The 5 Best Attractions to Visit in Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Yongsan-gu, the melting pot of diverse races and cultures in Seoul. It's the go-to place if you want to experience a mix of everything. From the National Museum of Korea to various memorials, art exhibitions, and the hottest spot in Seoul right now – Yonlidan-gil. Not to mention the food and entertainment diversity in Itaewon and Hannam-dong, along with the nature vibes of Nodeul Island and Namsan. Yongsan-gu is the ultimate global and dynamic hub, embracing it all. If you're a trend-savvy traveler, Yongsan-gu is a must on your checklist!
NODEUL ISLAND
The Han River, being a symbol of Seoul that runs through the city, has many large and small Han River Citizen Parks developed around it. Among them, Nodeulseom is a small round-shaped island located in the middle of the Han River, and it's a very unique place as the only cultural island with various music events and art exhibitions constantly going on. You can reach it within a 10-minute walk from Nodeul Station on Subway Line 9. The view of Nodeulseom from the middle of the Han River Bridge is also beautiful, so take a stroll as if you're going for a walk. Among the Han River parks, Nodeulseom Lounge and Nodeulseom Live House are the only ones equipped with various cultural themes, so check out the events on Nodeulseom's official Instagram account in advance, and if you visit the park, you can enjoy different exhibitions and performances every day.
Nodeulseom Grass Square is a 24-hour open relaxation space, perfect for picnics under the warm sunlight during the day. It's a great idea to grab some food from the famous cafes nearby and bring it along. With the 63 Building as a backdrop and the subway trains bustling on the tracks, I highly recommend taking photos against this unique urban scenery at Nodeulseom.
Here's another tip: if you walk 10 minutes from Nodeul Station and search for Yongbongjeong, you'll find a picturesque spot where you can enjoy one of Seoul's most beautiful sunsets. It's definitely worth a visit! Also, every October, Seoul hosts the World Fireworks Festival. They set up a special viewing area on Nodeulseom each year for enjoying the fireworks display. So, if you happen to visit Seoul during this time, be sure to include it in your travel itinerary!
Yongsan Park Partially Open Site
In recent years, there have been a lot of photos of Yongsan Park popping up on social media. Actually, we're more familiar with the name 'Yongsan Garrison.' It took nearly 100 years for this site, which had been used as a strategic hub for quite some time, to be opened up, and now it's become more familiar to the public as 'Yongsan Park.' Though only partially open, many photographers and tourists visit incessantly for relaxation and iconic shots amidst its exotic scenery. Currently, there are two open areas. One is the former Janggosa Military Camp 5, which caused quite a stir on Instagram and required half a day of waiting for entry just a couple of years ago. The other is the recently opened Yongsan Children's Garden, established in 2023.
It's located just a 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Sinsa Station on the Seoul Subway. Because the area is quite spacious, you should search for 'Yongsan Park Partially Open Area' on the map rather than just 'Yongsan Park' to quickly arrive at the famous spots. They are closed on Mondays and entry ends at 5 p.m., but on weekends, there may be queues occasionally for filming at famous buildings, so it's a good idea to locate the places you want to visit in advance and plan your visit strategically.
The Children's Garden is classified under Yongsan Park, but it's about a 15-minute walk from the Officer Camp area. It's easily accessible within a 10-minute walk from Yongsan Station or Sinyongsan Station. Actually, no matter which part of the Yongsan Park open area you visit, it's incredibly beautiful in spring with cherry blossoms and magnolias, and in autumn with colorful foliage against the backdrop of brown brick houses. Additionally, Yongsan Park has various exhibitions, libraries, sports fields, and exotic restaurants, making it especially enjoyable for families to arrive early and experience the different facilities.
Haebangchon Sinheung Market
From Exit 2 of Noksapyeong Station, head towards Gyeongnidan-gil and walk along the U.S. military base wall towards Namsan for a short while, and you'll come across a traditional earthenware house guarding the entrance to Haebangchon, marking the beginning of the neighborhood. This area is called Haebangchon. Itaewon, centered around Gyeongnidan-gil, had been bustling for quite some time, but after experiencing various incidents following the COVID-19 outbreak, it had somewhat lost its momentum. However, recently, it's regaining popularity among the MZ generation, with the emerging hot spot being the newly revitalized market within Haebangchon. This market, named Sinheung Market, underwent a hip makeover as part of a urban regeneration project by the city. Perhaps that's why, from the entrance, it exudes a very unique vibe with cafes, restaurants, and wine shops that don't quite fit the traditional image of a market.
