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Hangang History Walk: Shall we ride the river breeze and go on a romantic journey through time?

Introduction

The river breeze skims the surface, and the old ferry’s time slowly awakens at your feet. As you walk to the guide’s voice, the city’s noise fades, and the stories piled along the riverside unfold one by one.

Hangang History Walk: Shall we ride the river breeze and go on a romantic journey through time?


한강역사탐방

Table of Contents

Guide

Basic Information
  • Dates: 2025.04.04 ~ 2025.11.30
  • Hours: Session 1 10:00–12:00, Session 2 14:00–16:00
  • Duration: Approx. 120 minutes
  • Location: Hangang Park and nearby cultural heritage, 330 Yeoui-dong-ro (Yeouido-dong), Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
  • Fee: Free
  • Organizer/Host: Seoul Metropolitan Government Future Hangang Headquarters
  • Inquiries: 02-6953-9239
  • Reservation: Advance reservation required
  • Parking: Yeouido Hangang Park Parking Lots 1, 2, and 3 available (2,000 KRW per 30 min, then 300 KRW per 10 min; daily max 15,000 KRW)

Suggested Route
  1. 09:50 Gather at Yeouido Information Center, confirm reservation and route
  2. 10:00 Set off on the themed course with a guide
  3. 10:30 Explanation and viewing of each course’s key heritage and viewpoints
  4. 11:10 Riverside stroll and journaling time (photos/notes)
  5. 11:40 Move to the closing section, Q&A
  6. 12:00 Finish and disperse (lunch/rest)
Reserve at least 5 days before your desired date
Minimum 2 to depart; if not met, cancellation notice 4 days prior
In summer, many courses run once at 10 a.m.
Overview

The Hangang History Walk is a guided walking program that connects the Han River’s scenery with its historical and cultural assets, helping citizens and visitors experience and appreciate the riverside. Following the set course, you tour the Han River basin and nearby heritage with a guide’s commentary, while engaging content invites active participation, bringing the river’s history and culture into everyday life.

The program runs across 16 courses, where you can quietly encounter the transformations of the Han River, traces of old ferry sites, and stories of surrounding cultural heritage.

Program Information

16 Themed Hangang Walking Courses

Depending on the theme, walk along the Han riverside and connect to nearby cultural heritage via routes such as Yanghwanaru-gil, Nodeulnaru-gil, Seonyudo-gil, and Gosanja-gil. With a guide, you’ll carefully explore the history and meaning of key points.

Explore Key Highlights

Visit core stops by course, such as Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery, Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine, the Site of Nogang Seowon, Sayuksin Park, Eungbongsan, and Doseodang. The composition and order may vary by course.

Hangang Night View Tour

An evening program to enjoy the Han River’s nightscape runs in parallel. It takes about 90 minutes, and participants are selected by lottery.

Tips for Visitors

Each course runs with a minimum of 2 participants. If the minimum is not met, a cancellation text will be sent 4 days before the tour—be sure to confirm your reservation.

Check Operating Hours

In summer, many courses depart once at 10 a.m. It’s best to check the number of runs and times by date in advance.

When to Book

Advance reservations are available up to 5 days before your desired date. Travelers with disabilities and international visitors are advised to book with ample time for a smoother experience.

Advance reservation required
Schedule canceled if minimum not met
Operating hours vary by date

Impressions (Visited/Planned)

The Hangang History Walk felt like soaking into time, following quiet paths that hold Seoul’s hidden stories. The soft scent of flowing water, the river breeze brushing your toes, and warm sunlight filtering through the trees made my heart feel gently refreshed. Especially along the Nodeulnaru-gil course, standing by the graves at Sayuksin Park, the weight of Joseon-era loyalty hung in the air—I found myself bowing my head in silence. Following the guide’s voice, I felt with my whole body how the life and memory of someone flows even through a single old stone wall.

The program spans 16 courses, from Gwangnaru-gil and Yanghwanaru-gil to Seobinggo-gil, Gyeomjae Jeongseon-gil, and Gosanja-gil. Each path offered a vivid picture of the river’s shifting channels, traces of traditional ferry sites, and the perspectives of mapmakers. Being free was also impressive. With just an advance reservation, I could join, and in autumn there were two runs—midday and afternoon—so picking a time was easy. The “Stamp Tour” left a deep mark on me, too. Completing 15 or more courses earned a souvenir, and each small stamp felt like a seal of the journey.

