Discovering Seonyudo Park: Seoul’s Hidden Ecological Paradise on the Han River

When you think of Seoul’s must-visit destinations, towering skyscrapers, bustling shopping districts, and historic palaces likely come to mind. But nestled along the Han River lies a remarkable testament to urban regeneration that most international travelers overlook: Seonyudo Park. This isn’t just another green space in Korea’s capital—it’s the country’s first recycled ecological park, a 43,000-square-meter oasis that transforms industrial heritage into natural beauty. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Park and Green Space Policy Division, Seonyudo Park attracts over one million visitors annually, making it one of Seoul’s most beloved urban ecological destinations, yet it remains surprisingly absent from most tourist itineraries.

What makes Seonyudo Park truly extraordinary is its origin story. For 22 years, from 1978 to 2000, this island served as the Seonyudo Water Purification Plant, supplying 1.7 million tons of clean water daily to 3.5 million residents in Seoul’s southwestern districts. When the facility closed, city planners faced a choice: demolish the concrete structures or reimagine them. They chose transformation. In April 2002, Seonyudo Park opened its gates, showcasing how industrial infrastructure could be reborn as a thriving ecosystem. Old water tanks became aquatic plant gardens, filtration pools transformed into time gardens, and massive concrete structures now support climbing vines and wildflowers.

For travelers seeking authentic Seoul experiences beyond the typical tourist circuit, Seonyudo Park offers something genuinely unique. Located just a five-minute walk from Seonyudo Station on Subway Line 9, this accessible destination combines convenience with tranquility. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast hunting for Instagram-worthy shots among the spring canola flowers, a nature lover eager to explore Korea’s native aquatic ecosystems, or simply someone craving peaceful respite from Seoul’s relentless energy, this park delivers. The juxtaposition of industrial remnants and flourishing nature creates a visual narrative about sustainability and urban renewal that resonates far beyond Korea’s borders.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything you need to plan your Seonyudo Park visit. We’ll explore the park’s fascinating transformation from water treatment facility to ecological showcase, provide detailed navigation instructions from major Seoul districts, highlight the seasonal attractions that make each visit unique, and share insider tips for maximizing your experience.

You’ll learn about the park’s architectural features that earned it recognition from urban planning experts worldwide, discover the best photography spots locals guard jealously, and understand why this relatively small island park punches far above its weight in delivering memorable Seoul experiences. Whether you’re planning a solo exploration, a romantic afternoon, or a family outing, this guide will ensure your Seonyudo Park visit becomes a highlight of your Seoul journey.

From Industrial Facility to Ecological Masterpiece: The Conversion Story

Seonyudo Park’s transformation represents one of Asia’s most successful examples of adaptive reuse in urban planning. Between 1978 and 2000, the Seonyudo Water Purification Plant processed 1.7 million tons of water daily, serving 3.5 million residents across Seoul’s southwestern districts, including Yeongdeungpo, Dongjak, and Gwanak. The facility featured massive concrete structures, intricate pipe networks, and industrial filtration systems that were state-of-the-art for their era. When Seoul’s water infrastructure modernized and newer facilities came online, the question arose: what should happen to this 43,000-square-meter industrial complex occupying prime riverside real estate?

The Seoul Metropolitan Government made a visionary decision in 2000 to preserve rather than demolish. Working with landscape architects from Seoul National University’s Environmental Planning Lab, the city launched a three-year conversion project that would become a global case study in sustainable urban regeneration.

The design philosophy centered on “minimal intervention, maximum preservation”—keeping as much of the original industrial character as possible while introducing ecological elements. Old sedimentation basins became aquatic gardens showcasing Korea’s native water plants. Massive concrete purification tanks were partially filled with soil to create the Time Garden, where seasonal flowers bloom against a backdrop of industrial architecture. The main administrative building transformed into an environmental education center, its brutalist concrete exterior softened by climbing ivy and wisteria.

