Ways to enjoy the Han River Korea

The Han River provides a plethora of recreational options for visitors, thanks to well-maintained infrastructure round it. Here are a few of the most popular leisure activities that you can explore:

• Hangang River Cruise: A voyage on the Hangang river cruise gives you a chance to view the city from a different perspective ― from the sparkling skyline to the charming K-Bridge, the cruise offers stunning vistas.

• Outdoor Swimming Pools: Enjoy a rejuvenating dip in the river’s public swimming pools, particularly popular during the sizzling summer months.

• Scenic Parks: The river banks are adorned with numerous parks, each hosting lush vegetation and offering perfect spots for picnics, casual walks, or biking sessions.

Discover more about these fantastic activities below in our detailed guide on ‘Ways to enjoy the Han River Korea‘.

This stunning image perfectly encapsulates the tranquil beauty of the Han River, inviting you to delve deeper into its allure. Throughout the year, it transforms with Seoul’s all four seasons, each bestowing upon it a unique vibe. Spring welcomes cherry blossoms, summer breathes life into its vibrant greens, autumn sprinkles it with a burst of colors, and winter swathes it in a serene blanket of snow. So no matter when you visit, the river’s distinct charm is sure to captivate you.

Exploring the Historical and Scenic Hangang River

Over 2000 years ago, the Hangang River and its surrounding lands were of significant strategic importance in Korean history. The river, akin to a natural border, was the battleground for the three ancient Korean kingdoms, each vying to gain control over this vital region. The Hangang river wasn’t just a strategic asset, it was crucial for commerce, acting as a lifeline for trading activities especially with China.

In the current day, the Hangang River isn’t just a vital waterway, it’s a symbol of Seoul’s natural beauty and is rightfully voted as the second most scenic spot in the city. It only follows the breathtaking Namsan Mountain, which tops the list of Seoul’s most prominent tourist attractions.

Experiencing the Hangang River:

• Walking Paths and Cycling Lanes: The Hangang River is not just for sightseeing, it invites individuals and families to engage with its environment. The lower parts of the river feature beautiful pathways perfect for leisurely walks or vigorous cycling.

• Public Parks: The riverbanks are adorned with public parks, providing green spaces where city dwellers and tourists can relax, picnic or partake in outdoor games.

• Restaurants: The riverbanks have become culinary hotspots. Restaurants serving diverse cuisines have sprung up, each offering diners a delightful meal with an amazing riverside view.

• Sports Courts: For those looking to keep themselves active, the Hangang River area is home to various sports courts that cater to a wide range of sports and physical activities.

• Swimming Pools: During the summertime, swimming pools along the river provide a fun-filled environment where residents and visitors can beat the heat while enjoying scenic views.

The Hangang River, therefore, serves as a refreshing retreat amidst the brisk pace of metropolitan Seoul, blending natural beauty with vibrant recreational and social spaces.

Explore Seoul through Hangang River Cruise Tours

Admire the breathtaking expanse of the skyline of Seoul, South Korea’s bustling capital city, by embarking on a mesmerizing Hangang River Cruise Tour. These tours provide an incredible opportunity to witness the beauty of the Han River, an important geographical feature that runs through the heart of the city. Numerous companies conduct tours on the Han River, with Eland Cruise being one of the most distinguished ones. Their river cruise tours originate from Yeouido Park and offer a mesmerizing experience to all its patrons.

1. Exclusive Hangang River Cruise Offers by Eland

Eland Cruise offers patrons a distinct selection of Hangang river tours, each designed to provide a unique sightseeing experience. Their options include:

• Story Cruise: Learn about the history and culture of Seoul as you cruise along the river.
• Moonlight Cruise: Witness the exquisite charm of Seoul under the moonlight.
• Music Cruise: Enjoy live music performances while absorbing stunning views of the city.
• Fireworks Cruise: Experience a magical evening with a fireworks display over the river backdrop.

During the summer months, each cruise is made available six times a day, beginning once at 12 noon and then five times post 7 PM. Iconic landmarks such as the 63 City Building, N Seoul Tower, the Floating Island, and the mesmerizing Banpo rainbow bridge can be viewed from these tours. The ferries house both an outdoor deck and a comfortable indoor sitting area fitted with chairs.

