Noeul (Sunset) Park
World Cup Park includes two parks--Haneul (Sky) Park and Noeul (Sunset) Park--that rise up into the sky thanks to man-made trash piles that have been turned into small mountains. Of the two parks, Haneul (Sky) Park gets more attention because of its proximity to the other parks. Although it can be easy to ignore Noeul (Sunset) Park under the assumption that it is identical to the more easily accessed Haneul Park, Noeul Park offers a vastly different experience once you get to the top.
The Scouting Report
"Noeul" means "sunset" in Korean. One evening spent on top of this mountaintop park will help you understand how Noeul Park got its name. Not only does the park provide a great view to the west so that sunsets over the Han River can be enjoyed, but it also has a huge camping area which is very popular. What better combination could there be? Sunsets and camping.
Of course, there are more reasons to visit Noeul Park. It is a surprisingly diverse park.
Setting up camp
Looking west over the Han River
Park Golf
Do you like the idea of golf but hate how expensive the game is? Do you think the game is too difficult? Would you enjoy it more if the balls AND cups were bigger? Enter --> Park Golf.
Most people are very unfamiliar with the game. Park golf originated in Japan as a version of golf that was more accessible to the masses. It is much less expensive and arguably less stressful. Although it can still be competitive, the unwritten rules of the game stress the social benefits of playing--the score doesn't matter, the time spent with friends on the course does.
Sculptures
This aspect of the park is one of the more peculiar ones. Scattered around much of the eastern half of the park, one will find an odd assortment of sculptures.
Some sculptures are big. Some are small. A few seem to blend in. A few stick out like a sore thumb. This outdoor art exhibit is worth a see if you are visiting the park.
This one is called "Puzzle" (not really)
This one is called "Half Butt" (not really)
Camping
Noeul (Sunset) Park can definitely be enjoyed as a day visit. Very easily so. However, there is a fantastic camping setup available. Why not make it an overnight trip?
There are several different zones available. Most of them are located in the center of the park or towards the southwest corner. They each have a few unique offerings but are essentially the same.
A centrally located convenience store and cafe provides everything you need for a basic overnight camping experience. Food and drinks are available. Camping equipment and toys also make the experience as comfortable and convenient as possible.
Perhaps best of all--depending on your particular point of view--is the car to tent (almost) shuttle service. You do not have to hike up the mountain with all your camping equipment. A shuttle frequently runs up and down the mountain from the park's parking lot to various spots around the park. It is a great luxury if you are looking to "rough" it in Seoul.
Things to Do
- Camping
- Date
- Picnic
- Park Golf
- Photography
- Sunset Gazing
Elsewhere on the Web
- Five Parks in One - by The Soul of Seoul
- Noeul Park Snow Slope - by Trazy
- World Cup Park Seoul - by Exploring Korea
- Nanji Camp
- Noeul Campground - by Visit Korea
- Park Golfing on a Fine Day (September 27, 2014) - by Seoul Toastmasters Club
- Camping - Noeul Campground - by Visit Seoul
- World Cup Park - by Life in Korea
- World Cup Park: From trash heap to urban green space - by Korea JoongAng Daily
- Spring by the Hangang River - by Seoul
- on...Seoul World Cup Park - by The Happy Wanderer
- Seoul World Cup Park - Beautiful... - by Korea Day and Night
- 노을공원 - by 월드컵공원 (Korean)
Nearby Parks
Gallery
To see more photos, check out the World Cup Noeul (Sunset) Park photo album.
YouTube
"Seoul World Cup, No-Eul Park" - by Henry Cho
Vine
Clips of World Cup Noeul Park
How To Get There
Where: Seoul-si, Mapo-gu, Sangam-dong
From Line 6 - World Cup Stadium Station (월드컵경기장역):
-Exit 1. Walk to the south gate of World Cup Stadium. The south gate leads directly into Pyeonghwa (Peace) Park.
-Once in Pyeonghwa (Peace) Park, you should notice a hill to the right. Look for the zig-zagging stairs that go up the side of the hill. Climb the stairs (all 290~ of them), and then follow the path to the right until you get to the park.
Walk to the complete opposite side of the park. Descend the steps, then walk up the mountain opposite you. That mountain is Noeul Park.
Alternatively, make your way to the Nanji Camping Ground in Nanji Hangang Park. Climb the zig-zagging stairs that go up the mountain on the opposite side of the freeway.
As you can see, getting to this park is a bit complicated. Perhaps its best to just look at the map below and do the best you can on your own. Good luck.
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Posted November 3, 2015