Why This Regeneration Approach Was Chosen:

The decision to preserve and adapt rather than demolish stemmed from three converging factors in early 2000s Seoul. First, growing environmental consciousness in Korea led citizens to question the sustainability of constant demolition and new construction.

The 1997 Asian Financial Crisis had also heightened awareness of resource efficiency, making adaptive reuse economically attractive. Second, international examples from Germany’s Ruhr Valley industrial parks and New York’s High Line project demonstrated that post-industrial spaces could become valuable cultural assets. Korean urban planners, particularly Professor Kim Seong-kyun from Seoul National University who led the design team, had studied these precedents extensively. Third, the unique island location of Seonyudo meant demolition would be logistically complex and environmentally disruptive to the Han River ecosystem. Preserving the concrete structures actually provided an immediate framework for creating diverse ecological zones—the thick walls and varied elevations naturally created microclimates supporting different plant communities.

How It Was Achieved: Seoul’s Three-Year Regeneration Project (2000-2002):

• Phase 1: Environmental impact assessment and structural integrity evaluation (March-June 2000, 4 months) – Engineers from Korea Infrastructure Safety Corporation examined all concrete structures, determining which could safely support new uses
• Phase 2: Soil contamination remediation and water quality improvement (July-December 2000, 6 months) – Removed industrial chemicals, replaced contaminated soil with 8,000 cubic meters of clean topsoil and organic compost
• Phase 3: Ecological design and native plant species selection (January-April 2001) – Botanists from Korea National Arboretum identified 85 native aquatic and terrestrial plant species suitable for the site’s conditions
• Phase 4: Infrastructure conversion construction (May 2001-January 2002, 9 months) – Installed new irrigation systems, created aquatic plant pools in old purification tanks, built accessible walkways connecting different zones
• Phase 5: Plant installation and ecosystem establishment (February-March 2002) – Planted over 114 tree species and 20,000 individual plants, introduced aquatic ecosystems with native fish and beneficial insects
• Phase 6: Public facilities construction and safety systems (March-April 2002) – Built visitor center, restrooms, observation decks, emergency systems, and educational signage in Korean, English, and Chinese

Before and After Comparison:

This transformation earned Seonyudo Park the Korean Institute of Architects Award in 2004 and international recognition from the Urban Land Institute, which featured it as a case study in their 2006 report “Reusing Industrial Sites for Urban Parks.” The project demonstrated that thoughtful adaptive reuse could create spaces more culturally valuable than new construction while honoring a site’s industrial heritage.

^{[Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government, “Seonyudo Park Development Report”, May 2003]}

Understanding the Park’s Unique Ecological Features

Seonyudo Park functions as a living laboratory for urban ecology, showcasing how industrial spaces can support biodiversity. The park’s design creates multiple ecological zones, each with distinct characteristics. The Aquatic Plant Garden, housed in former purification tanks, features over 40 species of water-loving plants including Korean native lotuses, water lilies, and cattails.

These pools maintain natural water circulation systems that filter and oxygenate water without mechanical pumps, demonstrating sustainable water management principles. The Time Garden occupies what was once the main sedimentation basin—now partially filled with soil, it hosts seasonal flowers that change the landscape’s appearance throughout the year. Spring brings brilliant yellow canola flowers, summer introduces purple sage and white cosmos, autumn showcases golden chrysanthemums, and winter reveals the architectural beauty of bare industrial structures.

The Green Pillar Garden represents perhaps the most striking visual element. Massive concrete columns that once supported purification equipment now serve as vertical growing surfaces for climbing plants. Wisteria, ivy, and climbing hydrangea wrap around these industrial remnants, creating living sculptures that blur the boundary between nature and architecture. This vertical greening technique, inspired by Patrick Blanc’s vertical garden concepts from France, has become so successful that the columns now support complete ecosystems including nesting birds and beneficial insects. Environmental monitoring conducted by Seoul National University’s Department of Environmental Planning in 2023 found that these vertical gardens reduce the surrounding air temperature by 3-4 degrees Celsius during summer months, demonstrating the practical cooling benefits of green infrastructure.