Tickets for the river cruise should be purchased online in advance, given its popularity. These tickets are highly sought after, especially during peak season, therefore it’s advised to book at least two weeks in advance. Prices for a Han river cruise start from 14,000 KRW. Click here for more details.

For those seeking a more private experience, a yacht tour of the river is also available with the starting price of 20,000 KRW. Find more information here.

From my personal experience, all four Hangang cruises offer a unique perspective of the city. However, the story cruise during daytime and the fireworks cruise during night time in Seoul are particularly breathtaking. The opportunity to see the picturesque fireworks and the vibrant rainbow bridge simultaneously is truly remarkable.

2. Dine Afloat with Eland’s Special Hangang River Cruise

Adding to your cruise experience, Eland also offers special dining cruises known as Eland Hangang Cruise + Ashley Marine Buffet and Dinner Fireworks Cruise. These options provide a fantastic Han river cruise tour complemented by a delightful buffet. The first option includes a buffet served after the cruise on a separate boat. On the other hand, the dinner cruise serves the buffet amidst your river journey. The delicious spread includes a variety of dishes such as ribs, salads, seafood, chicken, and more. Click here to explore further.

Experience the best of Seoul by selecting the cruise that suits your needs and prepare for an unforgettable journey across the Hangang River.

Explore the Han River

The Han River is not just about the cruise, it offers much more! From the refreshing river parks to walking trails, cycling lanes, swimming pools, and other exciting activities, the Han River offers an enormous range of outdoor activities for you to enjoy. Below are some popular activities and destinations you can explore at the Han River.

1. Delight in Han River Parks

The Han River embraces over a dozen parks stretching from the Jamsil area to Mapo-Gu. These are a popular free outdoor activity choice throughout the year.

1.1 Yeouido Park

Topping the list of popular river parks is Yeouido park, a busy destination during spring in Seoul. Divided into four main sections – Traditional Korean Forest, Grass Square, Culture Square, and Nature’s Ecosystem Forest, the park is frequently bustling with varied fests and events. The park is also a hub for Han River tours.

Visitors during warmer months often rent tents to protect against the sun at Yeouido Park. Find more info here.

1.2 Jamsil Park

Located next to Jamsil Sports Complex, Lotte World, and Olympic Park, Jamsil Hangang Park offers stunning Hangang views along with a chance to learn about nature at the Jamsil Water Reserve.

2. Walk on the Trails Along the Han River

The Han River boasts four prominent walking trails:

• 1st trail: Jamsil Stadium, Gwangnaru Hangang Park and Amsa Ecological Park
• 2nd trail: Seoul Forest, Ttukseom Hangang Park and Gwangjin Bridge
• 3rd Trail: Seorae Island in Banpo Hangang Park and Ichon Han River Park
• 4th Trail: Mangwon Hangang Park, Seongsan Bridge and Mapo Bridge

For detailed information about each trail, refer to Seoul’s official website.

3. Meet your Fitness Goals with Cycling

The river parks also serve as perfect cycling spots. You can access well-maintained cycling routes all along the river. If you don’t own a bicycle, you can conveniently rent one from several cycling rental shops located near the subway stations. Those with a Discover Seoul Pass can rent a bike for free for up to 24 hours.

4. Shop and Dine at Han River Night Markets

Hosted with the picturesque Hangang nightscape as a backdrop, the river parks form an ideal location for night markets. The Bamdokkaebi Night Markets are held in six different locations in Seoul including Yeouido and Banpo along the river.

4.1 Yeouido World Night Market

The Yeouido evening market is a cosmopolitan affair with vendors selling exotic food, unique handcrafted objects, and exhilarating performances from both local and international artists.

4.2 Banpo Romantic Moonlight Market

This moonlit market, complete with artist flea markets, local art programs, and food stalls, serves as an enchanting spot for a romantic evening by the Han river.

Each park’s direction can be found on this Han River Map.

