Han hangouts: Summer fun on and along the river

K-campus

Published: 04 Jul. 2024, 14:09 Updated: 04 Jul. 2024, 14:24

Han hangouts: Summer fun on and along the river

With the summer weather in full swing, the Han River is a panacea for summer boredom or blistering hot temperatures.

Instead of staying indoors under the air conditioning, getting some Vitamin D and fresh air can lift your summer moods. From extreme water sports to leisurely camping on the river, there are so many opportunities to make good memories and have some fun by the river.

If you want some more dopamine in your summer life, here are four activities for maximum enjoyment of the Han River.

Watersports on the Han River

A man glides over the Han River on a waterski. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Gliding over the water at high speeds while friends cheer you on is a popular thrill. At various locations on the Han River, there are marinas with speedboats lined up on the docks, ready for adrenaline junkies looking to conquer the water with speed.

The marinas are open for water skiing, wake-surfing or wakeboarding, helping people cool down and enjoy the Han River from a fresh perspective.

Most shops are open for first-timers as well, with beginner courses and plenty of other options.

For example, River City Waterski, located on the southern side of the Han River between Hannam Bridge and Dongho Bridge, offers both water skiing and wakeboarding for 30,000 won ($20) or less. Wake-surfing and other beginner water sports classes are offered at 70,000 won.

For those who don’t enjoy the speed and thrill of extreme sports, the marinas in Seoul also offer kayaks and paddleboards. An opportunity to take a break from the city hustle to paddle a kayak through the heart of the city can be a great change of pace.

@rivercity_official
Address: 37-53 Apgujeong-ro 11-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul (서울 강남구 압구정로11길 37-53)
Operation Hours: 06:00 – 20:30
Phone number: 0507-1409-3314
Website: http://www.hanrivercity.com/

Cross-Seoul biking course along the Han River

Families ride along a bike course over the Han River. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Korea has an 1,800-kilometer (1,118-mile) cross-country bike route that allows riders to enjoy beautiful scenery. But for those who want a shorter bike route, a portion of the route that goes along the Han River can be a good alternative.

There are two variations to the Han River course, with one option being to ride from Ara Hangang Gabmun Certification Center to Yeoui Island, then to Ttukseom Complex Certification Center, and finishing at Paldang Bridge. The second variation replaces the Ttukseom Complex Certification Center with Gwangnaru Bicycle Park.

The Seoul portion of the course is 56 km long, which is approximately a four-hour bike ride.

The bike course also has verification centers and stamps at locations such as Yeoui Island, Ttukseom and Gwangnaru. These stamps can be collected in the "Korea Cross Country Cycling Road Tour" passport, which is sold for 4,000 won at each certification center along the route. If bikers amass enough stamps, they can receive a certification medal, a certification statement and a certification sticker.

While the course is rated a two out of five for difficulty according to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, which operates the cross-country cycling routes, people are also welcome to bike portions of it or veer off on different courses or areas near the Han River. If you choose to, you could also break up the course into different sections and complete it over several days.

Ttareungi bicycles that are available to rent. [JOONGANG ILBO]

For those who don’t have bikes, there are also two options for borrowing bikes along the river. The first option is to find a Ttareungi, rental bikes located throughout the city. Anyone above the age of 15 can download the app to borrow a bike, and there are various options such as subscription plans or one-time passes that are 1,000 won an hour.

There are also twelve bike rental shops along the Han River with different models such as individual bikes, tandem bikes and mountain bikes, among others. The shops are located along the river banks, such as at Gwangnaru, Jamsil, and Banpo. The rentals must be returned to the original location and there are extra fees for late returns. Though prices vary for each shop, they are roughly around 6,000 won an hour for a tandem bike and 7,000 won an hour for a mountain bike.

Website: https://www.bike.go.kr

Han River Yacht Tour

People enjoy a sunset view on a yacht tour of the Han River. [JOONGANG ILBO]

If you ever dreamed of a luxurious getaway from the city life to the peaceful waves of the Han River, a yacht tour might be just what you’re looking for.

With various options, from hopping on a yacht tour going around the river to renting out an entire boat for a dinner with friends or a special date with a significant other, there are many ways to get a new perspective of the city. It’s also a chance to see various forms entertainment on the river closer than ever before, like the rainbow fountains on Banpo Bridge.

There are different yacht companies placed throughout the city in marinas with yachts of various shapes and sizes that can give you the experience of a lifetime.

For example, Hyundai Yachts, located on a marina in Seocho District, southern Seoul, offers a yacht tour on a 45-foot catamaran for 45,000 won per person. A pontoon boat cruise is 25,000 won per person. It also offers a Sunset Package, which is a 60-minute cruise with unlimited beer and nachos, priced at 68,000 won per person. The package will last from July 2 to Aug. 31 and is only open to passengers 19 years and older.

To rent a yacht privately for an hour, it is 250,000 won for the pontoon and 900,000 won for the yacht. Exact prices may differ depending on the yacht charter company.

@hyundaiyachts
Address: 350 Dongjak-daero, Seocho District, Seoul (서울 서초구 동작대로 350)
Operation hours: 13:00 – 22:00 (Closed on Mondays)
Phone number: 0507-1360-1976
Website: https://www.hdcosmos.com/main/main.html

Nanji Campground

Tents are set up at Nanji Hangang Park. [YONHAP NEWS]

Camping in the middle of the city next to the Han River can be a fun experience for all. Located in Sangam-dong of Mapo District, western Seoul, Nanji Campground gives people an opportunity to experience living in the wild without having to travel far.

The campground has various areas such as free camping zones, glamping zones, campfire zones, barbecue zones and normal camping zones. The campfire and barbecue zones are run based on select times and campers can stay overnight in other areas.

Luckily for campers, they’ve combined the freedom of living in the wild with the convenience of the modern world, with facilities such as parking areas, bathrooms, convenience stores, shower facilities and sinks.

Booking the campsites is important, as spots can be taken up quickly. The booking can be done through the Seoul Public Service Reservation site.

If you want to supplement your camping experience with even more activity, the campground is right next to Nanji Hangang Park, Nanji Wetlands and Nanji Water Playground. Regardless of age or preference, there is something for everyone to do around the area.

Address: 28 Hangangnanji-ro, Mapo District, Seoul (서울 마포구 한강난지로 28)
Phone number: 02-373-2021
Website: yeyak.seoul.go.kr

BY KANG SUNG-MIN [matthewskang@joongang.co.kr]