The Best Picnic Spots in Seoul & How to Prep Like a Champ

August 31, 2022 is Eat Outside Day. Here in Korea, the sun is shining, and the rain is almost gone, finally. This means we are getting on towards the best time of the year, picnic season. So, where are we going to celebrate? What are the best picnic spots in Seoul? And what do I need to bring to picnic like a pro? Here are six picnic spots in Seoul you’ll want to try during your visit. 

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‍Namsan Park

In Yongsan-gu, at the entrance of Seoul’s Grand Hyatt hotel is a pedestrian bridge that connects to the beautiful Namsan Botanical Park. The park is open and free to the public. Take a stroll through the botanical garden, it’s beautifully landscaped with numerous picnic spots, there are probably 5-6 locations in the park with picnic tables. If you’re feeling more adventurous, hit the trails and find a quiet space on the mountainside to enjoy a picnic. Namsan Park is a great place to spend an afternoon. 

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‍What should I order?

Order from any restaurant in the Itaewon, Kyunglidan, or HBC area for the quickest service. My suggestions for the perfect Namsan Park picnic include:

1. Linus BBQ  - When in Rome, you don’t miss out on an all-time classic. BBQ is the perfect choice for an afternoon or early evening picnic, and Linus’ BBQ never disappoints. The brisket & pulled pork are a must, but a picnic isn't a picnic without the sides. Also, it's Korea, so add a beer or two to your order to enjoy in the park, because you can.
2. The Royal Food & Drink - So, maybe you slept in on a Saturday, and you haven’t had  your coffee yet, but you want to get outside. We’ll meet you with the coffee and bagel sandwiches at the park entrance so you can have a quick brunch on your way up the mountain with some friends. 
3. Gino’s Pizza - Pizza in the park is a great idea. Bring beer or wine from the convenience store, put down a blanket, and enjoy a dose of instant happiness. A great way to spend an early or late evening recharge. 

Hot Tip - Bring some bug spray, especially at dusk. The mogis are fierce. Like. Seriously. Fricking. Ninjas. Also, if you have wheels, they have parking! If you don’t have wheels, take the local #3 green bus to the end of the line. 

Shuttle Meet Up Point - Use your map to set your location. Drop a pin by the local bus stop in front of the Hyatt, and we’ll meet you there. Or, you can enter the following address:

Use English Address: 258-467 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 

Use Korean Address: 서울 용산구 이태원동 258-467

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Yeontral Park

In Mapo-gu, near Hongdae Station Exit 3 is the Gyeongui Line Forest Park, more affectionately known as Yeontral Park. In the Yeonnam-dong area, the reclaimed spaces of West Seoul’s former Gyeongui Line, have become a popular park district. It’s a designed space with a modern and sleek design, the trees are still a little immature, but it’s a great spot to meet up with friends and enjoy some fresh air. It can get packed on the weekends and a good picnic spot may be hard to come by, but just keep walking and you’ll find a suitable spot to throw down a blanket. 

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‍What should I order?

Order from restaurants in Yeonnam-dong or Hongdae. My suggestions for the perfect Yeontral Park picnic include:

1. Plant Cafe - You’re in Hongdae, you’re feeling young, feeling healthy. A healthy picnic in the park is just in keeping with the vibe. Plant Cafe has great salads, wraps, and sandwiches that are perfect for a vegan meal outside.  
2. The Slice Pizza - Square pizza in the park? Yeah, that sounds like a great idea. To me, pizza is one of the ultimate picnic foods. You won’t need cutlery, plates, etc., and there is no mess to clean up. The Slice is a local delicacy you’re going to enjoy eating outside. 
3. Jilhal Bros - Don’t feel like waiting? Place a pickup order at Jihal Bros and walk just 30m to grab your Lamb Rice Wrap. Jihal Bros makes some tasty wraps and rice bowls that won’t break the bank and can be eaten on the roll. They make a perfect meal or quick snack in the park! 

Hot Tip - A good selection of local and domestic craft beers are available at local shops and convenience stores. Also, bring something to sit on, a picnic blanket or otherwise, the benches are usually taken. 

Shuttle Meet Up Point: Drop a pin wherever you’re at, the whole park is pretty accessible for delivery drivers, but near Hongdae Station Exit 3 will be an easy spot to receive a delivery. Or, you can enter the following address:

Use English Address: 230 Dongyo-ro, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Use Korean Address: 서울 마포구 동교동 190-1

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‍Han River Park @ Banpo Floating Islands

‍In Seocho-gu, near the Express Bus Terminal, at the entrance of the Jamsu-gyo (Underwater Bridge) are the Banpo Floating Islands. The surrounding area is a popular meeting spot and probably one of the best places in Seoul to enjoy a picnic by the Han River. At night, Banpo Bridge even has a fountain and light show. A local convenience store makes it easy to stay hydrated, but everyone orders food to the park and fried chicken is the local go-to. 