5. Enjoy a Cool Dip in Outdoor Han River Swimming Pools

Over six swimming pools, scattered along the Han River, offer a refreshing break from the sweltering summer heat. Each pool is unique, with some boasting slides and water activities, while others are plain pools.

6. Try Swan Boating at Yeouido

The ‘Swan Boats’ or duck boats available for rent at Yeouido, offer a fun, unique experience on the river. These boats, synonymous with an enjoyable workout, are perfect for 2-4 people.

7. Have Fun Kayaking And Paddle boarding On Han River

At the Ttukseom Han River Park, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards. These activities are exceptionally enjoyable during summers, and the water helps to cool down the humid Korean summer weather.

8. Join the Summer Water Gun Festival

Held in July at Some Sevit Floating Island near Banpo Bridge, the Summer Water Gun Festival features an open bar with unlimited beers and cocktails, performances by renowned DJs and artists, followed by a foam party that starts after 6 pm.

A Comprehensive Guide to Accessing the Hangang River

The Hangang River, a remarkable landmark running through the heart of Seoul, is easily accessible via numerous routes. The river stretches far and wide, providing an assortment of stunning views and recreational opportunities. The best route for you would depend upon which part of it you are planning to visit. Commuting to the Hangang River is quite convenient as multiple subway stations located at a walkable distance connect the river to different parts of the city.

Here’s an informative guide detailing some of the subway stations and the corresponding exits that lead directly to popular spots along the Hangang River:

• Ttukseom Resort Station: This subway station on Seoul Subway Line 7 provides prompt access to the river. Taking Exit #2 or 3 after disembarking will guide you directly to the river.

• Cheonho Station: Located on Seoul Subway Lines 5 & 8, this station is another reliable commuting junction. After getting off at Exit #1, a short 20-minute walk will bring you to the Hangang River’s edge.

• Yeouinaru Station: Closely connected to the Hangang River, this station is convenient for those traveling on Seoul Subway Line 5. Visitors can use either Exit #2 or 3 to reach the river.

• Dangsan Station: Located on Seoul Subway Line 2, this station provides yet another convenient access point. From Exit #4, a brief walk of about 10 minutes can lead you directly to the refreshing sight of the Hangang River.

Remember, navigating the city’s excellent subway system is the most effective and efficient way to discover the many delightful sites and sounds that the Hangang River has to offer.

Pro Tip: Make sure to prepare for your trip by checking the subway timings and operational status on the official Seoul Metro website or the mobile application before heading out.

Enjoyed this post about going on a Han River Cruise? Why not pin it?

Have you ever experienced a Han river cruise? Do you have any questions regarding these Han river ferry tours? Are you contemplating a visit to the Han River soon, or do you have any essential tips or experiences you’d like to share? Feel free to leave your thoughts and queries in the comment section below.

Quick Facts About Andong South Korea

Andong is a city located in the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula, with a history that dates back over 1,500 years. It was once the capital city of the Goguryeo Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BC–AD 668), and later became an important cultural center during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910).

Andong is known for its preservation of traditional Korean culture, particularly its folk villages, traditional architecture, and cuisine. The city also played a significant role during the Korean War, serving as a major base for the UN forces.

Today, Andong continues to be a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts, who come to explore its rich cultural heritage and experience the traditional way of life in Korea.

• Andong city claims to be the capital city of ‘Korean Spiritual Culture’, as it has more than 280 cultural assets scattered around the city.
• At the beginning of 2000, Andong started to become a tourist destination, mainly because of it’s Hahoe Village.
• The local specialty is Jjimdak, a dish prepared with chicken and glass noodles.

The Best Things To Do In Andong

As Andong is the Korean Spiritual Culture, you will find many historic and religious sites all around the city, like temples, an Confucian academy, the traditional hanok village and many museums.

1. The Andong Hahoe Folk Village

The UNESCO Andong Folk Village located in the outskirts of Andong is the main reason most people travel to Andong. The village dates back to the Koryo period (918-1392) and belonged to the Ryu clan. The stunning village is filled with traditional Korean hanok houses, small shrines and beautiful walking trails.