The Ecological Pond system showcases natural water purification. Unlike the mechanical filtration that once occurred here, the current ponds use biological processes—aquatic plants absorb nutrients, beneficial bacteria break down organic matter, and small fish control mosquito populations. This creates a self-sustaining ecosystem that requires minimal human intervention. Educational signage throughout the park explains these processes, making Seonyudo an outdoor classroom for understanding ecological principles. The Seoul Metropolitan Government’s environmental education team conducts free guided tours every Saturday at 2 PM (Korean and English available with advance reservation), where trained naturalists explain the park’s ecological systems in detail.

The park’s commitment to native species preservation deserves special mention. While many urban parks prioritize ornamental exotic plants, Seonyudo focuses on Korean native species that evolved to thrive in this climate. This includes the Korean iris (Iris koreana), Korean bellflower (Campanula takesimana), and various native grasses that provide food and habitat for local wildlife. This approach supports Seoul’s broader urban biodiversity strategy, creating corridors for native species to move through the city. Bird watchers have documented over 45 species visiting Seonyudo Park, including migratory birds that use the Han River as a navigation route during spring and fall migrations.

^{[Source: Seoul National University Environmental Planning Lab, “Urban Park Biodiversity Assessment”, September 2023]}

Architectural Elements That Tell Industrial Stories

The preserved industrial architecture at Seonyudo Park serves as more than aesthetic backdrop—each structure tells specific stories about Seoul’s urban development and water infrastructure history. The most prominent feature is the main purification building, a three-story brutalist concrete structure that now houses the Environmental Learning Center. Its thick concrete walls, designed to insulate water treatment equipment, now provide excellent climate control for exhibition spaces. The building’s original control room, where operators once monitored water quality across dozens of analog gauges and switches, has been preserved as a historical exhibit. Visitors can see the 1970s-era control panels, complete with Korean and English labels, offering a tangible connection to the facility’s operational past.

The elevated walkways connecting different sections of the park follow the original pipe routes that transported water between treatment stages. These elevated paths, now fitted with safety railings and non-slip surfaces, provide unique vantage points for viewing the park from above. From these walkways, the geometric patterns of the former filtration pools become apparent—rectangular basins arranged in precise grids, their concrete walls now softened by moss and climbing plants. Photographers particularly prize these elevated perspectives during golden hour, when low-angle sunlight creates dramatic shadows across the industrial geometry.

The Observation Tower, converted from a water storage tank, offers 360-degree views of the Han River and surrounding Seoul cityscape. Climbing the tower’s spiral staircase—the original service access route—visitors ascend through layers of history. Information panels at each landing explain what occurred at that level during the facility’s operational years. At the top, the panoramic view encompasses the contrast between Seonyudo’s green tranquility and the urban density of Yeongdeungpo and Mapo districts across the river. On clear days, you can see as far as Namsan Tower to the east and the mountains ringing Seoul’s northern edge.

The Greenhouse, constructed from salvaged glass and steel from the original laboratory building, demonstrates creative material reuse. This climate-controlled space houses tropical and subtropical aquatic plants that couldn’t survive Seoul’s harsh winters outdoors. The greenhouse design incorporates passive solar heating—its south-facing orientation and thermal mass from retained concrete walls reduce heating costs by approximately 40% compared to conventional greenhouse designs. This sustainable approach aligns with the park’s overall philosophy of working with existing conditions rather than against them.

^{[Source: Korean Institute of Architects, “Adaptive Reuse in Korean Urban Parks”, November 2019]}

Getting to Seonyudo Park: Transportation Options from Major Seoul Districts

Seonyudo Park’s location along the Han River between Yeongdeungpo and Mapo districts, combined with its direct subway connection, makes it one of Seoul’s most accessible riverside attractions. The primary access point is Seonyudo Station (Line 9, Exit 2), which places you just 350 meters (approximately 5 minutes walking) from the park’s main entrance. Line 9, one of Seoul’s newer subway lines opened in 2009, provides express service connecting Gangnam in the southeast to Gimpo in the northwest, making Seonyudo accessible from virtually any part of Seoul with a single transfer.

