Last June 18th, the Seoul government officially opened “Seoul Forest”, a new park located in Gangbuk (north of the river). There are already a number of parks in the city but this new edition is intended to rival Central Park in New York. My husband and I went there on July 3, during the summer season. The park is a 20-minute drive from where we live. It’s a 5-minute drive from my second brother-in-law’s house. During that time, the parking space can only accomodate about 300 cars. There were so many cars parked illegally around the park, ours included.
The park is a 10-minute walk to the Ttukseom subway station (line 2). There are shuttle buses provided to by the local government from the subway. I think they had to do this to encourage people not to bring their cars as parking is limited. The good thing is there is no entrance fee.
There are a variety of trees planted inside the park. They aren’t just tall enough to provide shade during the summer season. As you can see in the pictures, the trees are still young.

Part of the location of the forest used to be a horse-racing stadium. That’s why you’ll find a stable and a small enclosed space for practising equestrians. There is also a man-made lake and a playground for kids. Most families enjoy picnic either on the greens or on wooden picnic tables.

For now, the place seems like an ordinary park. That’s why I can’t wait for the trees to grow tall so we can enjoy a real forest inside the city.

Last June 18th, the Seoul government officially opened “Seoul Forest”, a new park located in Gangbuk (north of the river). There are already a number of parks in the city but this new edition is intended to rival Central Park in New York. My husband and I went there on July 3, during the summer season. The park is a 20-minute drive from where we live. It’s a 5-minute drive from my second brother-in-law’s house. During that time, the parking space can only accomodate about 300 cars. There were so many cars parked illegally around the park, ours included.
The park is a 10-minute walk to the Ttukseom subway station (line 2). There are shuttle buses provided to by the local government from the subway. I think they had to do this to encourage people not to bring their cars as parking is limited. The good thing is there is no entrance fee.
There are a variety of trees planted inside the park. They aren’t just tall enough to provide shade during the summer season. As you can see in the pictures, the trees are still young.

Part of the location of the forest used to be a horse-racing stadium. That’s why you’ll find a stable and a small enclosed space for practising equestrians. There is also a man-made lake and a playground for kids. Most families enjoy picnic either on the greens or on wooden picnic tables.

For now, the place seems like an ordinary park. That’s why I can’t wait for the trees to grow tall so we can enjoy a real forest inside the city.