Gangseo Marsh Ecological Park: On The Han River
The westernmost of the 11 Hangang Parks is the boggy and bird friendly Gangseo Marsh Ecological Park (강서습지생태공원). There are some really popular parks on the Han River and and some that you only find if you’ve rented bikes, or have a bike, and are passing through. Don’t miss this Han River Park and maybe take a picnic with you to enjoy an afternoon in Gangseo-gu.
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking. These funds go to maintain the site. Thank you for your support.)
How To Get There
Address: 279-23 27-gil Yangcheon-ro Gangseo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강서구 양천로27길 279-23)
Directions: Banghwa Subway Station, exit 2 and hop on the Gangseo Maeul Bus 06. There are also different buses to the area and if you are nearby, Gangseo Maeul Bus 07 also goes to the park. The last stop is the Ecological Park (생태공원)
Basic Info
Hours: 24 Hours
Admission: Free
Amenities: Convenience stores, Bicycle rental shops (W3,000 per hour) and bike lanes, Bathrooms available in the information center, Stroller Rentals, Soccer Fields, Basketball Courts, Croquet Court, Fishing
Preservation: Visitors are welcome to a point as they must remember that this area is not only for them to enjoy nature, but it is also a place for nature to be preserved.
The Place Where The Reeds Wave
The park was established in 2007 and visitors can see numerous birds flying over wetlands and freshwater lakes surrounded with water loving plant species. The 8.5 kilometer long stretch of area gives people the opportunity to learn about migratory birds in Korea and offers eco-education programs as well as provides recreational grounds for soccer, basketball and croquet.
Trails lead away from the bike path where only pedestrians are allowed to wander, though you can’t roam too far as the trails are clearly marked and small fences line the paths.
The dirt trails link up to wooden bridges that crisscross the area and they are quiet as many people out this far west are the bicyclists speeding by on the pavement. The only sounds once on the trails are the birds squawking and tweeting in the nearby brush.
Observatories with telescopes and binoculars are available for people to get a closer view while still maintaining some distance, but expect these areas to be closed when AI is an issue, as it is currently according to signs posted in the park.
Signs also warn visitors to look out for snakes, tell visitors where they might spot bunnies and warn bicyclists of deer in the area. All of that said, if you’re in the area, keep your eyes peeled! And one last thing to note, once you’ve gotten off the local bus and headed into the park, you will easily spot a convenience store and the area for bike rental.
While there, stock up on on water, food and anything else you might need because once you head out into the paths, there won’t be much if you keep heading west. Wooden decks are set up for visitors to sit and rest when not on the trails and are a perfect place for a little picnic and respite away from the city within the city.
Did you like this post? Pin It!