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‍What should I order?‍

Order from nearby restaurants in Bogwang-dong or Itaewon. My suggestions are:

1. Mom’s Touch - Visiting the river is an occasion for chicken, fried chicken, and lots of it. Mom’s Touch isn’t far away and has everything you’ll need to feast in style, Korean style. Bone in or boneless, you can’t go wrong really. Just get a couple boxes and BYOB.
2. Gino’s NY Pizza - Pizza makes for a great evening picnic at the river. There is literally no better feeling than a warm pizza box on your lap. If you’ve got numbers, order a few pizzas, you’ll eat it. Don’t forget the drinks, or check out a local convenience store.

Hot Tip - Bathrooms can be a hike. Select your picnic spot strategically. Also, at certain times of the year, this park may not be accessible (at the time of writing, the park is under water). Be advised, delivery may not be available during some times of the year. 

Shuttle Meet Up Point:  Drop a pin on the main road, just by the crosswalk before the start of the Jamsu-gyo.Or, you can enter the following address:

Use English Address: 649-1 Banpo 2(i)-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul

Use Korean Address: 서울 서초구 반포동 649-1 

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Yongsan Family Park 

In Yongsan-gu, near the National Museum (closest to Ichon Station Exit 2) is Yongsan Family Park. The park is totally underrated. It has a beautiful pond, nice open picnic spots, old growth trees, and even an open yard to toss a frisbee. 

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What should I order?

Order from restaurants in HBC or Bogwang-dong. My suggestions are:

1. Cali Kitchen - When you want a beach party, but settle for a picnic in a park with a pond. Burgers, burritos, nachos, burrito bowls, Cali style. Some of the best eats in Itaewon, with great finger foods to share.  
2. Plant Cafe - If you’re out with the family and you want a healthy option, you can’t go wrong with Plant, everything is vegan and everything is delicious. 
3. Pineapple Express - A new local favorite, Pineapple Express serves Chicken and Shrimp rice bowls. Add some sides and you’ll have a meal that delivers well for a large group of people. 

‍Hot Tip - Parking is a nightmare here. Go early for a spot, take a taxi, or ride your bike, but avoid this parking lot. If you must drive, I suggest that you park at the National Museum and walk over. 

Shuttle Meet Up Point - The Yongsan Family Park parking lot is the best place to meet us. Drop a pin in the corner of the parking lot nearest to the entrance and we’ll meet you there. Or, you can enter the following address:

Use English Address: 93-6 Yongsandong 69(yuk)-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Use Korean Address: 서울 용산구 용산동69가 93-6

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Seoul Forest Park

In Seongdong-gu, closest to Seoul Forest Station Exit 3, is the entrance to Seoul Forest Park. It is one of Seoul’s newer parks and a totally hip spot to have an afternoon picnic. The Seongsu-dong area is Seoul doing its best imitation of Brooklyn—the area is home to loads of coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries that deliver to various areas of Seoul Forest.  

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‍What should I order?

Order from restaurants in Seongsu-dong. My suggestions are:

1.  Hot Bird - Do it Korean style with chicken in the park. Chicken burgers & chicken tender are perfect for the park, and you won’t need forks and knives. Do try the Tenders & Waffles. Great prices too!
2. Kebab Inn - Kebabs in the park are a no-brainer, the Lamb Wrap and Mix Wrap deliver well and make a tasty snack or meal in the park. 

Hot Tip - Always be on the lookout for K Pop stars taking a quick walk in the park as the park area is also home to SM Entertainment. 

Shuttle Meet Up Point - Just up from the BTS Bench on the corner, let’s meet here before you venture off into the park.

‍Use English Address: 649-1 Banpo 2(i)-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul

Use Korean Address: 서울 서초구 반포동 649-1 

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Han River Park Apgujeong

In Gangnam-gu’s Apgujeong neighborhood you’ll find some nice entry points to the Han River Park. The park has loads of paved paths to walk along. Near the Hangang Park Stadium Track, you’ll find loads of spots to have a picnic. The yards are big, there are shaded areas, but you’ll need to search for a good tree or suffer under the hot sun all afternoon. There are great views of the Han River and the Northwestern cityscape.The area is a popular spot in the evenings for bikers, bicyclists, and walkers to access the river walkways. 

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‍What should I order?

Order from restaurants in Apgujeong-dong. My suggestions are:

1. Gino’s Pizza - It’s Gino’s, you’re not working, and you’re in a park, it’s the perfect way to celebrate. Grab some beers at a local convenience store or order some craft beers and you’re on your way to a fun time at the Han River. 
2. March Rabbit - Maybe you are headed to the river to get some exercise, meet a friend for a walk, or just do some yoga by the river. In this case, you should order from March Rabbit. They have tasty, healthy meals at a really fair price.

Hot Tip - This area can be really busy and typically has the most traffic and active parking lot. Not an ideal destination if you are looking for something quiet, but it makes for a convenient place to leave a car nearby. 

Shuttle Meet Up Point - Drop a pin and we can meet up in the corner of the parking lot or use the following address and we’ll meet you there. 

‍‍Use English Address: 380-2 Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Use Korean Address: 서울 강남구 압구정동 380-2

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