13 Best Parks in Seoul to Visit - Don’t Skip These!

Visiting parks is one of my favorite things to do in South Korea, no matter the season.

I’ve been to Seoul seven times now, and visit parks each time.

The parks in Seoul are accessible by public transit, safe, and have plenty of benches for people to unwind and be surrounded by nature.

As busy as life in Seoul may get for locals, there’s always a calmness and sense of community once I step inside the parks.

Here are 13 parks in Seoul to visit, plus a list at the end with parks that are worth visiting at night.

I left a ⭐️ next to the parks in Seoul you have to visit and are the most popular.

If you’re new to South Korea, make sure to read my travel guide to South Korea.

Table of Contents

1. Namsan Park (N. Seoul Tower) ⭐️

View of Namsan Tower and another communication tower on a hill, with a pathway and autumn foliage in the foreground in Seoul, Korea.

You cannot leave Seoul without visiting Namsan Park! It’s the most famous and biggest park in Seoul.

This park is best known for the N Seoul Tower and Locks of Love observatory deck, where visitors express their love for their partner, a loved one, or themselves by attaching a lock and throwing out the key.

Colorful love locks attached to a metal railing at Namsan Park in Seoul, South Korea, with Namsan Mountain and the city skyline in the background. The locks symbolize love and commitment, creating a vibrant foreground against the autumn foliage covering the hillside.

Get to Namsan Park by bus, taxi, cable car, or by walking.

There are multiple trails going up to Seoul Tower and take around 30 minutes.

If you don’t want to walk up, I highly recommend walking back down if you can. There’s viewing decks on the way down, plus some benches for a quick rest.

🎫 Skip the lines: Pre-book your Namsan Tower cable car ticket online

2. Seoul Forest Park

Serene summer view at Seoul Forest Park, South Korea, featuring a calm lake reflecting the surrounding greenery, a wooden boardwalk adorned with bright pink flowers on the right, and visitors enjoying the tranquil natural setting

This park is more locally-known, but one of the most scenic parks in Seoul I’ve been to.

Seoul Forest Park is located in the eastern part of Seoul and has its own subway stop, Seoul Forest Station.

The park is divided into four different areas: Culture & Art Park, Eco-Forest, Education Park, and Riverside Park.

Pathway in Seoul Forest during autumn with a mix of green and yellow foliage, and a person sitting on a bench in the distance.

There’s a lake and butterfly garden, with benches to sit everywhere. Many locals also have picnics at Seoul Forest.

You can also rent a bike to explore the park.

I visited Seoul Forest during summer in Seoul and autumn in Seoul, when there’s gingko trees everywhere.

3. Yeouido Hangang Park

I Seoul You Sign Courtyard at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul Korea

Yeouido Hangang Park, or Yeouido Han River Park, is another beloved local park, and one of the many parks in Seoul located along the Han River.

Sit on the cement steps and grass areas, or have a picnic and late-night ramen.

You can also rent a bike and bike along the river, or do a sunset Han River cruise.

Yeouido Hangang Park Summer View - Seoul, South Korea

4. Seonyudo Park

A scenic autumn landscape in Seonyudo Park, Seoul, featuring trees with golden, orange, and red foliage. A winding stone staircase leads up through the park, surrounded by neatly trimmed bushes and benches. A wooden swing sits under a tree, adding a peaceful charm to the fall setting.

Seonyudo Park is a hidden local gem, and one of the most beautiful places I visited during Seoul in autumn.

This park sits on an island in the middle of Han River.

There’s plenty of diverse flora and trees during every season, as well as benches and resting areas to see views of Han River.

5. Olympic Park

Olympic Park Statue Building_Seoul South Korea

Olympic Park was built to host the 1988 Summer Olympic Games. It’s massive at over 1.4 million square meters and is one of the biggest parks in Seoul.

You’ll see elderly locals sitting peacefully on the benches and is very family-friendly.

Big Thumb Sculpture, Olympic Park, Seoul, South Korea: A striking and large-scale sculpture of a human thumb, prominently displayed in Olympic Park. The realistic details of the thumb, including its texture and nail, create a surreal and imposing presence in the open space. The sculpture stands on a small grassy mound, surrounded by a simple rope barrier, with trees and pathways visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

At the west end is the Flag Plaza and World Peace Gate where you’ll see the flags of countries that participated in the 1988 Summer Olympic Games.

