My goal while in Seoul is to visit at least one new place every weekend – and this week’s destination was Hangang Park. I chose it after reading this was a great place to see the cherry blossoms in bloom, and quite pretty they were. Pictures are here of course – I’m not about to disappoint you!

One of the subway station’s walls (Yeouido subway stop, 5 April 2008)

A pillar at the subway stop – it’s fairly obvious what the area is known for! (Yeouido subway stop, 5 April 2008)

An instant and easy photo op, just in case going to the park wasn’t on your list of things to do today. I love how even the subway stations get into the seasonal mood. (Yeouinari subway station, 5 April 2008)

(Along the road from Yeouido subway station to Hangang Park, 5 April 2008)
After walking through a portion of downtown Seoul (with cherry blossom trees, along the way), I came to the park – although I wasn’t sure I was there at first! The natural American instinct is to look for a sign announcing the place you’re about to enter; at first I didn’t see one. After seeing the road come to a T, I crossed to the other end to discover the park.

No the weather wasn’t great, but that’s how spring is sometimes. (Panoramic view of Hangang Park, taken near the entrance of the cherry blossoms, 5 April 2008)

The park runs along the Han river that cuts through the town. Meander through a maze of dirt trails with cherry blossoms surrounding you, wander across non-descript grass (it’s still April after all!), or approach the Han river – it’s up to you. I started in the cherry blossoms:

It’s me! I asked a Korean to snap a picture of me, and he kindly obliged… Yeah it’s terrible, whatever… (Hangang Park, 5 April 2008)

The Han river has stepping down a series of steps towards it (probably to serve as flood control), but you could easily sit on the ledge with your feet hanging over – enjoying the Seoul skyline or just stare into the water. There’s no beach to speak of, which was fine with me – I dislike sand for the most part.

(Hangang Park, 5 April 2008)

Walking alongside the river led to a series of small stores, crammed with snacks, drinks, beers, and a few toys. Every 100 meters was another identical one – easy to get that drink or snack without walking too far.

Easy-made picnic time, whether you’re on a date or just relaxing. (Hangang Park, 5 April 2008)

After buying that drink or snack, sit down at one of many rugs already laid out. They’re large enough for the cute couple or a larger party.

(Hangang Park, 5 April 2008)
Not far from the river was a walking / biking / rollerblading trail which stretched much longer than I was willing to walk. About 1/2 kilometer from the cherry blossoms was a place to rent a bike – including bikes built for two. You could also rent rollerblades if you wanted.

Hanyang Park is easily reached by subway (Yeoinaru station on line 5). Take exit 3, then look towards the river for the park – you should see a set of stairs going down.