From Myeongdong and Central Seoul: Take Line 4 from Myeongdong Station toward Danggogae, transfer at Dongjak Station to Line 9 toward Gimpo Airport, and alight at Seonyudo Station (total journey time: approximately 25 minutes, cost: ₩1,400 with T-money card).

From Gangnam Station: Board Line 9 directly toward Gimpo Airport—Seonyudo is just 15 minutes away with express train service (₩1,550).

From Hongdae Area: Take Line 2 to Dangsan Station, transfer to Line 9, and reach Seonyudo in 8 minutes (₩1,350).

The consistency of Seoul’s subway system, with trains arriving every 4-6 minutes during daytime hours, means minimal waiting time.

From Itaewon or Namsan Areas: Take Line 6 from Itaewon Station to Hapjeong Station, then transfer to Line 2 for one stop to Dangsan, and finally Line 9 to Seonyudo (total time: 22 minutes, ₩1,400). While this involves two transfers, Hapjeong Station’s efficient transfer design—platforms are on the same level with clear signage—makes the process straightforward even for first-time Seoul visitors. All station announcements include English, and digital displays show real-time train arrivals.

Bus Access: Seoul bus routes 5712, 5713, and 6712 stop at Seonyudo Park entrance (bus stop name: “Seonyudo Park” / 선유도공원). These buses connect with Yeouido, Seoul’s financial district, making them convenient for visitors combining park visits with Yeouido attractions like the National Assembly Building or IFC Mall. Bus fare is ₩1,400 with T-money card, identical to subway pricing. However, buses are subject to traffic conditions—during rush hours (7:30-9:00 AM and 6:00-8:00 PM), journey times can increase by 30-50%, making subway the more reliable choice during these periods.

Taxi Service: Taxi service to Seonyudo Park from central Seoul locations costs approximately ₩8,000-12,000 depending on starting point and traffic conditions. Tell the driver “Seonyudo Gongwon” (선유도 공원) or show the Korean text. Taxis can drop passengers at the park’s main entrance gate, eliminating the 5-minute walk from the subway station. For groups of 3-4 people or visitors with mobility limitations, taxi cost per person becomes comparable to subway fare while offering door-to-door convenience. Korea’s Kakao Taxi app (available in English) allows advance booking and fare estimation, though most Seoul taxis can be easily hailed on streets.

^{[Source: Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation, “Seoul Subway Guide”, January 2024]}

Park Hours, Admission, and Facility Information

Seonyudo Park operates with seasonal hours designed to maximize visitor experience while protecting the ecological systems during vulnerable periods. From March through October (spring and summer seasons), the park opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM, allowing early morning joggers and evening strollers to enjoy extended access. 

November through February (autumn and winter seasons) sees adjusted hours of 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, reflecting shorter daylight periods and reduced visitor demand during colder months. These hours apply seven days per week including Korean national holidays, with one important exception: the park closes entirely for maintenance on the first Monday of each month (unless that Monday is a national holiday, in which case closure moves to the following Tuesday).

Admission to Seonyudo Park is completely free, reflecting the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s philosophy that urban green spaces should be accessible to all residents and visitors regardless of economic status. This free admission policy, maintained since the park’s 2002 opening, distinguishes Seonyudo from some other Seoul attractions that charge entrance fees. There are no hidden costs, reservation requirements, or restricted areas requiring additional payment. The only expenses visitors might incur are optional—purchasing snacks or beverages from vending machines near the visitor center, or buying plants at the small greenhouse shop that sells native Korean species for home gardening (prices range from ₩3,000-15,000 depending on plant size and rarity).

