If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, South Korea, one place you simply can’t miss is Banpo Hangang Park. Known for its stunning views of the Han River and iconic Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain, this park is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re looking to relax by the river, enjoy a picnic, or take part in exciting cultural activities, Banpo Hangang Park has something for everyone.
🏞️ What is Banpo Hangang Park?
Banpo Hangang Park is one of the 11 parks along the Han River, which flows through the heart of Seoul. Located in the Seocho District, the park offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city. It’s especially famous for its Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain, the world’s longest bridge fountain, which creates a mesmerizing light show with colorful water sprays that dance to music.
📍 Location:
40, Sinbanpo-ro 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Easily accessible by subway: Get off at Express Bus Terminal Station (Line 3, 7, or 9) and walk for about 15 minutes to the park.
🌟 Top Attractions at Banpo Hangang Park
1️⃣ Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain
The main highlight of the park is the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain. At night, the bridge comes alive with 200 LED lights that create vibrant water patterns set to music. The fountain operates from April to October, with several shows each evening.
🕒 Show Times:
- Weekdays: 12:00 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:00 PM
- Weekends: Additional shows at 6:00 PM and 9:30 PM
(Check the official website for updated schedules.)
💡 Tip:
For the best view, head to the floating stage or the riverside seating areas. Arrive early to secure a good spot!
2️⃣ Seoraeseom Island
Located within the park, Seoraeseom Island is a small, man-made island connected by a walking bridge. It’s a popular spot for picnics and a great place to see beautiful seasonal flowers, including the famous canola blossoms in spring and cosmos flowers in autumn.
3️⃣ Bike Rentals and Walking Trails
Explore the Han River cycling paths by renting a bike from one of the rental shops in the park. The flat, scenic route along the river is perfect for both beginners and experienced cyclists. Prefer to walk? The Banpo Hangang pedestrian paths are great for leisurely strolls with picturesque views of Seoul’s skyline.
💡 Tip:
Bike rentals start at around KRW 3,000 (USD 2.50) per hour. Make sure to bring a photo ID for rental.
4️⃣ Night Picnic Culture
One of the unique experiences at Banpo Hangang Park is the night picnic culture. Locals gather by the river with mats, snacks, and drinks to enjoy the evening breeze. You can even order Korean fried chicken or jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) to be delivered directly to the park!
💡 Tip:
Download popular Korean delivery apps like Coupang Eats or Baemin to order food. Many restaurants offer delivery to designated spots in the park.
5️⃣ Floating Islands (Sebitseom)
The Sebitseom Islands are a cluster of three futuristic floating structures on the Han River. These islands are lit up beautifully at night and house restaurants, cafes, and exhibition spaces. They’re a great spot to take photos or grab a meal with river views.
🍽️ Where to Eat Near Banpo Hangang Park
After exploring the park, why not grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby restaurants or cafes? Here are some popular options:
- Todaki (토다이키) – A trendy Korean-Japanese fusion restaurant with river views.
- River View Café – Located on Sebitseom Island, offering coffee and light snacks with stunning river scenery.
- Express Bus Terminal Underground Mall – Just a short walk from the park, this mall is a foodie paradise with endless options for Korean street food, cafes, and restaurants.
🏨 Accommodation Options Nearby
If you want to stay close to Banpo Hangang Park, here are some hotel recommendations:
- JW Marriott Hotel Seoul – A luxury hotel located near Express Bus Terminal.
- Hotel Artnouveau Yeoksam – A stylish, mid-range option in the Gangnam area.
- Toyoko Inn Seoul Gangnam – A budget-friendly option that offers great value.
🚇 How to Get There
By Subway:
- Line 3, Line 7, or Line 9 to Express Bus Terminal Station, Exit 8-1. Walk about 15 minutes toward Banpo Bridge.
By Taxi:
- Ask the driver to take you to Banpo Hangang Gongwon (반포한강공원).
🎉 Events and Festivals
Banpo Hangang Park hosts a variety of seasonal festivals and cultural events, such as:
- Hangang Summer Festival (Hangang Mongttang Festival) – A series of outdoor activities, concerts, and water sports held every summer.
- Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market – An open-air night market featuring food trucks, crafts, and live performances.
- Fireworks Festival – One of the most famous events held along the Han River, with breathtaking fireworks displays.
📸 Photo Tips
- Banpo Bridge at Night: Capture the colorful fountain show with the city lights in the background.
- Seoraeseom Island: Great for nature photos, especially during flower seasons.
- Floating Islands: Best viewed at night when they are lit up.
- Picnic Setup: Bring a picnic mat, some Korean snacks, and take a classic riverside photo!
🌟 Why Visit Banpo Hangang Park?
- ✅ Iconic Landmark – The Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain is a must-see!
- ✅ Stunning Night Views – Enjoy Seoul’s beautiful skyline by the river.
- ✅ Relaxing Atmosphere – Perfect for picnics, bike rides, and leisurely walks.
- ✅ Family-Friendly – Plenty of open space for kids to run around and play.
- ✅ Convenient Location – Easily accessible from central Seoul.
Final Tips for Visitors
- Pack a picnic mat and enjoy a riverside meal.
- Visit during sunset for the best views.
- Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning fountain show!
- If you visit in summer, bring bug spray to keep mosquitoes away.
