Haneul Park: A Landfill Turned Into Heaven

When Haneul Park once a landfill turned into heaven and the best place to visit during the autumn season in Seoul at the World Cup Park.

In English, haneul means sky and the park literally offers you the view of the sky and the anticipating views of the land of Seoul and the Han River.

Haneul Park is one of the five parks of World Cup Park which was built to commemorate the 17th FIFA World Cup. Located in the highest part of the World Cup Park. The park was once a landfill where peanuts and sorghum grew and became and a mountain of garbage. When it reached its capacity the operation stopped in 1993, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government decided to turn the landfill into an ecological park. It became a good example that shows how a land full of garbage became a beautiful place.

There are different ways to get up to the top. You may either climb the 291 steps, hiking or take the buggy for 3000 KRW per person (2-way trip). I and my friends went there before the 18th Silver Grass Festival but honestly, there’s a lot of visitors already. The line at the ticket booth for the buggy was very long but we managed to wait.

Haneul Park’s “Bowl Full of Sky” is an observatory platform where you can take a 360-degree view of Seoul. The photos are taken from summer 2016 and autumn 2019 and this year the silver grasses are taller and bloomed beautifully than the last year’s. I went there and climbed up and saw how beautiful the scenery was. I saw how the government made this landfill into a beautiful place closer to nature. Closer ~ every step I made was worth it. Every corner was incredible.

Autumn

Yearly, the Seoul Metropolitan is holding a silver grass festival and this year was the 18th year held last October 18 to 24.  The festival is set where the silver grass is ready and in its full bloom. It takes 90% of the landfill plus the new pink muhly grass and Kochia.

Aside from seeing the silver grass visitors loved the newly trended pink muhly grass which will give you the best shot of you. If you are also looking for other places to visit during autumn, you may also read Best Autumn Destinations in South Korea.

In Korea, this grass usually turns pink and purple from the mid of September until November. The color pink represents happiness, cuteness, and tenderness which also brings a warm feeling. Also, the Olympic Park’s Wild Flower Garden has pink muhly grasses this time.

READ: Where to See Pink Muhly Grass in Korea this Autumn

Summer

Rest your eyes through the beauty of the rocks, grasses, and flowers. Though the flowers and grasses are in full bloom when we went here still it was a great experience. Spending time walking around the fields was a great experience and relaxing. I enjoyed the beautiful nature with a smile. They have cozy places where you can stop by and sit and watch the amazing views of the field.

The fields of silver grass gently dance with the wind of summer. The hues of green and golden yellow made it perfect. The park was relaxing on a fair-weather day. The wind was just perfect and made the grass wave lazily around like in the movies. This place made me feel closer to the sky.

I enjoyed taking photos in this photogenic park, especially the flowers and views of the field.  It allowed me to relax and disconnect from the city. My feelings and mind were at peace in this place. Watching and taking photos of the flowers made me feel happy. So wherever I go, there’s no reason to forget to take photos of the flowers. The flowers are perfect with each other.  Though the best time to come here is mid of Summer and Autumn because the grasses and flowers are fully blooming and it’s the most beautiful time in the park. In Summer, they have the Sunflower Festival and during Autumn they have the Eulalia Festival. Though I didn’t see sunflowers when we went here maybe because I went too early.

READ: 6 Ways to Enjoy Summer Vacation in Korea

Recommendation

Haneul Park is one of those places you can visit when you want to escape from the busy life in the city. And I would love to come back again and again. I would love to see this park again in a different season. I wonder what it will look like throughout the year! This park is highly recommended! Aside from Haneul Park, I also recommend to you visit Olympic Park and Seoul Forest.

Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes but don’t forget your OOTD.
• Bring food and water if you want to stay longer.
• The best shot of silver grass is sunset.
• Admission is free but the buggy costs 3,000 KRW (roundtrip) if you don’t want to walk.
• Visit with friends or family.
• Best place for photoshoots.

Address: 487-48 Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

How to get here?

By subway: 
Get off at World Cup Stadium Station on line No. 6 and head out of exit No. 1. Walk straight along the main road and turn right. Cross the street and take the overpass toward the park entrance. You will then find yourself at the base of the park’s “Stairway to Heaven.”

By bus:
Buses No. 271, 571, 7011, 7013, and 7715 stop in front of Haneul Park.

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What do you think of Haneul Park, is it yay or nay?

Xoxo, Hyejin 

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