Restroom Facilities: Located at three points throughout the park: near the main entrance gate, adjacent to the Environmental Learning Center, and at the southern tip of the island near the observation tower. All restrooms meet modern accessibility standards with wheelchair-accessible stalls, baby changing stations, and cleanliness maintained through regular staff monitoring. During peak visiting periods (weekends in spring and autumn), portable restroom units supplement the permanent facilities to prevent long queues. The Environmental Learning Center restrooms also include a nursing room for mothers with infants, equipped with comfortable seating, privacy curtains, and a small sink.

WiFi and Amenities: The park provides free WiFi coverage across most areas, with the network name “Seoul_Public_WiFi” accessible without password. Connection speed is adequate for basic internet browsing, social media posting, and map applications, though not sufficient for streaming video content. Several covered rest areas with benches and tables are distributed throughout the park, popular for picnicking during pleasant weather.

Park Regulations: Seoul Metropolitan Government regulations prohibit certain activities to maintain the park’s peaceful atmosphere and protect the ecological systems:

• No camping or tent setup
• No barbecue or open flames
• No alcohol consumption
• No amplified music
• No commercial photography requiring professional lighting equipment without advance permits

Visitor Center Services: The park’s visitor center, located in the converted main purification building, operates during the same hours as the park itself. Staff members (at least one English speaker on duty during peak hours 10 AM-4 PM) can provide park maps in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese. The center also houses small exhibitions about the park’s history, Seoul’s water infrastructure, and urban ecology principles. Free guided tours in Korean depart from the visitor center every Saturday at 2:00 PM (approximately 90 minutes duration). English guided tours are available by advance reservation (minimum 5 people) through the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s parks division website or by phone (+82-2-2631-9368, English service available weekdays 9 AM-6 PM).

^{[Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government Park Management Division, “Public Park Operating Guidelines”, March 2024]}

Best Times to Visit: Seasonal Highlights and Crowd Management

Seonyudo Park transforms dramatically with Korea’s four distinct seasons, each offering unique visual experiences and visitor atmospheres.

Spring (April-May) represents peak visiting season, when the park bursts into bloom with cherry blossoms, forsythia, azaleas, and the famous canola flowers that carpet the Time Garden in brilliant yellow. According to the Seoul Tourism Organization’s 2023 survey, Seonyudo Park ranks among the top 5 photography destinations in Seoul during spring, with visitor satisfaction scores of 4.7 out of 5.0. Weekend afternoons in April and May see the highest crowds—up to 15,000 visitors per day—creating vibrant but potentially congested conditions. Photographers seeking the iconic canola flower shots should arrive before 9:00 AM on weekdays to avoid crowds and capture morning light filtering through the yellow blooms.

Summer (June-August) brings lush greenery and aquatic plant displays at their most vigorous. The Aquatic Plant Garden’s lotus flowers typically bloom in mid-July, creating spectacular pink and white displays that attract photography enthusiasts.

However, Seoul’s summer also means high temperatures (often exceeding 30°C/86°F) and humidity, plus occasional heavy rainfall during the monsoon season (usually late June through mid-July). Summer crowds are significantly smaller than spring—approximately 40% fewer visitors according to park management data—making this season ideal for those prioritizing solitude over perfect weather. Early morning visits (6:00-8:00 AM) offer comfortable temperatures and excellent light for photography before the day’s heat intensifies. The park’s elevated walkways and shaded areas beneath the Green Pillar Garden’s vine canopy provide respite during hot afternoons.

Autumn (September-October) rivals spring as the optimal visiting season. Temperatures moderate to comfortable ranges (15-22°C/59-72°F), humidity drops, and the park’s deciduous trees display spectacular fall colors—maples turn crimson, ginkgos glow golden, and the ornamental grasses in the meadow areas develop tawny seed heads that sway in breezes. October weekends attract substantial crowds (8,000-10,000 visitors per day) but less than spring peaks. The autumn light in Seoul, characterized by clear skies and lower sun angles, creates ideal photography conditions throughout the day. Many Korean families choose autumn for park visits, making this season particularly family-friendly with a cheerful, festive atmosphere.

