Haneul Park 하늘공원: Seoul’s Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers

Seoul boasts numerous beloved parks that are celebrated for their scenic beauty. Among them, Haneul Park in Mapo-gu stands out, particularly during autumn, when its lush silver grass and abundant flowers attract many visitors. Renowned for its tall pampas grass fields, captivating sunset vistas, and stunning nighttime panoramas of Seoul, Haneul Park is a favored destination for romantic dates and photo shoots. If you’re planning a visit to the park, read this article for more information.

About Haneul Park

Haneul Park, also known as Sky Park, is one of the five parks that constitute World Cup Park, alongside Peace Park, Nanjicheon Park, Nanji Hangang Park, and Noeul Park. Initially, these parks were part of a landfill that accumulated over 92 million tons of garbage from 1978 to 1993. However, in May 2002, commemorating the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup and the new millennium, the Seoul Metropolitan Government transformed the area into a vast environment and ecological park.

Haneul Park, situated on the highest point of World Cup Park, was established to restore the ecological environment. It now boasts vast grasslands, a silver grass field, mixed grassland, a rock garden, a sunflower field, an observatory rest area, and a wind power generator. The park is popular during autumn due to its stunning silver grass, Ginkgo Maple Trees, and expansive grass fields. The silver grass field, in particular, draws visitors from all over Korea and around the globe, making Haneul Park a beloved destination for nature enthusiasts and tourists alike.

How to get to Haneul Park

By Subway

Haneul Park is near World Cup Park. To access it, take Line 6 of the subway to World Cup Stadium Station. Upon arrival, head towards Exit 1, turn right and find the World Cup Stadium directly ahead. Follow the road on your right and cross diagonally at the initial main intersection to reach the park. Walk past the car park to reach the park entrance. 

From there, you can opt for the “Maengkkongi(맹꽁이)” electric cart shuttle service, departing from the entrance to ascend to the park’s summit. Shuttles run every 20-30 minutes. The fare for a one-way trip is 2,000 won ($1.58), while a return journey costs 3,000 ($2.23). Alternatively, you can walk up 291 stairs for a scenic hike, which is ideal in autumn. This also saves time by avoiding the shuttle queue.

Check out our post on transportation in Seoul.

By Bus

You can also reach Haneul Park by bus. Look for lines 271, 6715, 7011, 7019, 7715, 8777, and 08, which stop at the bottom of the park hill. Just catch one of these buses, and they’ll take you close to the park’s entrance.

Things to see and do at Haneul Park

Watch the Sunset over the Han River

Even though Noeul Park is renowned as the go-to spot for sunset views within World Cup Park, you won’t miss out on the beauty of sunsets at Haneul Park. Here, you can still enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the Han River.

Several observation decks on the park’s south side offer panoramic vistas of the Han River and the stunning Seoul skyline. This way, you can witness the mesmerizing transition from day to night, capturing the city’s daytime and nighttime allure.

Have a picnic

If you’re heading to Haneul Park, consider starting your visit with a delightful picnic. Enjoy the scenic beauty while sharing a leisurely outdoor meal with loved ones. The park has many cool rest pavilions and ample seating options, including big benches for spreading out. 

If time is tight for food preparation, don’t worry. A convenience store in the parking lot offers drinks, ramen, ice cream, and snacks. Alternatively, near Exit 1 of World Cup Stadium Station, you’ll find a large Homeplus supermarket. Since food options within the park are limited, purchasing snacks and drinks beforehand is wise.

Visit Haneul Garden 

Haneul Garden is a cozy structure beside the tourist information center atop Haneul Park. Here, you’ll find a variety of snacks, sweets, toys, and souvenirs. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs for your loved ones. Its classic wooden architecture adds to its charm, making it an excellent backdrop for capturing beautiful photos.

Take in the scenic views from Haneul Park’s observatories

Haneul Park has 22 lookout spots to soak in amazing views of the park and Seoul’s skyline, with the Bukhansan, Namsan, and Gwanaksan mountains in the background. The coolest observatory there is called the “Bowl with the Sky.” It’s shaped like a bowl; inside, you can spin around along the wall. Head up to the higher floors, and you’ll get awesome views of Haneul Park, Seoul’s buildings, and the distant mountains. It’s seriously breathtaking!

