Just as Central Park is an iconic landmark in the United States and the Seine River holds a special place in Paris, South Korea has its own urban oasis: the Han River. The Han River Park in Seoul serves as a gathering spot for everyone from young people to families, making it one of the city's must-visit landmarks. The river is frequently featured as a scenic backdrop in Korean dramas and movies, solidifying its reputation as a 'must-experience' destination for international visitors to South Korea.
You can take part in an array of water sports and seasonal festivals along the Han River, but one of the most straightforward yet delightful experiences is a picnic featuring Korean culinary delights. A laid-back afternoon with essentials like fried chicken, ramen, and beer tops the list of recommended activities for anyone exploring Seoul.
To make the most of your Han River experience like a true local, we've got some insider tips for you, along with a rundown of foods that are a hit among Millennials and Gen Z.
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*Doctor Cha ep. 4 / Business Proposal ep. 4 / King the Land ep. 8, 13
Healing Tent
Rent a picnic set for your Han River picnic!
Reserve in advance here:
To fully enjoy a picnic at the Han River Park, you'll need various items like mats and tents. If you're traveling, it's not always convenient to purchase and lug around all this gear. Fortunately, there are rental shops near the Han River that specialize in picnic supplies. One such store is Healing Tent, where you can rent everything you'll need for a carefree outing.
If you're thinking of setting up a tent at the park, it's good to know there are specific regulations in place. Tents should be smaller than 6.6 x 6.6 feet and must have at least two sides open for airflow. Healing Tent offers options that comply with these rules, so you can rent with peace of mind.
At rental shops near the Han River, you can tailor your picnic package based on the size of your group and your specific needs. Packages are available in a flexible price range, starting from 10,000 to 50,000 KRW. A picnic isn't complete without a mat, and opting for an embossed version can elevate your comfort level. Additionally, tables are handy for laying out your food and personal items, making your riverside outing even more enjoyable.
If you're looking to elevate your picnic experience, a Bluetooth speaker is a must-have for setting the perfect ambiance. And if you'd rather avoid the harsh midday sun, go for a package that includes a tent. These small upgrades can make your day by the river not just fun, but truly unforgettable.
Food combos that taste better at a Han River Park picnic
For Millennials and Gen Z in South Korea, ordering delivery food has essentially become a rite of passage when hanging out at the Han River. While there's no shortage of delivery options, chicken has achieved iconic status—so much so that the term "Han River Chimaek" has been coined. In this popular phrase, "Chimaek" is a blend of 'chicken' and 'maekju,' the Korean word for beer, solidifying this pairing as the go-to choice for a riverfront feast.
Chicken is a versatile dish that's great on its own or paired with other foods like pizza. However, Koreans have a standout favorite combination that's sure to tantalize your taste buds: Yeopgi Tteokbokki and Kyochon's Honey Combo. Yeopgi Tteokbokki is a spicy rice cake dish that comes loaded with fish cakes, cabbage, sausages, and cheese, and its addictively spicy sauce is part of the allure.
On the other hand, Kyochon's Honey Combo features succulent drumsticks and wings, glazed in a mouthwatering blend of soy sauce, garlic, and honey. This chicken dish has a regular fan base in Korea, and for good reason. The sweet and savory notes of Kyochon's chicken harmonize beautifully with the spicy kick of Yeopgi Tteokbokki, making this pairing an iconic must-try combo.
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The Han River has a way of making food taste even better, and there are some menu items that have gained particular fame. For instance, pork belly delivery gained attention after being featured in the hit Korean drama "Hospital Playlist" (season 2, episode 11). Other crowd-pleasers include pizza and a mouthwatering combo of grilled intestines and rice balls.
If you're in the mood for something lighter, you might want to opt for toast, which gained popularity after its cameo in Season 1, Episode 4 of "Hospital Playlist," or sandwiches, spotlighted in Episode 12 of "Crash Landing on You." These eats have garnered extra buzz due to their appearances on popular TV shows, making them top picks for an unforgettable Han River picnic.