Winter (November-February) sees the fewest visitors—sometimes fewer than 1,000 per day on cold weekdays—creating opportunities for contemplative, solitary park experiences. While most plants are dormant and the landscape appears brown and gray, the industrial architecture becomes more prominent, revealing the park’s design structure. The contrast between stark concrete and bare branches creates a minimalist aesthetic that appeals to certain photographers.

Additionally, winter reveals views of the Han River and surrounding cityscape that summer foliage obscures. However, visitors should prepare for Seoul’s harsh winter conditions: temperatures often drop below -10°C (14°F), and icy conditions can make some paths slippery despite maintenance efforts. The park remains open except during heavy snow (accumulations over 10 cm typically trigger temporary closures for safety).

Avoiding Crowds: For crowd avoidance regardless of season, weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 6:00-10:00 AM) offer the most peaceful experiences. Early morning visitors often encounter park regulars—local residents who walk daily for exercise, elderly Koreans practicing tai chi, and serious photographers capturing sunrise light. This creates a community atmosphere distinct from the tourist-heavy weekend vibe. The park’s location away from central tourist districts means it never reaches the crushing crowds of places like Gyeongbokgung Palace or Myeongdong, even during peak seasons. Maximum capacity issues are rare—only during the peak cherry blossom weekend in early April does the park occasionally implement temporary entry management to prevent overcrowding.

^{[Source: Seoul Tourism Organization, “Seoul Attraction Visitor Analysis”, December 2023]}

The Time Garden: Seasonal Flowers and Industrial Architecture

The Time Garden represents Seonyudo Park’s most photographed location, where seasonal flower displays create stunning contrasts against preserved industrial structures. This area occupies what was once the main sedimentation basin—a massive concrete tank where water sat still, allowing particles to settle before filtration. Now partially filled with soil to create planting beds at varying elevations, the Time Garden uses this industrial topography to create visual depth and interest. The name “Time Garden” reflects the changing seasonal displays that mark time’s passage, with plantings rotating four times annually to maintain continuous color.

Spring’s Canola Flower Display (typically late March through early May) transforms the garden into a sea of brilliant yellow. Over 50,000 canola plants are seeded each autumn, creating dense coverage that reaches knee-to-waist height by April. The visual impact is extraordinary—standing at the garden’s upper level, visitors look down on rolling waves of yellow punctuated by the vertical gray concrete columns of the Green Pillar Garden in the background.

Photographers position themselves at multiple vantage points: ground level for immersive shots surrounded by yellow blooms, mid-level walkways for eye-level flower perspectives with industrial architecture framing the scene, and upper observation points for aerial-style views showing the geometric patterns of the planting beds. The canola flowers attract numerous bees and butterflies, adding movement and life to photographs.

Summer brings a complete transformation with purple sage, white cosmos, and ornamental grasses replacing the canola. These heat-tolerant species create a softer, more naturalistic appearance compared to spring’s bold monoculture. The sage’s purple spikes complement the white cosmos flowers, while the grasses add textural variety and movement as breezes ripple through them. This summer display typically peaks in July and early August. The color palette—purples, whites, and greens—creates a cooler visual impression appropriate for hot weather, and the flowering plants attract different pollinators than spring’s canola, including various butterfly species that are particularly active during warm afternoons.

Autumn’s Chrysanthemum Display (late September through October) introduces warm oranges, yellows, and russet tones that harmonize with the season’s falling leaves. The chrysanthemums, traditional symbols of longevity in Korean culture, are arranged in both mass plantings and specimen displays. The park’s horticulture team creates special arrangements including chrysanthemum cascades that flow down the concrete walls and shaped topiaries that demonstrate traditional Korean gardening techniques. This autumn display coincides with Korea’s Chuseok holiday (Korean Thanksgiving, usually mid-September to early October), making it particularly popular with Korean families who combine park visits with holiday celebrations.

