Haneul Park and World Cup Park: a Seoul walk with an uphill choice

Start at World Cup Stadium Station, then choose the gentler Pyeonghwa Park or the climb to Haneul Park. Check access and weather before setting out.

Haneul Park and World Cup Park: a Seoul walk with an uphill choice

Start at World Cup Stadium Station, then choose the gentler Pyeonghwa Park or the climb to Haneul Park. Check access and weather before setting out.

You do not have to make the Haneul Park plateau the only goal. Seoul describes World Cup Park as a restored former landfill and identifies Pyeonghwa and Haneul as different park areas.[S1] If you want a lower-effort walk, spend your time in Pyeonghwa Park instead.

Choose your starting point

Use World Cup Stadium Station on Line 6 as a transit starting point. Seoul’s Haneul listing names World Cup Stadium Station on Line 6.[S2] Follow current signs after leaving the station and decide which park area you want. Do not assume an uninterrupted step-free pedestrian route from the station to the Haneul summit.

Decide whether the climb suits you

Haneul occupies higher ground within World Cup Park.[S2] Getting up and exploring the plateau are separate demands on your energy. If you use a stroller or mobility aid, ask park staff about the currently usable step-free approach and transport. An older Seoul description mentions the Maengkkongi electric cart, but its service, fare and boarding point need a fresh check.[S2]

Stay on the paths through the grasses

The grassland is worth seeing without treating any particular color or bloom as guaranteed. Keep to marked paths rather than entering planted areas. Bring water and an outer layer appropriate to the forecast: exposed ground can feel different from the sheltered streets below.

A path between silver grass in Haneul Park; path conditions can change. (Photo: [Vanessaliam](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Haneul-Park.jpg), [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)).

Views and the way back

A clear city view is weather-dependent. Leave room for other walkers when stopping for photographs. The circular viewing structure in the image may not always be accessible; check on site. For the descent, use current park signs to identify an official way down rather than assuming a shortcut between park sections or a single continuous loop.

A city view photographed from Haneul Park; visibility varies with weather. (Photo: [Maximefalco](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Haneul_Park.jpg), [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)).

The interior of the circular viewing platform at Haneul Park; access is not guaranteed. (Photo: [Ethan Doyle White](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Interior_of_the_Viewing_Platform_at_Haneul_Park.jpg), [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)).

Check just before you go

Consult Seoul’s park descriptions and on-site notices for current access, then check the forecast, air quality and sunset separately.[S1] A general World Cup Park hours listing is not permission to enter every part of Haneul after dark. Follow on-site closure signs during rain, strong wind or events.

Official references

• [S1] [Parks in Seoul — World Cup Park](https://english.seoul.go.kr/service/amusement/parks/)

• [S2] [Haneul Park, Seoul](https://english.seoul.go.kr/haneul-park-seoul/)

• Cover: [Ethan Doyle White](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grasslands_at_Haneul_Park_in_Seoul.jpg), [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0) — The grassland and distant tower at Haneul Park; not a current-season forecast.