Check in at photo zones

Haneul Park, originally established for environmental preservation, now offers more than just greenery. It has become a popular destination for visitors because of the charming photo zones that have been installed. These spots, featuring stunning flowers and greenery, provide the perfect backdrop for capturing memorable moments with friends and family. Plus, with such picturesque settings, your Instagram photos will look amazing without any filters.

Haneul Park in Autumn

Silver Grass Festival

Haneul Park’s Silver Grass season is a must-see itinerary when visiting Korea in autumn. Every October, the park hosts its popular Silver Grass Festival when the fields bloom. Visitors can enjoy strolls through the fields, indulge in silver grass crafts, and participate in various activities.

Arriving at sunset adds an extra touch of magic, offering stunning photo opportunities against the backdrop of the beautiful Sky Park. No matter how you capture it, your photos will dazzle on social media.

Pink Muhly Grass

Pink Muhly Grass has surged in popularity over the years, and Haneul Park stands out as one of the most Instagram-worthy spots for your Pink Muhly Grass photo collection. Also known as hairawn muhly, this fluffy, shrub-like grass boasts delicate pink feathery flowers, resembling cotton candy in the plant world. The best time to capture the romantic flowering of Muhly Grass in pink is from October to November.

Kochia Scoparia (Kochia Broom Cypress)

Another famous flower in autumn is Kochia Broom Cypress. In late October at Haneul Park, the Kochia Broom Cypress undergoes a breathtaking transformation. Picture a vast field once lush with soft, feathery greenery, now ablaze with fiery red and pink hues. It’s not just scattered bursts of color; it forms a uniform, almost otherworldly blanket.

As you stroll through, it feels like stepping into a surreal painting, with the vibrant reds contrasting beautifully against the clear blue autumn sky. The dense planting adds to the immersive experience surrounding you in this mesmerizing landscape.

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Nearby attractions

Mangwondong (Mangnidan-gil)

• Location: 27, Poeun-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea | 서울특별시 마포구 포은로6길 27
• Open hours: 10:00 – 20:00

Mangwon-dong is a cozy neighborhood in Seoul’s Mapo-gu district, famous for its tasty food, fun shops, and unique stores around Mangwon Market. It’s right next to cool places like Hapjeong, Sangsu, Hongik University’s busy area, and the Hangang River, making it a must-visit for people exploring Seoul. The market, surrounded by small houses, is popular with locals for its good deals.

Lately, cool cafes and restaurants have started popping up near the market, creating a new busy spot called “Mangnidan-gil Street.” This mix of old and new makes Mangwon-dong a favorite spot in Seoul. For more fun things to do in Mangwondong, check this post.

Oil Tank Culture Park

• Address: 87, Jeungsan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: Oil Tank Culture Park:  24 hr | Exhibition halls: 10:00-18:00 ( Refer to the official website for details)
• Website: parks.seoul.go.kr

The Oil Tank Culture Park is just a 5-minute stroll from Haneul Park. Formerly a hidden gem, it held petroleum reserves to sustain Seoul for a month if needed. It transformed a cultural space after serving as an oil tank for 41 years. The five tanks were repurposed into performance halls, exhibition spaces, and a multipurpose pavilion, while a new tank was constructed as an information center.

The temporary parking lot has also been transformed into a cultural yard, offering relaxation and hosting various activities and performances. Visitors can also enjoy an artistically decorated café adorned with teddy bears and explore a 1.35 km nature walk around Maebongsan Mountain.

In summary, Haneul Park offers a peaceful escape from Seoul’s hustle and bustle. With its stunning scenery and diverse attractions, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression. Plan your visit today and experience the magic of this hidden gem in Seoul.

Peace Park

• Location: 243-60 World Cup-ro, Sangamdong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: All day

World Cup Park comprises five distinct parks, with Haneul Park being one of them. Given the size of each park, it’s impractical to explore them all in one visit. However, consider checking out Peace Park to explore another area. Located between Haneul Park and World Cup Stadium Station, Peace Park, also known as Pyeonghwa Park, boasts a pond, garden, children’s playground, and forest. Designed to foster peace and harmony between humanity and nature, it is a popular picnic spot and a venue for nature studies.

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