There are also concert halls and arenas like Olympic Hall where concerts and games are held.

6. Seokchon Lake Park

Walking Trail - Seokchon Lake Park_Seoul South Korea

Seokchon Lake, or Songpa Naru Park, is an artificial lake surrounded by jogging and walking trails and trees.

It’s one of the best parks in Seoul for autumn and cherry blossom season, especially during the annual Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival.

Lotte World Tower stands tall against a clear blue sky, reflecting sunlight in its sleek glass exterior. Seokchon Lake in the foreground mirrors the autumn hues of surrounding trees, with a few paddle boats floating on the water. Golden and red foliage frames the scene, adding warmth to the modern cityscape.

Lotte World Tower at Seokchon Lake Park, Seoul, South Korea: A towering view of the Lotte World Tower, framed by the lush greenery of Seokchon Lake Park. The sleek, modern skyscraper rises dramatically into the sky, reflecting light off its glass facade. The serene lake in the foreground and the surrounding trees provide a natural contrast to the towering urban structure, creating a harmonious blend of nature and modern architecture.

You’ll also get a great view of the Lotte World Tower plus the Lotte World Magic Island located on the western part of the lake.

7. Cheonggyecheon Stream ⭐️

Cheonggyecheon Stream during the Day, Seoul, South Korea: A bright daytime view of Cheonggyecheon Stream, an urban waterway running through downtown Seoul. People stroll along the stream's well-maintained paths, with some sitting on the steps by the water, enjoying the sunny weather. The scene is framed by tall modern buildings on either side, while trees and greenery add a natural touch to the bustling city environment. The clear blue sky enhances the vibrant atmosphere of the area.

This public recreational space is a 7-mile (12 km) stream across downtown and is open 24 hours (unless it’s raining – they close the stream for safety).

Cheonggyecheon Stream is one of my top places to visit in Seoul.

The stream is beautiful to walk and sit by throughout the day with daily light shows in the evening.

Cheonggyecheon Stream during summer day - Seoul, South Korea

8. Naksan Park ⭐️

Naksan Park is famous for its Seoul City Wall trails and views of the city during the day and night.

It’s a must-visit especially during autumn. The park has multiple viewpoints of the city.

A serene autumn scene at Naksan Fortress Wall Trail in Seoul, South Korea, showcasing a circular plaza with a central flower arrangement, red and orange foliage, and distant mountains. A few people stroll along the paved walkway, while a wooden gazebo provides a resting spot under the golden autumn sky.

If you’re kdrama fan, you’ll recognize the backdrop of many filming sites.

It’s also located within walking distance to the Ihwa-dong Mural Village.

9. Haneul Park

A field of vibrant pink and red kochia bushes stretches across Haneul Park in Seoul, South Korea, showcasing the beauty of autumn. The cloudy sky above adds depth to the scene, while the park's walking paths and scattered trees create a peaceful natural ambiance.

Haneul Park is one of the five parks located within the World Cup Park area in Mapo-gu. It’s located on top of a hill along the Han River.

A group of people walking along a wide path flanked by flowers and pampas grass at sunset in Haneul Park, Seoul, Korea.

It’s most worth visiting during autumn to see the silver and kochia grass, but in other seasons you can still see the art displays, sunset views, and backdrops of the Han River and city lights.

➡️ Read my full guide to visiting Haneul Park.

10. Oil Tank Culture Park

A rust-colored, repurposed oil tank structure sits among trees with autumn foliage at Oil Tank Culture Park in Seoul, South Korea. Tall grasses and trees with red, yellow, and green leaves surround the industrial space, blending nature with urban redevelopment. A winding path leads towards the structure, inviting visitors to explore the unique cultural park.

Located across Haneul Park is the Oil Tank Culture Park.

The area used to be an oil tank reservoir and is now a renovated park and cultural complex with cafes, exhibits, and halls.

A minimalist outdoor space at Oil Tank Culture Park in Seoul, South Korea, featuring an array of weathered concrete blocks arranged in a grid-like pattern on a dark tiled ground. The industrial-style walls and surrounding greenery contrast against the overcast sky, creating a stark and contemplative atmosphere.

To get to the Oil Tank Culture Park, walk through the Maebongsan Forest Walkway:

A peaceful wooden walkway meanders through the Maebongsan Forest in Seoul, Korea, surrounded by tall pine trees and autumn foliage. The sturdy railings guide visitors along the elevated path, offering a tranquil nature walk amid golden and rust-colored leaves. The forest floor is blanketed with fallen needles, adding to the serene, natural atmosphere.

