After being closed to the public for 50 years, the West Seoul Lake Park, or Seoseoul Lake Park (서서울호수공원), reopened in October of 2009.In the name of ecology and beautification, the park reclaimed the Sinwol Water Purification Plant, which was transformed under the themes of “water” and “recycling”; some of the existing piping and filtering tanks were reused so that they are now sculptures and benches in this beautifully landscaped park. The West Seoul Lake Park is truly breathtaking, and for those out there who enjoy the addition of industrial paths that weave through a natural setting as if climbing through a forgotten land, this park is a must-visit while in Seoul.
A large lake with a walking path circling around it takes center stage in the park, making it much like Seonyudo Park that sits in the middle of the Han River. A brightly colored 100 seat picnic table, sound fountains that shoot off whenever an airplane flies into the nearby Gimpo Airport and a small water park for children are also draws to this area if the architectural design isn’t enough.
The Mondrian Garden located inside the park is where you might feel like you’ve taken a step right into Seonyudo Park. The pipes are left bare, and pillars that once held up a building have been left behind with plants to grow around them. Water flows abundantly, and people can choose the catwalks above or the pathways between the waterways down below to wander around the area. This park provides not only a placeof rest and relaxation, but it also offers some fun backdrops for selfie takers and photographers.
Address:
Nambusunhwan-ro 64-gil, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul
서울특별시양천구남부순환로 64길 (신월동) 일대
Directions:
Bus: 388, 651, 652, 653, 662, 6014, 6624, 6625, 6627.
Subway: Go to Hwagok Station and take exit 5. Catch bus 652, 6627 or 6625 from there and get off at the Seoseoul Lake Park stop.
Hours: 24 hours a day.
Amenities: Restrooms, baseball field, half basketball court, badminton courts, wheelchair rental and wheelchair accessible, baby stroller rental, parking, pets on leashes permitted.
Parking: 57 spots available.
Hallie Bradley is the creator and writer/photographer for the blog The Soul of Seoul. Originally hailing from Dayton, Ohio, USA, she has been living and working in Seoul, Korea since 2006. She writes on her travels in Korea, daily life, the culture and traditions as well as lessons learned from her Korean husband and in-laws.
