Enjoy Hangang Park to the Fullest | Chimaek Delivery & the Best 4 Riverside Parks for Night Views

Cutting right through the heart of Seoul, the Han River is easily the city's favorite place to unwind. Stretching along the water are 11 different Hangang Parks, almost all open 24/7 with free admission—making them the absolute best spot to chill out like a local.

From spreading out a picnic mat for fried chicken and beer ("chimaek") to cycling in the breeze, watching sunsets, and taking in the glowing night skyline, the atmosphere here evolves throughout the day.

In this guide, we'll cover 4 of the best Hangang Parks for international travelers, how to get fried chicken delivered straight to your picnic spot, and the top must-do experiences along the river.

1. Top 4 Hangang Parks You Can't Miss

① Yeouido Hangang Park

This is the largest and most vibrant of all the Han River parks. Expansive green lawns and riverfront walkways stretch on with dramatic views of Seoul's skyscraper skyline across the water. It's home to major city events like spring cherry blossom festivals and autumn fireworks. With convenience stores, bike rental shops, and food delivery zones all nearby, it's the perfect starting point if you're visiting for the first time.

How to get there: Direct access from Yeouinaru Station (Line 5), Exits 2 & 3.

Insider Tip: It gets very crowded on weekend evenings. If you want to snag a good shady spot without the crowds, head over on a weekday afternoon or early in the morning on weekends.

② Banpo Hangang Park (Moonlight Rainbow Fountain & Some Sevit)

Famous for the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain cascading down both sides of Banpo Bridge, this park is iconic for night views. After dark, rainbow lights illuminate the streams of water as they dance to music. Floating right alongside are the artificial islands of Some Sevit, which light up at night and make a fantastic photo backdrop.

Getting there: A 15–20 minute walk from Express Bus Terminal Station (Lines 3, 7, and 9).

Pro tip: The fountain usually operates from mid-March through October, running for about 20 minutes several times a day. Shows are canceled during rain or strong winds, so be sure to check the official Hangang Park website for the schedule before visiting. Even in winter when the fountain is off, you can still enjoy beautiful night views of Banpo Bridge and the illuminated Some Sevit.

③ Ttukseom Hangang Park

This is the easiest park to visit, as it's directly connected to the subway station. With open lawns and spacious plazas along the river, it's ideal for a picnic. You'll find an outdoor swimming pool in the summer, as well as various events and flea markets throughout the rest of the year. A popular route is pairing your park visit with a trip to the nearby Seongsu-dong cafe street and Seoul Forest.

Getting there: Directly connected to Jayang (Ttukseom Hangang Park) Station on Line 7.

Pro tip: After dark, the view of Cheongdam Bridge and the glittering city lights across the river is gorgeous. It comes highly recommended for an evening stroll.

④ Mangwon Hangang Park

Frequented more by locals than tourists, this park offers a much more relaxed and laid-back vibe. Facing directly west across the water, it boasts particularly breathtaking sunsets, and many visitors pick up snacks from the nearby Mangwon Market for a cozy picnic. Its proximity to Hongdae and Hapjeong makes it easy to squeeze into your daily itinerary.

Getting there: A 15–20 minute walk from Mangwon Station (Line 6) or Hapjeong Station (Lines 2 and 6).

Pro tip: Arrive about 30 minutes before sunset to grab a spot—you'll get to experience both the golden sunset and the nighttime cityscape in one visit.

2. Top 4 Things to Do at the Han River

① Enjoy Chimaek (Fried Chicken & Beer Delivered to the Park)

Unrolling a picnic mat and enjoying "Chimaek"—a classic pairing of crispy fried chicken and cold beer—is an absolute must when visiting Seoul. Since delivery scooters aren't allowed inside the parks, you'll need to collect your food at designated "Delivery Zones" set up by the city. These zones are clearly marked with signs near park entrances or parking lots across 11 Han River parks, including Yeouido, Ttukseom, Banpo, and Mangwon.

How to order: Set your delivery location in the app to the nearest Delivery Zone → Head over to the zone when you get the arrival notification to pick up your food → Head back to your spot and dig in!

Pro tip: Delivery Zone locations vary by park, so it's a good idea to check the official Han River Park website in advance. When you're finished, please make sure to sort your recyclables and food waste into the designated trash bins.

② Try Convenience Store "Han River Ramen"

Convenience stores along the river are equipped with automated instant ramen cookers. Just empty a packet of ramen into a paper bowl, place it on the machine, and press a button—you'll have piping hot ramen ready in just a few minutes. Slurping warm noodles in the cool river breeze on a chilly autumn or winter evening is a quintessential Seoul experience that locals absolutely love.

③ Bike Along the Riverfront

Well-paved bike paths run along both sides of the Han River, allowing you to ride smoothly from one park to another. You can rent a city bike through Seoul's public bike sharing app, "Ttareungi" (Seoul Bike), or hire one from the rental shops located right inside each park. Remember to stick to the right side of the path and watch out for pedestrians!

④ Take the Han River Bus for Skyline Views

The Han River Bus is a public water transit service cruising between Magok and Jamsil. Because it stops at piers near major riverside parks like Yeouido, Apgujeong, and Ttukseom, it serves as both a convenient way to travel between parks and a fantastic spot for taking in Seoul's night skyline. Fares and timetables are subject to change, so be sure to check the official website before planning your trip.

3. Handy Tips for Enjoying Hangang Park

• You can easily pick up a picnic mat at any convenience store inside the park or at a nearby Daiso. There are also rental shops near the main park entrances offering mats and pop-up tents.
• The river breeze can get surprisingly cold during autumn and winter. Temperatures drop sharply after sunset, so be sure to bring a warm jacket or extra layer.
• Hangang Park is open 24 hours, but if you are hanging out late at night, stay near well-lit areas close to convenience stores and streetlights rather than quiet, deserted spots.
• Good etiquette is expected: please separate your trash and throw it in the recycling bins located around the park, or carry it out with you.
• The parks are huge, so searching for a general name can be confusing. For precise directions on navigation apps, search by specific entrances, such as 'Yeouido Hangang Park Entrance 2'.

Level Up Your Hangang Picnic with WOWKOREA SERVICE

If local Korean food delivery apps feel too tricky to navigate, try WOWKOREA SERVICE Food Delivery to easily order popular fried chicken and various authentic Korean dishes straight to your hotel. Tailored specifically for international travelers, it makes ordering completely hassle-free—allowing you to cap off a fun day at the river with a delicious, warm chimaek combo back in your room.

A gentle river breeze, breathtaking night skylines, and a bite of crisp fried chicken with cold beer—experience the most authentically 'Seoul' moments right here at Hangang!

Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons — Willem van Valkenburg, CC BY 2.0 · heecheol890102 (Pixabay), CC0 · Wvdp, CC0 · Real rism, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Brit in Seoul, CC BY-SA 4.0 · KOREA.NET, CC BY-SA 2.0 · 고영탁, CC BY-SA 3.0