Seoul’s Urban Vacay: Han River Water Sports and Gwanghwamun Beach Park
Creatrip Team
23 days ago
As summer heats up, Seoul Tourism Foundation is promoting “urban vacations” on the Han River and in central Seoul instead of long trips abroad. Highlights include paddleboarding, windsurfing, wakeboarding, and electric foil (e-foil) rides at Ttukseom and Jamwon (Han River parks), plus sunset paddleboard tours. Saebitseom offers the Tubester (large inflatable motorboat) for private picnic-style cruises with LED lights and a table for up to six people (no alcohol allowed). In Apgujeong visitors can try adrenaline sports like wakeboard and waterski, while Jamwon’s marina offers yacht public tours, private parties and overnight “yacht stays.” Nanji’s Seoul Water Sports Center is a large base for lessons and beginner-friendly activities — from kayaks and paddleboards to dinghy yachts and team “keelboat” sessions — and includes a riverside café with panoramic views. From July 20 to August 9, Gwanghwamun and Sejong-ro will host “Seoul Summer Beach,” transforming the plaza into a city beach with three zones: Water Wave (including an 8 m water slide, large pool, and water bucket), Play Wave (sand play area, pop-ups, photo zones) and Play Market (food trucks and flea market). These programs aim to offer easy, refreshing summer experiences without leaving Seoul.
