KMK: Yeouido Redux

Yeouido Redux. I previously blogged about Yeouido Park though I have to confess that what I wrote about before doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of this amazingly fun and relaxing green oasis in Seul’s concrete jungle. I recently went back to Yeouido so I could rent a bike and enjoy a leisurely ride by the Han River. I quickly realized that fate had a decidedly different plan for me when I came face to face with the sprawling construction going on down by the riverfront that I absentmindedly forgot about. Whoops. Bye bye bike ride and hello afternoon walkabout.

Immediately I noticed that for a construction zone there sure were a lot of people out and about. Then I remembered that only one thing in April in the Spring time could bring so many people together: Cherry Blossoms. I’ll give a full run down on the Cherry Blossom Festival later, but for now I just want to focus on the park itself. Because once you walk away from the 63 Building and leave all the upturned earth, cranes, tractors and sweating construction workers behind Yeouido transforms into a green gem.

I just let the crowd buoy me along and I was swept up alongside mothers pushing baby carriages, fathers with tots on their shoulders and couples, young and old, walking hand in hand. Whoever said spring is the season of love was certainly correct. I felt as if I was in the middle of a scene from a Disney romantic comedy Korean remake. Yeouido Park has plenty of greenery and every inch of space boasted families picnicking or just lazing around in the sun. There’s even a little pond. Precious, right? Continuing on the park opens up onto a giant playground where you can play hoops with your friends, bike, or strap a pair of inline skates on and zip around. Rentals cost 3,000Won per hour, but be forewarned you won’t be finding any size 16 skates.

I had to stop and just take it all in. Gorgeous day. Smiling faces. People having fun and enjoying themselves. Even the skyscrapers towering on either side of the park, huge apartments and office buildings, didn’t detract from the open outdoorsy feeling. In fact in some strange way the buildings actually felt more like urban redwoods and blended right in.

Midway through the park I found a tiny stage and seating area where people listened to a woman crooning breezy jazz numbers. Nearby a group of inline skaters popped tricks in friendly competition.
If you have a free afternoon then mosey on down to Yeouido Park. You’ll be glad you went. In fact, bring some friends and food and may a whole day of it.