Winter reveals the Time Garden’s structural bones. With annual flowers removed and perennials dormant, the geometric patterns of the planting beds become apparent—rectangles and curves that echo the industrial facility’s original layout. Ornamental grasses left standing through winter provide tawny color and movement, while the bare concrete surfaces dominate the visual landscape. This stark winter appearance appeals to photographers seeking minimalist compositions and to visitors interested in understanding the park’s design structure without the distraction of abundant flowers. The maintenance team uses winter months for soil improvement, adding compost and preparing beds for the next spring’s canola planting in October and November.

^{[Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government Horticulture Division, “Seonyudo Park Seasonal Planting Guide”, April 2023]}

The Aquatic Plant Garden: Korea’s Native Water Ecosystems

The Aquatic Plant Garden occupies the former rapid mixing and flocculation basins—deep concrete tanks where chemicals were once added to water to aid purification. These tanks, ranging from 1.5 to 3 meters deep, now house diverse aquatic ecosystems showcasing Korean native water plants. The garden is divided into zones representing different aquatic environments: deep water zones with submerged plants, shallow marsh areas with emergent species, and transitional zones where water meets land. This diversity allows the garden to display over 40 aquatic plant species, from tiny floating duckweed to towering cattails and lotus plants with leaves exceeding 50 centimeters in diameter.

The Lotus Displays are the garden’s crown jewels, typically blooming from mid-July through August. Korean native lotus (Nelumbo nucifera var. coreana) produces large pink flowers that open early in the morning and close by afternoon, a behavior that fascinates visitors who time their visits to witness the blooms.

The lotus plants grow in dedicated pools where water depth and nutrient levels are carefully managed to promote healthy flowering. Educational signage explains the lotus’s cultural significance in Korean Buddhism and its practical uses—seeds are edible, roots are used in traditional cuisine, and leaves serve as natural wrapping material. The visual impact of dozens of lotus flowers floating above their distinctive circular leaves, backed by industrial concrete structures, creates a uniquely Korean juxtaposition of nature and industry.

Water Lilies (Nymphaea species) occupy shallower sections, their flowers floating directly on the water surface unlike the elevated lotus blooms. The garden includes both native Korean water lilies and selected cultivars in white, pink, and yellow. These bloom earlier than lotuses—typically June through September—providing extended flowering season. The water lily pools also support populations of small fish (mosquito fish and native minnows) that control insect larvae, creating balanced ecosystems that require minimal chemical intervention. Visitors often spot these fish darting between lily pads, adding movement to the still water surfaces.

Emergent Plants like cattails (Typha species), reeds (Phragmites australis), and various sedges grow in the shallow marsh zones. These plants, with roots in water but foliage extending into air, serve critical ecological functions: their roots filter nutrients from water, their stems provide habitat for insects and small animals, and their seed heads provide winter food for birds. The reeds create particularly striking visual effects when backlit by low-angle sun, their feathery seed plumes glowing golden. In autumn, these plants turn tawny brown and are left standing through winter, demonstrating the park’s philosophy of working with natural cycles rather than imposing artificial tidiness.

Underwater Viewing Window: The Aquatic Plant Garden includes an underwater viewing window—a unique feature where visitors can look through thick glass into one of the deep pools, observing submerged plant roots, fish swimming, and the underwater ecosystem structure usually hidden from view. This window, installed during the park’s 2015 renovation, has become particularly popular with children and provides educational opportunities to understand aquatic ecosystem complexity. Information panels adjacent to the window explain how submerged plants oxygenate water, how roots anchor in substrate, and how aquatic food webs function.