The Hanok village lies just next to the Nakdong river and is surrounded by mountains. This provided a sort of natural protection to the inhabitants of the village.

The village is also home to the yearly Andong Mask Dance Festival, which is a 10 day festival with all sorts of activities and performances. Even if you can’t make to Andong during the festival, you can watch a Mask Performance in Andong Hahoe Village on the following days:
January–February: Saturdays & Sundays 14:00
March–December: Wednesday-Sunday 14:00

Next to the folk village is the Hahoe mask museum. A small museum displaying the beautiful colourful Hahoe masks.

– ANDONG HAHOE VILLAGE GUIDE –

Opening Times: Summer season: 09:00-18:00 and Winter season: 09:00-17:00
Entrance Fee: 2500 won
Address: 40, Jongga-gil, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

2. The Mammoth Bakery

Mammoth bakery, a French style bakery, is Andong’s most famous coffee & dessert shop. This shop has been recommended by both the Michelin Green Guide South Korea and Lonely Planet.

The shop is divided into two sections. On ground level you can find the bakery and cafe. Here you can buy all sorts of bread and cakes, which you can take out or eat in the cafe. If you’re looking to buy a drink, you MUST try the peanut butter milk shake. It is the best you’ll ever have! In the basement is a small chocolate, which sells all kinds of pralines and chocolate bars. This is a little bit more pricey but the chocolate is absolutely delicious, so definitely worth it!

Opening Hours: 08:30-22:00
Address: 34, Munhwagwangjang-gil, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

3. Bongjeongsa Temple

The buddhist temple Bongjeongsa was built by King Munmu in the 7th century. King Munmu, was a ruler during the Silla Kingdom based in Gyeongju. It is the largest temple in the Andong area and holds the oldest wooden building remaining in Korea. Old trees are surrounding the temple grounds, which adds to the unique atmosphere on the temple grounds.

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00
Entrance Fee: 2000 won
Address:222, Bongjeongsa-gil, Seohu-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
How To Get There: from Andong Bus Terminal or Andong Train station take bus 51 to Bongjeonsa Temple (45 minute ride).

Bus 51 Info: 06:10, 08:25, 10:40, 12:50, 14:50, 17:20, 19:00
More Info:here

4. The Stunning Gounsa Temple

Gounsa temple is a quiet temple located in the beautiful mountains of Deungun. It was built by Monk Uisang in 681 during the Silla Dynasty. The small temple belongs to the Branch Temple Number 16 of the Korean Buddhist order. Gounsa Temple literally translates to Solitary Cloud Temple. During the Imjin War, the temple was used as a military base for the the warrior monks.

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00
Entrance Fee: Free
Address:34, Munhwag415, Gounsa-gil, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
How To Get There: 4 busses a day run from Andong Bus Terminal at 09:10, 10:40, 13:15, 16:40

5. Hakbong Traditional Hanok Stay

Hakbong hanok stay is a traditional hanok house located in the country side of Andong, close to Bongjeongsa temple. The stay is perfect if your looking for a traditional hanok experience which is easily accessible by public transport. The hanok stay has 6 different rooms: double room, triple room, and family rooms. Please be aware that the bathrooms are in a different building and are shared with the other guests.

** We stayed one night in this accommodation and totally loved it, as when we arrived we received traditional Korean snacks. In the morning a delicious breakfast is served. **

Book:here
Address:856-1, Geumgye-ri, Seohu-myeon, 760-822 Andong, South Korea
How To Get There: from Andong Bus Terminal or Andong Train station take bus 51 to Bongjeonsa Temple (30 minute ride).

Bus 51 Info: 06:10, 08:25, 10:40, 12:50, 14:50, 17:20, 19:00

6. Andong Traditional Market & Jjimdak Restaurants

The Andong traditional market is famous for its Jjimdak. Which is a traditional dish from Andong made with steamed chicken, glass noodles and potatoes. The dish can be served spicy or non spicy. The best restaurant to try Andong Jjimdak is Yongga (영가), which is a small restaurant opposite the tourist information center.