The people I met on the path—students listening closely to the guide, couples walking hand in hand, families sharing photos—all seemed like the main characters of this walk. Around sunset on Banpo Dalbit-gil or Yeoui Byeolbit-gil, as lights shattered over the water, a calm washed away the day’s fatigue. Comfortable sneakers and a light bottle of water make it easier to fully savor the mood. This event was more than just walking—it was a journey of the heart, meeting the stories of time and people woven into the city.

Where to Stay

We chose accommodations with easy walking/subway access centered on Yeouido Hangang Park. Prioritize accessibility to match your schedule and budget.

글래드 여의도
글래드 여의도

16 Uisadang-daero (Yeouido-dong), Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

Easy access to Yeouido · Convenient transit

If you’ll be moving around nearby often, check in advance whether parking is available.

Distance: 1.5 km

페어필드 바이 메리어트 서울 호텔
페어필드 바이 메리어트 서울 호텔

870 Gyeongin-ro (Yeongdeungpo-dong 1-ga), Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

Transit-friendly · Smart choice

Rooms book out quickly on weekends—reserve early.

Distance: 2.4 km

아늑호텔 영등포점
아늑호텔 영등포점

10 Yeongjung-ro 10-gil (Yeongdeungpo-dong 3-ga), Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

Central access · Easy transfers

Check check-in/out times on your booking channel.

Distance: 2.6 km

더휴식 아늑호텔 홍대점
더휴식 아늑호텔 홍대점

162-7 Donggyo-ro (Seogyo-dong), Mapo-gu, Seoul

Near Hongdae district · Multiple transfer options

We recommend taking public transit and walking from the station.

Distance: 3.4 km

더휴식 심도 호텔 앤 스파 신림역점
더휴식 심도 호텔 앤 스파 신림역점

7 Nambu Sunhwan-ro 181-gil (Sillim-dong), Gwanak-gu, Seoul

Transit connections · Easy city access

Check parking availability in advance.

Distance: 4.6 km

메모리스테이 효자
메모리스테이 효자

76-4 Jahamun-ro (Hyoja-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul

City strolls · Tranquil vibe

Advance booking required—check your check-in guidance message.

Distance: 7.1 km

아늑에어 호텔 개봉점
아늑에어 호텔 개봉점

38-12 Nambu Sunhwan-ro 95-gil (Gaebong-dong), Guro-gu, Seoul

Outer city · Quiet stay

Plan your itinerary with transfer times in mind.

Distance: 7.7 km

스테이 패스포트 신당 료칸
스테이 패스포트 신당 료칸

33 Nangye-ro 11-gil (Hwanghak-dong), Jung-gu, Seoul

Central access · Stylish ambiance

Popular rooms on weekends may sell out early.

Distance: 9.0 km

Restaurants & Cafes

We curated nearby eateries based on route and accessibility. Avoid the lunch rush to enjoy a more relaxed meal.

순백회관 목동본점
순백회관 목동본점

337-20 Omok-ro (Mok-dong), Yangcheon-gu, Seoul

Hearty meal · Clean, simple set

There may be a wait during lunchtime.

Distance: 5.2 km

복이당
복이당

3-28 Toegye-ro 6-gil (Hoehyeon-dong 1-ga), Jung-gu, Seoul

Close to downtown · Comfortable meal

Given the busy area, visit before peak hours.

Distance: 5.4 km

명동쭈꾸미
명동쭈꾸미

3-28 Toegye-ro 6-gil (Hoehyeon-dong 1-ga), Jung-gu, Seoul

Spicy jjukumi · Satisfying meal

Expect possible waits at dinner peak.

Distance: 5.4 km

윤슬숯불구이 명동본점
윤슬숯불구이 명동본점

19-3 Myeongdong 10-gil (Myeong-dong 2-ga), Jung-gu, Seoul

Charcoal grill · Hearty meal

For groups, reservations are recommended.

