Seoul Olympic Park is a popular public park that can be found in Seoul’s Songpa neighborhood in the Gangnam area, south of the Han River. It was originally constructed for the 1988 Summer Olympics and has since grown to be a well-liked tourist attraction.
The park covers a total area of 1.4 square kilometers. Pay a visit to the park to enjoy a range of attractions and activities, including cultural landmarks, and scenic views. You can also pack a picnic and sit down to enjoy the outdoors too.
The Seoul Olympic Park is managed by the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation or KSPO. It occupies the location of the ancient Mongchon Fortress. There are multiple sports facilities within the park. These include the KSPO DOME (Olympic Gymnastics Arena), SK Handball Stadium (Olympic Fencing Gymnasium), Woori Art Hall (Olympic Weight Lifting Stadium), Olympic Hall (Muse Live), and the K-Art Hall.
We look at what to see and do at the Seoul Olympic Park.
What to See & Do When Visiting Seoul Olympic Park
World Peace Gate
A notable structure in Seoul Olympic Park is the World Peace Gate. It was constructed as a representation of the value of world peace and harmony. The gate has four pillars that stand in for the earth, wind, fire, and water elements of nature. People can enter the gate and stroll through the lovely surroundings.
“A Painting of Four Spirits” is the name of the mural that can be found on the underside of both sides of the roof. Um and Yang, an oriental symbol for the cosmos and creativity, are represented by the colors blue and red.
Mongchon Moat Musical Fountain
Strange as it may be, there is now a musical found that occupies where the moat of the Mongchon Fortress used to be. It sprouts water up to 30 meters into the air.
Soma – Seoul Olympic Museum of Art
The 13,186m2 Seoul Olympic Museum of Art is divided into two smaller museums: Museum 1 is located on the building’s first and second floors, and Museum 2 is located in the basement. It is set in a sculpture park that features 12 sculptures that were created for the 10th anniversary of the Seoul Olympics.
Rose Garden
Popular among those who enjoy the outdoors is the Rose Garden. It is located in the southeast corner of the park. From May, you will be able to view different kinds and colors of roses displayed at the Rose Garden.
The garden is split up into various sections, each with its own specific theme. The garden is open for visitors to stroll leisurely through and take in the lovely flowers.
Next to the Rose Garden, there is also a Wild Flower Garden.
Seoul Olympic Museum
For sports fans, the Seoul Olympic Museum is a must-see attraction that opened in 1990. It highlights the background of the Summer Olympics of 1988 and the growth of sports in South Korea.
Visitors can view various artifacts and memorabilia which include torches, medals, pins, posters, mascots, scarves, stamps, and coins commemorating previous Olympics are displayed.
Seoul Baekje Museum
The Baekje Kingdom ruled over Korea from 18 BC to 475 AD. That kingdom predates the more well known Joseon dynasty. The museum showcases a variety of Baekje Kingdom-related artifacts and exhibits, including pottery, weapons, and clothing.
The Paleolithic, Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Age prehistory of Seoul is the main topic of Exhibition Hall 1. On display are artifacts such as hand axes, pottery, and round bottom jars. The floors above on into more details about the development of the kingdoms and how they battled it out for control of the Han River.
The Thumb
The Thumb, a steel sculpture by French artist Cesar Baldaccini that stands 18 meters tall and resembles a giant thumb pointing upwards, has become a well-known landmark in Seoul Olympic Park since it was placed there during the 1988 Summer Olympics and has since become a favorite among park visitors.
Visitors can walk around and take pictures with The Thumb, which is close to the Hanseong Baekje Cultural Hall and the Seoul Olympic Museum.
One Tree Hill
An often photographed spot at Seoul Olympic Park is the One Tree that can be found at the northwestern side of the the park. It is a popular spot for couples taking their wedding photographs as well as teens who just want to fill up their Instagram feed.
Wild Flower Garden
Depending on which time of the year you visit, the Wild Flower Garden may look completely different. In the Spring time, you may get flowers such as the Great Scarlet Poppy turning the Wild Flower Garden red while in autumn, there can be flowers like the Yellow Cosmos instead.
Stamp Tour
One fun activity, especially for families with children, is to go on a stamp tour. Go to the Information Center at Peace Square to collect a tour map and visit nine spots marked out on the map. Collect a stamp at the designated locations and go back to the Information Center once all stamps have been completed to receive a small memento.
Seoul Olympic Park Bike Rental
Seoul Olympic Park has several cycling trails that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The trails wind through the park’s beautiful scenery and offer a great way to explore the park. Visitors can rent bicycles at the park’s bike rental center which offers both two wheeled and four-wheeled bikes.
The bike rental shop is located between the Olympic Handball Gymnasium. Get more details here.
Enjoy Your Visit to Seoul Olympic Park
Seoul Olympic Park is a fantastic place to visit while in Seoul. The park has something to offer everyone with its stunning scenery, cultural attractions, and sports facilities. Seoul Olympic Park is a great place to visit whether you’re a sports fanatic or a nature enthusiast.
Where: 424, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05540
How to Get there: The park is easily accessible by subway (Mongchontoseong Station) on Line 8, near Jamsil.
Find out more about the Seoul Olympic Park.