Address:55 Beonnyeong 1-gil, Seobu-dong, Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do
More info:here

7. Wolyeonggyo Bridge

Woryeonggyo Bridge or better known as the moonlight bridge first opened in 2003 and is the longest pedestrian bridge in South Korea. The legend behind the bridge tells the story about a wife who made a pair of shoes out of her own hair in condolence for her husband who passed away.

The bridge is especially beautiful at night when all the lights are turned on. This bridge and the area around is also the location of the moonlight festival. Around the bridge you can find Andong Folk Museum, a small Hanok Village and beautiful walking trails.

Address: Area between Sanga-dong & Seonggok-dong, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
How to get there: from Andong Train station take bus 3-1, this should take 15 minutes. Get off at Wolyeonggo bus stop.

How To Get To Andong

Andong is a city located in the southeastern region of South Korea. There are several transportation options available to reach Andong. The most common way to get there is by taking a train or a bus from Seoul. The KTX train runs regularly from Seoul to Andong and takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Alternatively, one can take a bus from the Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, which takes around 3 hours. Another option is to take a domestic flight from Seoul to Daegu and then take a bus or a train to Andong. Once in Andong, public transportation such as buses or taxis are available to get around the city. It’s recommended to plan ahead and book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to avoid any last-minute hassle.

1. Seoul To Andong

From Seoul Express Bus Terminal in Gangnam you can take the bus to Andong Bus Terminal. This takes around 2h30 and costs around 14 000 won. Check prices and bus timetables here.

2. Busan To Andong

Every hour there is a direct bus running from Nopo Express bus terminal in Busan to Andong. The travel time takes around 2h30 and costs 16 000 won. Check prices and bus timetables here.

3. Daegu To Andong

Buses run between Dong-Daegu and Andong. The ride takes 1h30 and only costs 7000 won. Check prices and bus timetables here.

Recommended Accommodation And Hotels In Andong, South Korea

Andong offers various accommodation options for visitors. One of the most popular options is to stay in a traditional Korean house, known as a hanok. These hanoks have been restored and transformed into guesthouses, providing a unique cultural experience for visitors. They offer comfortable and authentic rooms with traditional Korean bedding, and guests can enjoy traditional Korean meals.

Alternatively, visitors can choose to stay in modern hotels located in the city center, which offer amenities such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a range of dining options. Another option is to stay in a temple stay program, where visitors can experience the life of a Buddhist monk, practice meditation, and participate in temple activities. Whichever option you choose, Andong has something to offer for every visitor’s taste and budget.

• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
• Suaedang Hanok Stay
• Andong House near Hahoe Village

Frequently Asked Questions

Like this post about things to do in Andong? Why not Pin It?

Have you been to any of these places in Andong South Korea? Are there more things to do in Andong that should be added to the list? Have any questions about any of these places? Let me know in the comment section below.

The ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty, Gyeongju is the place to be when looking to see the beautiful cherry blossoms in Korea. The small city hosts the yearly Gyeongju cherry blossom festival which is an exiting event that attracts lots of local and foreign tourists.

Quick Facts About The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival

• 2017 was the first year Gyeongju hosted the cherry blossom festival, which coincided with the 26th cherry blossom marathon around Gyeongju.
• The cherry blossom season in Korea or also called the Sakura season falls yearly around the end of March – beginning of April. This is the best time to visit Korea to see cherry blossoms.
• The best places to see the spring cherry blossoms are Bomun Lake and the Gyeongju Historic UNESCO area.
• Want to visit the cherry blossom festival? Then booking a package trip is a very comfortable option. Trazy offers packages starting at only $69. For more information, check them out here.

Want to visit this amazing Cherry Blossom festival? Click here for more information and prices!

The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival

Gyeongju, also referred to as the museum without walls, hosts its yearly Gyeongju Cherry blossom festival. A festival that celebrates the cherry blossom trees being in full bloom. The city will be covered with these magnificent pink flowers. The perfect occasion for another family trip, a romantic escape (I don’t blame you!) or an just to take a bazillion selfies for instagram.