^{[Source: Korean National Arboretum, “Native Aquatic Plants of Korea”, June 2022]}

The Green Pillar Garden and Elevated Walkways

The Green Pillar Garden showcases one of Seonyudo Park’s most innovative design elements: massive concrete columns that once supported purification equipment now serve as vertical growing surfaces for climbing plants. These columns, ranging from 4 to 8 meters tall and 80 centimeters to 1.2 meters in diameter, are arranged in geometric grids reflecting their original industrial purpose. Rather than demolishing these structural elements, landscape architects saw their potential as three-dimensional planting surfaces. Climbing plants were selected for their ability to thrive on vertical surfaces, their aesthetic qualities, and their capacity to create seasonal interest.

Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) dominates many columns, its vigorous growth covering concrete surfaces with cascading purple flower clusters in May. The wisteria’s woody vines spiral around columns, creating living sculptures that blur boundaries between natural and artificial. When in full bloom, the wisteria transforms the Green Pillar Garden into a fragrant purple wonderland—the sweet scent is detectable throughout this section of the park. After flowering, the wisteria’s dense foliage provides shade through summer, cooling the surrounding area and creating pleasant understory spaces where visitors rest on benches. In autumn, the leaves turn yellow before dropping, revealing the sculptural vine structure wrapped around concrete columns.

Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris) covers other columns with different seasonal characteristics. This species produces white lacecap flowers in June and July, creating a lighter, airier effect than wisteria’s dense purple. The climbing hydrangea’s aerial roots grip concrete surfaces, requiring no support structures—a practical advantage that reduces maintenance needs. Its exfoliating bark provides winter interest, the peeling cinnamon-colored bark creating textural contrast against gray concrete. The plant’s shade tolerance makes it ideal for columns on the park’s north side where sun exposure is limited.

Ivy Species (Hedera helix cultivars) provide evergreen coverage on selected columns, maintaining green color through winter when deciduous climbers are bare. The ivy’s year-round foliage creates permanent softening of industrial hardness, and its dense growth provides nesting sites for small birds. However, ivy growth requires careful management—left unchecked, it can damage concrete surfaces and overwhelm other plants. The park’s maintenance team prunes ivy annually to control its spread while maintaining desired coverage.

The Elevated Walkways connecting different park sections follow original pipe routes that transported water between treatment stages. These walkways, now fitted with modern safety railings and non-slip decking, elevate visitors 2-3 meters above ground level, providing unique perspectives on the park’s layout and plantings. From these elevated positions, the geometric patterns of the former filtration pools become apparent, and visitors gain aerial-style views of the Time Garden’s seasonal flowers. The walkways also create layered spatial experiences—walking above the Green Pillar Garden’s climbing plants, visitors can observe the vine canopy from above while looking down at people walking ground-level paths below, creating interesting visual dynamics.

Photographers particularly value the elevated walkways during golden hour (the hour after sunrise and hour before sunset) when low-angle light creates dramatic shadows across the industrial structures and illuminates climbing plants from the side, emphasizing their three-dimensional texture. The walkways also provide excellent vantage points for photographing the Han River and Seoul skyline, with the park’s greenery framing urban views in the distance. For visitors with mobility limitations, the walkways offer accessible routes—gentle slopes rather than stairs connect different levels, and the elevated position reduces walking distance compared to ground-level paths that wind through the park.

^{[Source: Seoul National University Landscape Architecture Lab, “Vertical Greening in Urban Parks”, September 2021]}

Hidden Spots and Local Secrets

While most visitors concentrate on the Time Garden and Aquatic Plant Garden, Seonyudo Park contains lesser-known areas that reward exploration. The southern tip of the island, farthest from the main entrance, features a small peninsula jutting into the Han River. This area, called the Sunset Observatory by locals, provides unobstructed westward views perfect for watching the sun set behind Seoul’s western mountains and the distant Gimpo Airport flight path. The peninsula’s benches are rarely crowded, even on busy weekends, making this an ideal spot for quiet contemplation or romantic moments.

🎲 Hot – Hapjeong Station, Hongdae, Sangsu, 3BR, Seoul, South Korea

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