Han River (or Hangang) is one of those places that travellers would want to tick off their Korea bucket lists. This is especially for the ardent K-drama fans (me!) who have seen their favourite couples take romantic dates there.

The part that is a bit confusing is exactly which part of the Han River you want to get to. It is a very long river that runs through Seoul, and there are a few parks scattered throughout. They each offer different views and have varying levels of accessibility.

After doing some research online, I decided that Yeouido Hangang Park would be our best choice. With the subway station right outside, Yeouido Hangang Park is one of the most easily accessible parks along the Han River.

What to do at Yeouido Hangang Park

We came to Yeouido Hangang Park on a nice day in early autumn where the temperature was just nice. Unfortunately it clashed with the Seoul World Fireworks Festival that was ongoing at night so they barricaded the area. Otherwise, there would also be the option to go on the popular Han River Cruise departing from Yeouido Dock.

We walked along the stretch, which wasn’t very long. Then we decided to get started on what we really came to the Han River for: eating ramyun noodles!

If you’re unfamiliar, it is a popular local tradition to eat ramyun noodles, fried chicken, and beer by the Han River, usually while they picnic.

Eating ramyun at Yeouido Hangang Park

While there’s nothing particularly special about the fried chicken (as far as I know), the ramyun is a must-do. Likely because of this special ramyun cooking machine at their convenience stores!

Buy your packet ramyun from any convenience store (7-11 / GS25 / CU)., and grab an egg or cheese slice at the counter. The cashier will give you a big paper bowl to cook in. Then, head to one of the machines outside the store. Pour everything into the paper bowl, press a few buttons and you’re done!

Our choice of ramyun was the reliable Shin Ramyun, although I do also like Jin Ramen especially when I’m not in the mood for something too spicy.

Most convenience stores located near the Han River would have rows of cooking machines for faster clearance of crowds.

They also offer the option of buying packet drinks and a separate cup of ice to pour your drinks into. Most drinks you’ll find are coffees, teas, and a lot of zero/low-calorie sodas. We grabbed the latter to feel a bit less guilty about eating ramyun:

For some reason, eating ramyun that you cooked at the Han River just hits differently. It could be the location, the atmosphere, or simply eating it under relaxed circumstances.

We continued walking a bit more around the park as it neared evening. It was quite interesting how they have bean bags on loan (see tiffany blue container in picture below) for the picnic-goers.

As the evening drew closer, more young people flooded the park and started settling down on their picnic mats.

Not sure if the crowd is mainly because of the Fireworks Festival at night, but it was interesting to see what they brought along!

Many of them set up mini tables on their mats, along with fried chicken and beer bought nearby.

If you’re planning to visit the Han River during spring, you have to make a trip to Yeouido Hangang Park!

Every spring, cherry blossom trees will line the roads all the way from Yeouidong-ro to Yeouiseo-ro. Hence, many people will come here to have their spring picnics as well.

I’m hoping to come by next time during spring – maybe I’ll picnic with some fried chicken and beer as well?

---

DIRECTIONS

Address: 330, Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

Nearest subway stations: Yeouinaru Station or Yeouido Station

Related Posts:

• BUY & TRY: Korea Street Food
• Hiking Bukhansan: Our Experience & Lessons Learned
• BUY & TRY: Korea Street Food Guide

---

PIN THIS!