11. Banpo Hangang Park

Banpo Hangang Park Light Show with purple lights with water spraying out of bridge at night. Top parks in Seoul.

Banpo Hangang Park is especially popular during the summer when there’s light shows.

You can bike, picnic, jog, or attend a market with food stalls on the famous Some Sevit, the artificial floating island.

Banpo Hangang Park at Night, Some Sevit, Seoul, South Korea: A vibrant night scene at Banpo Hangang Park featuring Some Sevit, an illuminated floating building with colorful light displays reflecting off the Han River. The walkway leading to the building is adorned with string lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere as visitors stroll along the path. The modern architecture and lively colors contrast with the calm waters and darkening sky.

During summertime, you can catch the light show daily at 12pm, and every half hour from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.

I highly recommend walking through the bridge at night for an amazing view of the light show.

12. Baekbeom Square

A scenic view of the Seoul Fortress Wall at Namsan Baekbeom Square, showing the stone pathway lined with historic battlements. The wall winds through lush greenery, contrasting with the backdrop of modern high-rise buildings. The blend of nature and urban architecture highlights Seoul’s unique mix of history and modernity.

Baekbeom Square is located right next to Namsan Park and is the closest Seoul City Wall fortress trail.

There’s a big plaza as well as historic statues throughout the park.

13. Yeouido Park

A peaceful autumn scene at Yeouido Park in Seoul, featuring a tree-lined pathway covered in golden fallen leaves. A large white balloon with "SEOUL MY SOUL" printed on it stands in the background, adding a unique touch to the seasonal beauty. The mix of yellow, red, and green foliage creates a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll.

Not to be confused with Yeouido Hangang Park is Yeouido Park, located on a vertical strip right before Hangang Park.

This park is a popular area for workers in nearby buildings like KBS.

You’ll also see a statue of King Sejong the Great:

A side view of the King Sejong the Great statue in Yeouido Park, Seoul, with intricate engravings on its base featuring Hangul script. The statue is surrounded by trees showcasing autumn foliage in shades of yellow, orange, and red, under a cloudy sky.

Best Parks in Seoul to Visit at Night

Most parks in Seoul are open 24 hours a day. They’re safe to visit at night and you’ll see lots of locals taking a stroll.

Here’s Seoul parks that are worth visiting at night.

Seokchon Lake

Namsan Park

Olympic Park

Naksan Park

A nighttime view of the Naksan Fortress Wall Trail in Seoul, illuminated by warm pathway lights. The historic stone wall lines the left side of the trail, while trees with autumn foliage glow under decorative string lights. In the background, the city skyline stretches into the distance, creating a striking contrast between tradition and modernity.

Heunginjimun Park

A beautifully illuminated traditional Korean gate, Heunginjimun (Dongdaemun), stands against the backdrop of modern high-rise buildings at night. The warm golden lighting highlights the historic stone walls and intricate wooden eaves, contrasting with the cool city lights. In the foreground, tall ornamental grasses sway gently, adding a natural texture to the urban landscape.

Baekbeom Square

Haneul Park (entrance)

The image shows a nighttime view from Haneul Park in Seoul, South Korea, overlooking the city skyline filled with twinkling lights. Wooden stairs lined with string lights lead down the park, creating a scenic path for visitors. The vibrant cityscape contrasts beautifully with the dark, serene park in the foreground.

Banpo Hangang Park (summertime)

Best Times to Visit Parks in Seoul

View of wooden stairs leading up to Haneul Park entrance, surrounded by autumn foliage in Seoul, Korea, with a cityscape visible in the background.

The parks in Seoul will look different every season, and each season is worth visiting.

In summer, parks in Seoul will be covered in incredible greenery.

During winter, you’ll see trees covered in snow.

In spring the trees bloom with cherry blossoms.

During autumn, parks are at its most colorful with green, orange, yellow, and red leaves.

But whatever season, don’t skip a visit to parks in Seoul at night too!

Have a great time visiting the parks in Seoul!

Book before you visit Seoul:

Ride from the airport: schedule a pickup | airport bus | express train
Book discounted hotels in Seoul (what I use)
Most popular day tours in Seoul
Best local Korea sim card (200k booked) or eSIM card

13 Best Parks in Seoul to Visit – Don’t Skip These!