9 Best Parks & Gardens in Seoul

Seoul's most iconic luxury hotel has anchored the prestigious Myeongdong shopping district since 1979, with its twin towers housing 1,116 rooms including a dedicated executive floor with butler service, a rooftop sky lounge with panoramic city views, and nine restaurants ranging from Michelin-starred Pierre Gagnaire à Séoul to La Seine French fine dining. The hotel's location at the heart of Seoul's most vibrant shopping and cultural district puts Namdaemun Market, the Cheonggyecheon stream, and Deoksugung Palace within easy walking distance. The legendary Sky Art Gallery on the executive floor displays rotating exhibitions of contemporary Korean art alongside the panoramic city views.

Located in the heart of Seoul's financial district, Yeouido Hangang Park is the city's premier riverside retreat. It offers vast green spaces, cycling paths, and the iconic 'I Seoul U' sculpture. Historically, it’s the site of the massive Cherry Blossom Festival in spring and the International Fireworks Festival in autumn. The sensory experience is defined by the cool river breeze and the sound of local buskers. Experts recommend renting a bicycle to explore the entire length of the park or trying 'Hanang Ramyeon' from a convenience store—cooking it in a self-service machine is a local rite of passage. Pro tip: For a quintessential Seoul experience, rent a picnic mat and order fried chicken delivery directly to your spot using the park's delivery zones.

Often compared to New York’s Central Park, Seoul Forest is a massive ecological park that was once a royal hunting ground and later a golf course. It is divided into several zones, including a Cultural Art Park, an Ecological Forest where deer roam, and a Waterfront Park. The sensory experience changes with the seasons, from cherry blossoms in spring to golden ginkgo paths in autumn. It has become a trendy 'hot spot' due to its proximity to Seongsu-dong’s hip cafes. Experts recommend the 'Skywalk' for an elevated view of the deer enclosure and the Han River. Pro tip: Rent a bike near the entrance to cover the vast grounds efficiently, and don't miss the Butterfly Garden and Insect Garden during the summer months.

Haneul Park, which means 'Sky Park' in Korean, is a testament to urban transformation, built on a former landfill. It is the highest of the five parks in the World Cup Park complex, offering stunning views of the Han River and Seoul’s skyline. In October, the park is famous for the Silver Grass Festival, where the vast fields of tall pampas grass shimmer like a silver sea under the sun. The atmosphere is breezy and open, providing a sense of freedom. Experts recommend taking the 'Toad Electric Shuttle' to the top if you want to skip the 291 stairs. Pro tip: Arrive an hour before sunset to capture the silver grass glowing in the golden hour light; it is widely considered the best sunset photography spot in Seoul.

Built to host the 1988 Summer Olympics, this massive park is a blend of sports facilities, historical sites from the Baekje Kingdom (Mongchontoseong Fortress), and contemporary art. Its most famous landmark is the 'Alone Tree' (Wang-tta-namu), a solitary tree standing in the middle of a vast, rolling green meadow that has become a viral sensation on Instagram. The park is a sensory delight of open spaces and over 200 outdoor sculptures. Experts recommend taking the 'Hodori Train' for a fun tour of the expansive grounds. Pro tip: The Alone Tree is located near the Mongchon Trench; go early in the morning to get a clean shot without other tourists in your frame, and bring a picnic to enjoy under the shade of the fortress trees.

Seoul Grand Park is a massive forest complex that includes a zoo, a botanical garden, and the Seoul Land theme park. The zoo is the first of its kind in Korea and focuses on animal welfare and conservation. The sensory experience is dominated by the surrounding Cheonggyesan Mountain air and the sounds of over 3,000 animals. A major highlight is the 'Sky Lift,' which carries visitors over a large lake and through the forest canopy for a bird's-eye view of the park. Experts recommend visiting the Rose Garden during June when millions of roses are in full bloom. Pro tip: The park is technically in the suburb of Gwacheon but easily accessible by subway; wear very comfortable walking shoes as the grounds are vast, or buy a day pass for the internal shuttle bus.

Ttukseom Hangang Park is one of the most popular riverside parks, famous for its unique 'J-Bug' (Jabeol) building—a long, cylindrical structure that houses a library and cafe with views of the river. Historically, this area was a ferry terminal. The park features a giant windsurfing area, rock-climbing walls, and a large seasonal swimming pool that turns into a sledding hill in winter. The atmosphere is active and lively. Experts recommend viewing the 'Music Fountain' which operates several times a day. Pro tip: This park is directly connected to the subway station (Ttukseom Resort Station, Line 7), making it one of the easiest Hangang parks to access. It's a prime spot for watching the sun set behind the Lotte World Tower.

Namsan Park is the largest park in Seoul, offering a lush green escape right in the center of the city. It encompasses Namsan Mountain and is crisscrossed by numerous walking trails, including the historic Seoul City Wall path. The ascent provides various observation points that offer different perspectives of the city's skyline. The sensory experience is peaceful, with birdsong and the rustle of maple trees. It is a historical site featuring the Namsan Beacon Mounds (Bongsudae) which were used for communication during the Joseon Dynasty. Experts recommend walking the 'Sowol-ro' path during autumn for the best fall colors. Pro tip: While the cable car is popular, walking up the well-maintained stairs takes about 30-40 minutes and is a great way to experience the park's natural beauty up close.

Seoullo 7017 is an elevated urban linear park built on a decommissioned 1970s highway overpass. The name '7017' references both the year the overpass was built (1970) and its rebirth as a pedestrian walkway (2017). It features over 24,000 plants representing 228 species, arranged in a living library of Korean flora. Walking along this path 17 meters above the ground provides a unique 'floating' perspective of the bustling Seoul Station area and the historic Namdaemun Gate. The sensory experience is enhanced by the blue LED lights that glow at night. Experts recommend starting from the Hoehyeon station side and walking toward Seoul Station at sunset. Pro tip: There are small 'foot baths' and cafes along the path where you can rest your feet while watching the heavy traffic move below.