Banpo Hangang Park is a must-visit destination that showcases Seoul’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, this park offers a unique way to experience life along the Han River. So, grab your picnic mat, order some Korean fried chicken, and enjoy the magic of Banpo at night
What is the best time to visit Banpo Hangang Park?
The best time to visit Banpo Hangang Park is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful. The park is especially popular at sunset and in the evening, when the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain show takes place.
The fountain operates from April to October, with several scheduled shows each day, but visiting on weekdays will help you avoid the biggest crowds. If you want a quieter experience, head to the park in the early morning or weekday afternoons.
💡 Tip:
The fountain show looks best after sunset when the LED lights are more visible. Visiting at 7:30 PM or later will give you the most stunning views. Check the weather forecast, as the fountain may be canceled on rainy or windy days.
How do I get to Banpo Hangang Park by public transportation?
The easiest way to get to Banpo Hangang Park is by subway or bus. Here are detailed directions:
🚇 By Subway:
Take the Seoul Subway Line 3, Line 7, or Line 9 to Express Bus Terminal Station (Exit 8-1).
- After exiting, walk straight for about 15 minutes toward Banpo Bridge and follow signs for the park.
- Alternatively, use Exit 1 of Sapyeong Station (Line 9) and walk 10 minutes to the park entrance.
💡 Tip:
If you’re unsure about directions, Naver Maps or Kakao Maps are great navigation apps to use in Korea, as Google Maps may not work well for walking routes.
🚌 By Bus:
Take any of the following buses to the Banpo Hangang Park (Banpo 4-dong) stop:
- Blue Bus: 405, 740
- Green Bus: 5413, 3420
From the bus stop, it’s a 5-10 minute walk to the park.
💡 Tip:
If you’re visiting in the evening, consider using a taxi or rideshare service like Kakao T to avoid walking long distances after dark.
Are there food delivery services available at the park?
Yes, food delivery services are available at Banpo Hangang Park, making it easy to enjoy a picnic by the river without having to bring your own food. Many local restaurants and delivery apps offer direct delivery to designated spots in the park.
🍗 Popular Food to Order:
- Korean fried chicken 🍗 (a must-try for first-time visitors!)
- Pizza, burgers, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and Korean BBQ sets
- Jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) and Korean-Chinese dishes
📱 How to Order:
- Use local food delivery apps like Coupang Eats, Baemin (Baedal Minjok), or Yogiyo.
- When placing your order, select Banpo Hangang Park as the delivery location.
- The delivery drivers will typically drop off your food at designated pickup zones in the park, such as near the Seoraeseom Island entrance or under Banpo Bridge.
💡 Tip:
Some restaurants list “한강 배달 (Hangang Delivery)” as a service option. Make sure to drop a pin on your exact location using the app to ensure the driver finds you.
🧺 What if I don’t have a local app?
No worries! Many convenience stores and food trucks are also available at the park, offering snacks, drinks, and instant noodles.
💡 Bonus Tip:
Bring a picnic mat or rent one from local vendors at the park for a true Korean night picnic experience!
Is it possible to rent a bike or other equipment at the park?
Yes, you can rent bikes and picnic equipment at Banpo Hangang Park.
🚴 Bike Rentals:
There are bike rental stations located along the Han River, including at Banpo Hangang Park. You can rent single bikes, tandem bikes (for two people), and electric scooters.
💰 Cost:
- KRW 3,000 to 6,000 per hour
- Photo ID or deposit required
🧺 Picnic Equipment Rentals:
Several vendors near the park rent out picnic mats, tents, and tables.
💰 Cost:
- Picnic mat: KRW 3,000 to 5,000
- Small tent: KRW 15,000 to 20,000
💡 Tip:
If you’re visiting on weekends or holidays, it’s best to arrive early to secure rental equipment before it runs out.
Are there any special events or festivals held at Banpo Hangang Park?
Yes, Banpo Hangang Park hosts seasonal events and festivals throughout the year, making it a lively destination for both locals and tourists. Here are some of the park’s most popular events:
🎆 Seoul International Fireworks Festival
One of the biggest annual events at the park is the Seoul International Fireworks Festival, held every October. Thousands of people gather along the Han River to watch spectacular fireworks displays by teams from different countries.
💡 Tip:
Arrive several hours early to secure a good viewing spot, and bring a picnic mat. Expect large crowds, so plan your transportation in advance.
🛍️ Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market
From spring to autumn, the Bamdokkaebi Night Market takes place at Banpo Hangang Park on weekends. This open-air market features food trucks, handmade crafts, and live performances. It’s a great way to experience Korean street food culture while enjoying the riverside atmosphere.
🕒 Market Hours:
- Friday & Saturday evenings (April to October)
(Check the official website for updated schedules.)
🌊 Hangang Summer Festival (Hangang Mongttang Festival)
Held every July to August, this festival includes water sports, outdoor movie screenings, live music, and picnic zones. It’s perfect for families or friends looking to enjoy a fun summer day by the river.
💡 Activities:
- Kayaking, paddleboarding, and water slides
- Night concerts by the Han River
🌸 Seasonal Flower Festivals
- Canola Flower Festival (spring) – Seoraeseom Island in the park is covered with beautiful yellow canola flowers.
- Cosmos Flower Festival (autumn) – The island transforms into a sea of pink and white cosmos flowers.
💡 Tip:
Check the Seoul Tourism website or Hangang Park website before your visit to stay updated on event dates and times.