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[K-TRAVEL⑥] Ttukseom·Jamsil·Banpo·Nanji Han RiverGong Won (수상) Leisure Complex... Forgetting the Heat with Water Sports on the Han River
In Seoul's downtown Han River, there are dynamic water and underwater activities that can turn sweltering heat into thrilling energy. Without having to travel far to mountains or valleys, one can escape the scorching sun by immersing themselves in refreshing splashes of water, finding temporary relief from the summer heat.
Under the blazing sun, paddleboards and wind surfers cut through the waves; wakeboarders enjoy exhilarating speeds for pure thrill; while yachts and tubesters offer romantic leisure against the river breeze. The Han River buzzes with people enjoying summer in their own unique ways. Adding to this is 'Seoul Summer Beach,' an urban oasis held at Gwanghwamun Square, making Seoul's summer even more diverse. This summer, it is another compelling reason to "visit seoul."
Swimming in Silver Waves: Paddleboard & Wind Surfing at Ttukseom Han River Park
Visiting Ttukseom Han River Park allows you to feel the most vibrant summer energy in Seoul. The stretch between Jamsil Bridge and Cheongdam Bridge has slow currents and wide riverbanks, offering ideal conditions for water sports. As summer begins, wind surfing sails unfurl over silver waves, and lines of paddleboards fill the river.
Especially, Ttukseom Han River Park is directly connected to Jayang Station on Line 7 subway, ensuring excellent accessibility. Enjoying water sports in the river at Ttukseom Han River Park offers a stunning view across to Seoul Olympic Stadium and Lotte Tower, Korea's tallest building with 123 floors and a height of 555 meters.
Walking along Ttukseom Han River Park toward Jamsil Bridge, you will encounter a long row of wind surfing facilities. Among the Han RiverGong Won (수상) Leisure Complex, this area has the highest number of wind surfing training companies operated by both public and private sectors. Wind surfing fees vary by company, typically ranging from 150,000 to 180,000 won for a single lesson and around 400,000 won for four lessons.
Wind surfing, which glides over the river using sails and wind power, offers the authentic taste of water sports. Due to the Han River's characteristic lack of rough waves, beginners can safely and systematically learn wind surfing techniques, attracting many new participants each year.
Paddleboarding involves standing or sitting on a board and paddling leisurely along the Han RiverYoo Ram-ha-neun (수상) Leisure Complex. It requires no special skills or physical strength, making it accessible to people of all ages and genders. Especially popular is the sunset paddleboard program experienced during twilight when the river turns red with the setting sun. Paddleboard lessons for beginners typically cost 50,000 won per two-hour session.
Recently, electric foil boards have emerged as another trend. Unlike wind surfing that relies on wind power, electric foils use electric motors to move the board across the water. The sensation of gliding just above the surface feels like flying over the Han River. Other water sports available include duck boats, water skiing, and wakeboarding.
The Ttukseom area is a hub for Han River water sports with numerous companies gathered here. After searching for desired experience programs on portal sites and selecting a preferred company to book, one can immediately begin enjoying Han River water sports. Even without special equipment or prior experience, visitors can enjoy various water activities under the guidance of instructors.
Romantic Relaxation on the Han River: Seokchon Island Tubester (Banpo Han River Park)
Located in Banpo Han River Park, Seokchon Island features 'tubesters,' a facility allowing visitors to fully experience the romance of the Han River. These are circular large tube-shaped boats where guests float leisurely on the flowing river for a private water experience. For families or couples seeking to create romantic memories at the heart of the Han River during summer evenings when daytime heat subsides, tubesters are highly recommended.
As twilight begins to paint the Han River with sunset hues, tubesters enter a picturesque scene like a painting. When darkness falls, soft LED lights mounted on the tubesters turn on, while Seokchon Island also illuminates, weaving light across the river. The sensation of gliding along the waves through this transition from sunset to night view creates beautiful memories that make one forget the summer heat.
The greatest charm of tubesters is the spacious table in the center of the boat, allowing for a picnic on the water. Guests can bring various foods and drinks such as chicken, pizza, and sandwiches to enjoy meals against the backdrop of the Han River, making it perfect for intimate time together.
Boats can be maneuvered in desired directions through simple handle operations, accommodating up to six passengers, ideal for families, couples, or friends. However, for safety reasons, life jackets must be worn at all times during boarding, and standing up from seats or leaning out of the boat is prohibited. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on board.
Tubesters operate with 30-minute and 60-minute usage tickets. Payment can be made in advance via portal sites or directly on-site before boarding. Operating from March to October, currently, the fee for a 30-minute ride is 35,000 won for 6-person capacity and 45,000 won for 8-person capacity.
