Spend the Day on Nodeulseom Island in the Heart of the Han River

Located in the middle of the Hangang Bridge in Seoul, South Korea, Nodeulseom Island is a cultural entertainment spot open to the public.

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If you enjoyed the 2020 South Korean TV series 'Start-Up,' starring Bae Suzy, Nam Joo-hyuk, and Kim Seon-ho, you might recognize this location as one of the filming spots.

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In the TV series 'Start-Up,' Nodeulseom Island served as the fictional Silicon Valley, known as Sandbox. The drama portrays the challenges and triumphs of individuals navigating the world of startup companies. Through its engaging storyline and vibrant characters, 'Start-Up' has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide, shining a spotlight on Nodeulseom Island as not just a picturesque destination but also a symbolic setting for innovation and entrepreneurship.

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About the Island

From the 1930s to the 1950s, Nodeulseom, formerly known as Jungjido, functioned as a sandy plain utilized for recreational purposes. However, the development along the Hangang River in the 1960s and 1970s rendered Nodeulseom Island forgotten and inaccessible for over 50 years. In 2005, the Seoul Metropolitan Government acquired Nodeul Island. Efforts to restore Nodeulseom Island as a cultural space for relaxation and gatherings along the Hangang River began in 2012. In September 2019, Nodeulseom Island was revitalized as a "multi-cultural complex centered around music" — a beautiful space brought to life through the collective dreams of many, where nature, relaxation, and culture coexist.

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Things to do on Nodeulseom Island

There are numerous cultural activities and delectable food and drinks available on the island, making it an ideal destination for spending an entire day. You can grab some food and enjoy a picnic in the Nodeul Yard or by the water, take a leisurely stroll in the Nodeul Forest to spot the endangered Boreal Digging Frogs (맹꽁이), browse for your next read at the bookstore, listen to live music, and savor freshly brewed coffee at one of the cafes.

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Art

Nodeul Gallery 1F

Nodeul Live House 1F-2F

Nodeul Bookstore 1F-2F

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Cafes

Cafe V·O·I 1F

Cafe Olduvai 2F

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Restaurants

Nodeul Pub 1F (Craft Beer & Food)

Manyo Gimbab (Korean) 2F

The Pizza Sounds (Italian) 2F

Hootu Taco (Mexican) 2F

Blumetz (German) 3F

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Convenience Store

MeT:me  1F

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Map of Nodeulseom Island

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Address:

445 Yangnyeong-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

서울특별시 용산구 양녕로 445

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Website: nodeul.org

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Photo source: Seoul Metropolitan Government