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Order Pizza
Order Gopchang + Rice balls
Comparing different Han River parks
+ each park's delivery pick-up spot!
In South Korea, delicious restaurant meals are just an address and a click away, and they can be delivered anytime, virtually anywhere. The Han River Park serves as an ideal backdrop for savoring these culinary delights. Let's delve into the top spots within the park where you can relish your delivered treats in the great outdoors.
Seoul is home to 11 Han River Parks, with Yeouido, Ttukseom, and Banpo standing out as the most popular hotspots. If you're thinking of ordering delivery while you're there, it's good to be in the know about designated delivery zones, usage guidelines, and what sets each park apart. Also, the parks have clearly marked areas for tents and picnic blankets, so you'll want to be aware of those. And just a heads up—if you're setting up a tent, regulations require that you keep two of the four sides open.
Ttukseom Han River Park
Address: 139 Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 광진구 강변북로 139
Ttukseom Han River Park boasts captivating views of Seoul's tallest building, the Lotte Tower, setting the stage for a memorable outing. Conveniently located near trendy areas like Seongsu, Seoul Forest, and Jamsil, it's an ideal spot to weave into a day's itinerary. Plus, with a range of seasonal festivals frequently on the calendar, timing your visit to coincide with one can make your day at the park even more enriching.
Ttukseom Han River Park has two designated delivery zones: Zone 1 and Zone 2. If you're planning to use a tent, Zone 1 is your go-to spot. On the other hand, Zone 2 is conveniently located near a subway exit and is better suited for those using only a picnic blanket. For precise ordering, the addresses are as follows:
- Ttukseom Han River Park Delivery Zone 1: 2273 Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (서울 광진구 강변북로 2273)
- Ttukseom Han River Park Delivery Zone 2: 2202 Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (서울 광진구 강변 북로 2202)
Banpo Han River Park
Address: 40 Sinbanpo-ro11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul
서울시 서초구 신반포로11길 40
Banpo Han River Park is another crowd-pleaser, best known for its Rainbow Fountain and the view of N Seoul Tower across the river. Nearby Sebitseom Island offers a variety of dining options, including bars, restaurants, and cafes, as well as rooftop observation decks and water-based leisure activities like yachting and kayaking.
- While Banpo Han River Park has two delivery zones, the one near the Jamsu Bridge chimney is the most frequently used. To make the most of your visit, you might want to secure a spot under the bridge where the Rainbow Fountain is displayed for easy access to this popular delivery area.
Yeouido Han River Park
Address: 330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 영등포구 여의동로 330
Yeouido Han River Park is often cited as the quintessential picnic spot in Seoul. Its proximity to The Hyundai and IFC Mall allows for some shopping on the side, and the area around Yeouinaru Station is bustling with street food vendors, offering a diverse array of culinary delights. Additionally, on weekends from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, from September 16-24 and October 14-22, the park hosts a night market, providing even more food and entertainment options from various food trucks.
- Yeouido Han River Park has three designated delivery zones, but Zone 2, which is closest to Yeouinaru Station, tends to be the most convenient for visitors.
For more information about each Han River park, check out the links below!
Tips to enhance your Han River picnic experience!
- If you haven't prepared any shareable utensils, you can make a special request when you order food for delivery.
→ Make sure to also bring along essentials like wet wipes and paper cups. - Before renting your picnic supplies, go ahead and order your food!
→ It often takes about an hour for deliveries to arrive at the Han River, so it's a good idea to place your order before you head to the convenience store and your picnic spot. - Speaking of convenience stores, you're better off shopping at ones located outside the Han River parks.
→ Convenience stores within the parks often don't offer discounts or special promotions on items like beer, beverages, and other necessities. For example, you can often find deals on 4-can packs of beer for around 11,000 KRW, so it's worth checking out. Just don't forget to bring your ID if you're planning to buy alcohol!
We hope that you can enjoy a breezy Han River park picnic! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!