Thrilling Wakeboarding in Apgujeong vs. Leisurely Yacht Touring in Jamsil
Water sports enjoyed on the Han River can be divided into those focusing on speed and those emphasizing relaxation. Within Jamsil Han River Park, Jamsil District and Apgujeong District exist separated by Hannam Bridge. These two areas showcase completely different faces: one offers thrilling races, while the other presents leisurely tours, revealing the contrasting summers of the Han River.
In Apgujeong District of Jamsil Han River Park, wakeboarding and water skiing are famous for delivering both thrilling speed and dazzling technical skills. Riders fix their feet on wakeboards attached to boats, gliding over artificial waves created by the moving boat. Initially, maintaining balance against the current is challenging, but there is great fun in learning progressively as one falls into the water. Apgujeong District of Jamsil Han River Park houses Yeo Reo (수상) Leisure Sports Shop, equipped with professional instructors and equipment to offer everything from beginner wakeboarding lessons to advanced riding experiences for experts.
In contrast, just next door in Jamsil District of Jamsil Han River Park, visitors can relax comfortably. Upon reaching Jamsil District, an unusual sight unfolds: many yachts docked in neat rows. The sight of white sails and sleek hulls gently swaying in the river breeze creates an illusion of being at a foreign resort rather than Seoul.
Visitors can also board yachts directly to experience a more special Han River. Options range from public tours accessible to everyone, private parties, to overnight yacht stays, offering great variety. Particularly, sailing during twilight when the sky and river turn golden is the highlight of yacht experiences. Simply sitting on an open deck admiring the sunset between majestic Han River bridges provides a healing moment. While aboard yachts, one can enjoy leisurely views of Namsan in downtown Seoul across the river and distant Bukhansan Mountain.
Nanji Seoul Water Sports Center
Located in Nanji Han River Park, Seoul Water Sports Center serves as a base camp where visitors can simultaneously experience Jeon Mun-jeok-in (수상) leisure activities, education, and relaxation on the Han River. As the first water-friendly facility within the Han River and Seoul's largest public mooring site, this Bok Hap (수상) sports facility features beautifully docked boats and a sophisticated support center building, bringing vibrant energy to the western waters of the Han River.
At Seoul Water Sports Center, basic education courses and experience programs are operated under the guidance of professional instructors. The Nanji water area is wide and calm, enabling stable experiences. Its greatest advantage is that even those new to water sports can learn safely and systematically. It provides an optimal environment for families with children and adults seeking new hobbies to comfortably connect with water.
Seoul Water Sports Center offers numerous water sports experiences selectable according to personal preferences. From popular kayaks and paddleboards to kiloboats where multiple people form a team to move together cooperatively, and dinghy yachts that sail solely using wind power, it operates diverse programs rarely encountered in daily life. For paddleboards and kayaks, the fee per person varies depending on weekdays, weekends, and time, generally ranging from 13,000 won to 18,000 won.
On the stylishly decorated second floor of the center, a café with panoramic views of the Han River through large glass windows is located. Simply sitting here enjoying the water view completely washes away daily fatigue. Merely gazing at the sparkling waves of the Han River or admiring brilliant sunsets makes this spot an urban hideout by the water.
Meanwhile, Han River Parks feature swimming pools and water play areas where visitors can forget the hot summer briefly even without learning water sports. Operating from June 19 to August 30, there are six locations in total: Ttukseom and Yeouido swimming pools, and Jamsil, Gwangnaru, Nanji, and Yanghwa water play areas. From July 3, some night openings apply. Fees are as follows: swimming pool children 3,000 won, teenagers 4,000 won, adults 5,000 won; water play area children 1,000 won, teenagers 2,000 won, adults 3,000 won.
Seoul Summer Beach Unfolding Amidst Downtown Skyscrapers
The 2026 Seoul Summer Beach, under the slogan 'Wave Summer, Play Seoul,' transforms Gwanghwamun Square and surrounding Sejong-ro Park into a giant urban beach. Visitors can enjoy refreshing water play in an urban vacation without traveling to beaches, valleys, or water parks.
This year's event runs for 21 days from July 20 to August 9. Notably, this year the food truck space has been expanded to allow visitors to fill their hungry stomachs with water play activities, and the event scale has been extended to include Sejong-ro Park. It is divided into three zones: Waterwave Zone behind the King Sejong Statue, Playwave Zone in front of the King Sejong Statue, and Playmarket Zone at Sejong-ro Park.
The main facility, Waterwave Zone, features a water slide with a large slide over 8 meters high and a large swimming pool, stimulating not only children's but also adults' sense of playfulness. Additionally, a water bucket that pours cool water from above is installed, instantly dispersing the city's heat.
In Playwave Zone, a sand playground called Sand Agit has been created. It adds romance as if visiting a real beach, while pop-up booths and photo zones from various brands enhance the experience. Meanwhile, in Playmarket Zone, food trucks with diverse menus serve delicious foods, and flea markets operated by unique small business owners provide charming sights to enjoy.
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*This content was translated by AI.
