Parks #10 in Mapo-gu

World Cup Park

4.5 · 1,736 reviews
Expansive, breezy, and reclaimed natural terrain
World Cup Park, 243-60 World Cup-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Interesting facts
1

The park is built on a massive landfill that processed over 92 million cubic meters of waste.

2

The methane gas collected from the underlying waste is used to power the park's facilities.

3

Haneul Park sits at an altitude of approximately 98 meters above sea level.

4

The park features 22 wind turbines that harness the constant breezes found at the higher elevations.

5

The site includes a 'Seoul Energy Dream Center' which is one of the city's first zero-energy public buildings.

Overview

World Cup Park is a massive ecological complex in Seoul, South Korea, built upon a former landfill site used for domestic waste between 1978 and 1993. The park comprises five distinct zones: Pyeonghwa (Peace) Park, Haneul (Sky) Park, Noeul (Sunset) Park, Nanjicheon Park, and Nanji Hangang Park. Haneul Park is located on the highest elevation point of the complex and is famous for its extensive silver grass fields. Noeul Park features a public golf course and extensive camping facilities. The site was redeveloped as part of the infrastructure projects surrounding the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The Han River borders the southern edge of the complex, providing significant waterfront access. The park utilizes methane gas extracted from the former landfill to generate electricity and heat. Various ecological restoration programs have successfully transformed the landfill terrain into a biodiverse natural habitat.

Photo spot

The elevated viewing platforms at Haneul Park providing a panoramic perspective of the Han River and Seoul skyline.

Insider tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the park covers a very large area with significant inclines.

Bring your own water and snacks, as options are limited on the upper plateau of Haneul Park.

Visit the visitor center in Pyeonghwa Park first to grab a map of the five connected zones.

What to avoid

Do not rely on walking to reach all five parks in one visit; the total area is vast enough that you may need to prioritize one or two zones.

Good to know

Haneul Park is occasionally restricted at night for safety and conservation; specific areas may close during extreme weather conditions.

Etiquette

Stay on designated paths in Haneul Park to protect the silver grass; do not pick flowers.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-5 hours
Best time to visit
Autumn, specifically October, to see the silver grass in full bloom and enjoy temperate weather.
Address
World Cup Park, 243-60 World Cup-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
37.564, 126.894
Get directions
Details
Park Zones5 distinct areas (Pyeonghwa, Haneul, Noeul, Nanjicheon, Nanji Hangang)
Recreational FacilitiesPublic golf course, camping grounds, and ecological trails

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Autumn, specifically October, to see the silver grass in full bloom and enjoy temperate weather..

The elevated viewing platforms at Haneul Park providing a panoramic perspective of the Han River and Seoul skyline.

Close by you'll find Seoul World Cup Stadium, Haneul Park, Mangwon Hangang Park.

South Korea

About Mapo-gu