Originally, this area was filled with somewhat old and dim market alleys where factories producing tobacco and fabrics were abundant. However, the atmosphere has changed dramatically recently with the replacement of the old slate roofs with roofs made of a material called Seoul straw. Moreover, thanks to the green lights illuminating Sinheung Market, it feels even more special. During the day, you can have meals in the surrounding area, and in the evening, if you come to this special market illuminated by green lights and enjoy wine and coffee, you'll fall in love with the bustling and joyful atmosphere filled with people's laughter at the outdoor tables, no matter where you go.
Especially if you have a rainy day during your travel itinerary, don't hesitate to visit Sinheung Market. The romantic sound of raindrops falling on the Seoul straw roofs adds a lot of charm, and you'll have a delightful experience visiting the wine or beer pubs tucked away in the alleyways. Additionally, in Haebangchon, since the terrain is elevated, be sure to visit the rooftop of any restaurant you go to. There are quite a few shops in Sinheung Market that have rooftop spaces. It's very romantic to enjoy the nighttime scenery of Itaewon below and the view of Namsan Tower above.
National Museum of Korea
When tourists think of the Yongsan area, they often first think of Itaewon Cafe Street, where you can taste cuisine from around the world at hip cafes and pubs. However, even before that, I would like to recommend the National Museum of Korea, which boasts a permanent collection that surpasses top-notch standards and is one of the largest-scale art museums in Korea.
Located directly connected to Ichon Station on Seoul Subway Line 4 and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line, it has the advantage of being very easily accessible by public transportation. Admission is generally free, but there are various themed exhibitions held daily, so before you visit, it's a good idea to check the website or social media for information and admission fees to ensure a more enjoyable visit. One tip is that on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the museum is open until 9 p.m., so if your travel schedule is packed, you might consider setting aside some time in the evening to visit.
The exhibition space I personally recommend the most in this vast museum is the Hall of Sakyamuni. This is where the National Treasures No. 78 and No. 83, the Gilt-bronze Standing Bodhisattva and the Standing Buddha of Parinirvana, are displayed. Sakyamuni means contemplating deeply and pondering all aspects, and it evokes a serene feeling as if meditating under calm music and lighting while slowly examining the deeply contemplative expressions of the two statues in the exhibition hall.
In addition, for foreign visitors or those visiting here for the first time, while many enjoy only the exhibitions inside the museum building, the National Museum of Korea actually provides healing to visitors with its expansive garden area and beautiful architectural design. Be sure to take in the view of Seoul from the central open space as if through a large window, and capture some great photos. Furthermore, the Mirror Pond Garden behind the museum, which is adjacent to a large lake, is famous for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage. You can sit on benches or in pavilions and enjoy some rest. Also, if you plan to visit the National Museum, consider adding Yongsan Family Park and the Hangul Museum, which are connected to the museum on the side, to your itinerary. Since all three places are located together and can be reached on foot, you can enjoy a trip that combines art and relaxation.
War Memorial of Korea
If you're seeking a meaningful experience to deepen your understanding of a region while traveling, it's essential to grasp its history. South Korea, situated on the Korean Peninsula, has endured endless invasions from external forces and one of the most heartbreaking events in its history is often associated with the Korean War, known as the 6.25 War. That's why the Yongsan War Memorial of Korea, where domestic and international tourists frequently visit, stands as a poignant yet meaningful place where you can explore the war history of South Korea, the only remaining divided nation in the world, on a global scale. Located directly accessible from Samgakji Station on Subway Lines 4 and 6, and adjacent to Yulri-dan-gil, it's recommended to visit together. It boasts a large-scale exhibition that may take over 3 hours to fully explore.
As soon as you enter, you'll be amazed by the various facilities. Starting with Peace Plaza, where national events related to war are held, the outdoor exhibition hall showcases large-scale weapons from around the world, sculptures symbolizing the Korean War, the Monument to King Gwanggaeto the Great, and the Peace Clock Tower, captivating your attention. You can also climb aboard actual warships and tanks used in the war, touch them, and take photos, allowing for hands-on experiences.
The interior spans from basement 2 to ground 4, and upon entering, on the 1st floor, you'll encounter a large exhibit featuring Admiral Yi Sun-sin's Turtle Ship, starting from the Three Kingdoms era and tracing the historical context of major wars. The largest theme is the Korean War, occupying more than two floors, where you can explore the beginning of the war and various ongoing conflicts, both big and small, through short films and various multimedia facilities. For further inquiries, don't forget to explore the materials available in the museum's library..