Distance: 6.2 km

손정보쌈
손정보쌈

24 Samil-daero 15-gil (Gwancheol-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul

Korean · Wraps (ssam)

For the lunch rush, arriving before 11:30 is more relaxed.

Distance: 6.6 km

우모크
우모크

22 Eonju-ro 170-gil (Sinsa-dong), Gangnam-gu, Seoul

In the city · Light meal

Parking nearby is mostly paid—public transit is easier.

Distance: 9.1 km

도정육관
도정육관

42 Seocho-daero 78-gil (Seocho-dong), Seocho-gu, Seoul

Meat · Hearty meal

There may be waits at peak hours.

Distance: 9.1 km

고깃집열
고깃집열

48 Seocho-daero 78-gil (Seocho-dong), Seocho-gu, Seoul

Grill · Casual dining

Evening hours may see queues—allow extra time.

Distance: 9.2 km

Nearby Attractions

Along with your riverside walk, link a couple of indoor/outdoor spots. Choosing 1–2 places with distance in mind makes for a relaxed itinerary.

키즈런스포츠파크 목동점
키즈런스포츠파크 목동점

401 Mokdongdong-ro (Mok-dong, Buyeong Green Town 2nd), Yangcheon-gu, Seoul

Indoor activity · Family outing

Especially handy if rain is in the forecast with kids.

Distance: 4.8 km

연희숲속쉼터
연희숲속쉼터

Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Forest walk · Urban healing

Visit during quieter hours to enjoy the trails.

Distance: 6.0 km

[서울둘레길 14코스] 안양천 하류코스
[Seoul Trail Course 14] Anyangcheon Lower Course

Guro-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul

Riverside walk · Easy difficulty

Keep bike lanes and walking sections separate as you go.

Distance: 6.5 km

[서울둘레길 12코스] 호암산코스
[Seoul Trail Course 12] Hoamsan Course

Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul

Gentle ascent · Viewpoints

Wear proper hiking shoes.

Distance: 6.6 km

[서울둘레길 16코스] 봉산·앵봉산코스
[Seoul Trail Course 16] Bongsan & Aengbongsan Course

Jeungsan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

Ridge walk · City views

Beware of backlight near sunset.

Distance: 6.6 km

[서울둘레길 11코스] 관악산코스
[Seoul Trail Course 11] Gwanaksan Course

Dongjak-daero, B3 (Sadang-dong), Dongjak-gu, Seoul

Between a stroll and a climb · Suburban refresh

Bring a light windbreaker for changing weather.

Distance: 7.0 km

[서울둘레길 15코스] 노을·하늘공원코스
[Seoul Trail Course 15] Noeul & Haneul Park Course

Gayang-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul

Sunset views · Grassland walk

Ideal for photos at dusk.

Distance: 8.0 km

[서울둘레길 18코스] 북한산 종로코스
[Seoul Trail Course 18] Bukhansan Jongno Course

Bulgwang-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

Where nature meets city · Scenic viewpoints

Stay hydrated.

Distance: 9.4 km

Getting There

Public Transit — About a 4-minute walk from Yeouinaru Station (Line 5), Exit 2 or 3 (Destination: Hangang Project Headquarters Yeouido Information Center, 330 Yeoui-dong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul).

By Car — Yeouido Hangang Park Parking Lots 1, 2, and 3 are available. Fees: 2,000 KRW per 30 minutes, then 300 KRW per 10 minutes; daily maximum 15,000 KRW.

Check runs and hours by date in advance
Confirm you’ve received the reservation confirmation text
Travelers with disabilities and international visitors: book with extra time

Conclusion

As you walk into the river breeze, the textures of the Han River and time settle quietly in your heart. With guided commentary, the walking courses naturally weave together the history and cultural assets of the riverside, turning an everyday stroll into a small journey through time.

It’s also appealing that you can enjoy this for free right in the city. As long as you check the operating hours and make a reservation in advance, you can meet the river’s stories at your own pace.

Photo Snapshots

Videos

Source: This post was created with reference to the Korea Tourism Organization API as well as YouTube and news links.

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