Picnickers enjoy time with friends and family under the sun at Hangang Citizen's Park in the Yeouido district. Because of the park's popularity, it often becomes hard to find a suitable spot on the grass because of all the visitors. Many vendors are ready with flyers to hand out to people so individuals can order a selection of food, such as chicken and pizza, at their own convenience. Visitors can go to Yeouinaru station (line 5) or Yeouido station (line 5,9) to enjoy the park. (U.S. Army Photos by Pfc. Byun Hye Joon, Yongsan Public Affairs)
YONGSAN GARRISON — As the last chills of winter disappear in the Korean peninsula, the people of Seoul flock to parks and outdoor attraction sites to enjoy the nice weather. Among these, the Hangang Citizen’s Park in the Yeouido district is one of the most popular.
Situated near one of the busiest finance hubs in Korea, sounds of bicycle bells, rackets colliding with birdies and kites fluttering in the wind add a vibrant touch to the steadiness of the flowing river that cuts across the city. Along with those who come to enjoy the various activities that can be enjoyed near the area, many come with picnic blankets at the ready to just relax and spend time with their loved ones.
During ancient times, the Han River (Hangang) has been an important geographical feature that played a crucial role in trading with neighboring countries. However, after the country was crippled by the desolation brought by the Korean War, the area along the river was characterized by poverty and squalid conditions. This scenery changed quickly within the decades that followed the war as Korea experienced the benefits of its economic boom, which is commonly referred to as the ‘Miracle on the Han River.” Though it is no longer used for commerce, the Han River is home to many ecological sites within the city and provides the residents of Seoul with sites of rest and leisure.
The Hangang Citizen’s Park, which was developed as a part of the government’s “Hangang Renaissance Project” in 2007, is now one of the most popular places that attract tourists, as well as average citizens. According to the Seoul Institute, a think tank that conducts extensive research regarding many aspects of the city, the Hangang Citizen’s Park was selected as one of the quietest parks that the people of Seoul recommend along with Namsan Park and Seoul Forest. In another research, it was shown that the average person in Seoul visits the park about 6.6 times a year, and the visitors in the months of April and May alone consist 30% of the total number. Compared to the other 10 districts along the river, the number of visitors that come to the portion of the park in Yeouido dwarves that of the other areas. Regardless, one can gain easy access to any of the 11 districts since they have been connected by a network of roads for both pedestrians and cyclists to use with convenience.
“I come here often to clear my mind and enjoy the view,” says Sean Paik, a local resident. “Sometimes my weekly schedule becomes so busy that I need a breather. I think this is the perfect place in the city that I can come to find peace. There’s something special about hearing all the sounds in the park. It’s like the whole city of Seoul has gathered to have a good time.”
Just like Paik, an aspiring musician, many visit the park to find moments of serenity and inspiration. Right in between freezing cold and sweltering heat, this season offers the ideal weather that just might make the Hangang Citizen’s Park the place to go for families and friends.