The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival has many different kind of activities, that differ year by year, like live concerts and fireworks, the skewer festival, the Gyeongju cherry blossom marathon and a beer festival. You’ll also be able to find stalls all along the riverside, selling, souvenirs, toys and food.

1. Where To See Cherry Blossoms

The best place to see cherry blossoms is around Bomun Lake and Cheomseongdae Observatory. But there are 4 different locations in Gyeongju were you can enjoy the cherry blossom festival. Namely Gyeongju Expo, Bomun Lake and Gyeongju river side/down town and Cheomseongdae Observatory (첨성대).

The river side and the Cheomseongdae observatory are only a 10 minute walk from the express bus terminal. Getting to Bomun Lake (보문호) or the expo will take approximately 25 min by bus from Gyeongju Downtown. You can take bus number 10, 11, 100-1, 150, 154, or 600 and get off at Wolseong-dong Citizen’s Center Bus Stop.

Every year the opening ceremony of the cherry blossom festival is at Bomun Lake, which is close to the Teddy Bear Museum. During the opening ceremony various famous and infamous artists perform and ends with a fireworks.

2. Other Things To Do

Together with the cherry blossom festival falls the yearly Gyeongju Marathon. There are different distances runners can sign up for (full, half, 10 kilometers or 5 kilometers). The fee is between 20 000 and 30 000 krw. Sign up here.

Other events like beer and meat stands can be found at Gyeongju Expo, the river side, bomun lake or downtown Gyeongju. These stalls are typical Korean festival stalls.

When in Gyeongju for the festival make sure to check out Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, Cheomseongdae Observatory, the Tumuli Park, Gyerim forest, a Golgulsa temple stay and more wonderful things to visit in Gyeongju.

How To Get To Gyeongju

Gyeongju is easily accessible for all major cities around the country. It has great connections by KTX or intercity/express bus.

1. From Busan, Daegu, Ulsan Or Pohang

Gyeongju is located in the southeast of the Korean Peninsula between Daegu, Busan, Ulsan and Pohang. From each of these cities you can easily take the express bus which will take between 40 minutes to an hour. From each of these cities there are busses every 15-20 minutes. You can just buy your ticket 10 minutes before departure at the ticket office, no need for making a reservation in advance. The ticket price will be no more that 5000 won. More info here on getting from Daegu or Busan to Gyeongju.

2. From Seoul

From Seoul you can take the KTX, there are direct trains from Incheon Airport and Seoul Station once an hour. Depending on the train this will take around 2-2h30 and should cost 50 000 won for a normal ticket and 41 000 for a standing ticket. The KTX station in Gyeongju is located 20km from the city center, so you’ll have to take a taxi or bus to downtown. The bus will take around 40 minutes and should cost around 1200won. If you’re arriving after 21h30, there is no other option that the taxi. To the downtown this will take approximately 20 minutes as should cost around 15 000 won (depending on where you are going in downtown). More info here on getting from Seoul to Gyeongju.

Other Tips For Visiting The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival

• Planning to visit different sites? Then check out the one day tour bus that will bring you to all the hot spots. You can easily get your bus tickets from Trazy.
• Rent a bicycle! Gyeongju is a very bicycle friendly city, with many cycling paths in downtown Gyeongju and along Bomun lake.
• Why not book a one day trip departing from Seoul, bringing you to all the cherry blossom ‘hot spots’. Book your tickets here.
• Visit the main Starbucks in Gyeongju as they will have special ‘Starbucks Korea cherry blossom’ merchandise and drinks.

Recommended Accommodations In Gyeongju

• Nomad house – cozy guesthouse in downtown Gyeongju, just a short walk from the express bus terminal and Gyeongju train station. Perfect when travelling on a budget or on a solo trip.
• Gyeongju Guesthouse – great guesthouse for solo travelers. Conveniently located in downtown Gyeongju, 5 minutes from Gyeongju train station and Cheomseondae observatory.
• Hwarang Guesthouse – located just next to Gyeongju train station, surrounded by a fair amount of Korean restaurants and coffee shops.

Like this post? Why not pin it!

Have any questions? Have you been to South Korea during the cherry blossom season? Let me know in the comment section!