The Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site located in the Gangdong District of east Seoul features dwellings and a museum enveloped by lush vegetation. [KIM DONG-EUN]
Looking for a bit of tranquility? For residents of Seoul and people in the bustling parts of South Korea, this concept might seem almost extravagant—especially during hectic weekdays filled with work or studies. When spring brings throngs to popular spots seeking sunlight and enjoyment, the clamor, bustle, and lengthy queues can be more tiring than an entire day at the workplace.
If tranquility and green spaces are what you seek, consider visiting these four serene locations around Greater Seoul this month.
Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site
암사동 선사 유적지
The Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site located in the Gangdong District of East Seoul [KIM DONG-EUN]
Nestled discreetly at the eastern edge of Seoul lies the Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site, which provides more than just glimpses into prehistory; it also features expansive spaces for picnics and strolls. Entry costs only 500 won (approximately 35 cents) and grants access to some of the most tranquil picnic spots, brimming with tall trees alongside a historical museum. At the Amsa-dong Prehistoric Site Museum, visitors can explore exhibits focused on the Neolithic period and view numerous ancient artifacts—most strikingly, examples of comb-patterned pottery, a hallmark ceramic style from approximately 6,000 years ago throughout the Korean Peninsula.
Families often visit this location, enjoying both recreational walks and learning experiences together. Scattered throughout the area are unoccupied benches and seating zones near lifelike depictions of individuals and their dwellings. However, feel welcome to spread out your picnic blanket and relax directly on the grass beneath the majestic canopy formed by these grand old trees.
Check-patterned ceramics at the Amsa-dong Prehistoric Site Museum [KIM DONG-EUN]
Here’s a helpful hint: You won’t find any cafes within the big area to get your coffee fix, so make sure to pick up some caffeine beforehand from the café near the parking lot. Should the conditions be favorable—both the weather and your schedule—you might want to explore the place using Seoul’s public bike system called Ttareungi since there’s a docking station right in front of the entry point. Alternatively, if you’re relying on public transit, hop on Subway Line 8 until you reach Amsa History Park Station.
875, Olympic Road, Gangdong District, Eastern Seoul
(서울 강동구 올림픽로 875)
Business hours: 9:30 AM – 6 PM (Admission ends at 5:30 PM). It remains closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Entrance cost: 500 won for adults, 300 won for children aged seven to eighteen.
Phone number: 02-3425-6520
Website:
https://sunsa.gangdong.go.kr/site/main/home
Amsa Green Road
암사초록길
The Amsa Green Road in East Seoul debuted in April; this pristine pathway, which includes cycling routes, connects to the adjacent Gwangnaru Hangang Park. [KIM DONG-EUN]
Adjacent to the Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site lies a serene pathway called Amsa Green Road, connecting to the nearby Gwangnaru Hangang River. This route marks the second “green road” project after the Mangwon Green Road in west Seoul, which debuted in October 2014. Opened just this April, Amsa Green Road is pristine and remains relatively undiscovered by most people. Spanning an impressive width of 50 meters (or about 164 feet), the trail includes seating areas and benches atop a bridge from where one can view the street beneath. Covering approximately 6,300 square meters (equivalent to 1.56 acres), it seamlessly blends into the lush surroundings of the Hangang River.
A perspective from Gwangnaru Hangang Park, close to the Amsa Ecological Park in East Seoul [KIM DONG-EUN]
As you stroll down the path starting from the Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site, you’ll reach Amsa Ecological Park, which features an array of wildflowers and indigenous flora leading up to the riverbank. Although this park isn’t as large as some others such as Yeouido Hangang Park located in west Seoul, it provides a serene and tranquil pathway—remaining peaceful even during the brightest sunny days.
172-8 Gangdong District, in the east of Seoul
(서울 강동구 암사동 172-8)
World Cup Park
월드컵공원
A mother and her child are playing at Nanjicheon Park within the World Cup Park in west Seoul. [JOONGANG ILBO]
To steer clear of the crowds and embrace the beauty of spring, you can opt for either discovering a lesser-known spot within the city or exploring vast areas where congestion is unlikely. The World Cup Park fits perfectly into this second option. Spanning over 2.7 million square meters of what used to be a refuse dumpsite, it stands as a significant attraction in Sangam-dong, western Seoul. Despite being well-known, it provides ample room for leisurely strolls, discovery, and serene picnics. Comprising five separate parks—Peace Park, Haneul Park, Noeul Park, Nanjicheon Park, and Nanji Hanggang Park—the World Cup Park forms a comprehensive recreational zone.
Haneul Park — meaning “sky park” in Korean — is a popular tourist destination in spring and fall for its seasonal flower fields. But if you’re an introvert seeking a quieter escape into nature, lesser-known parks like Nanjicheon Park will not disappoint. In Peace Park, Nanji Pond provides a calming spot to sit by the water and enjoy the surrounding greenery.
For those seeking a more thrilling experience or wishing to discover extra sites within the area, jump aboard the circulation train-bus—also referred to as the Mapo Tour Train Bus—a brightly colored fuchsia bus that transports riders to key locations across the Mapo District. The cost is 5,500 won per adult and covers unrestricted travel for the entire day. You can reserve your tickets online or buy them directly from specific stops located around town.
86 Haneulgongwon Road, Mapo District, West Seoul
(서울 마포구 하늘공원로 86)
Phone number: 02-300-5500
Website:
https://parks.seoul.go.kr/template/sub/worldcuppark.do
Semiwon
세미원
Semiwon located in Yangpyeong County within Gyeonggi Province [SEMIWON]
If you’re looking to leave Seoul and explore an authentic destination that remains relatively unknown to many expats, consider heading to Yangpyeong County in Gyeonggi Province. In this area, you’ll come across Semiwon, a cherished botanical garden among locals due to its vibrant seasonal blooms. Covering 180,000 square meters, the park tends to be quite busy during summertime, particularly because of its renowned lotus flower garden which reaches peak beauty then.
Situated upstream along the Han River, the region’s pristine waterways provide an excellent environment for cultivating lotuses—hence, Semiwon organizes a lotus festival each July and August. If you’re looking to avoid larger groups though, consider visiting during spring when tourist numbers dwindle, offering you more solitude.
The park houses six petite ponds, each highlighting aquatic vegetation and organized with distinct themes. For instance, Victoria Pond displays the enormous leaves of Victoria water lilies, which are adorned with sharp thorns to defend against predators from their natural environment in the Amazon.
If you find yourself intrigued by the prospect of discovering an alternative facet of Korea, take out your camera and board the Gyeongui–Jungang Line heading towards Yangsu Station.
93 Yangsu-ro, Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi-do
(Gyeonggi-do Yangpyeong-gun Yangse-myeon YANGSU-ro 93)
Business hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Entrance fee: 7,000 won for adults (free for residents of Yangpyeong County)
Website:
https://www.semiwon.or.kr/
BY KIM DONG-EUN [kim.dongeun@joongang.co.kr]
