretty much every major riverside spot. So here’s a comparison of some of the most popular Hangang Parks , depending on what kind of experience you’re after. Stick around until the end for my personal favorite. 1. Yeouido Hangang Park – Best for Festivals & City Views Good for: Picnics, night views, cherry blossoms, watching fireworks. Yeouido is probably the most famous Han River spot, and for good reason. It’s wide, centrally located, and gets packed during cherry blossom season and summer festivals. The skyline view of the 63 Building and the Ma...
Read more