The first week of April in Seoul was the perfect time to enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom. As the weather changes every year, the blooming season—which used to be in mid-to-late April—has been getting earlier and earlier. (Back in the day, I used to resent the blossoms for blooming during my mid-term exams in late April!) Since the flowers bloom and fall so quickly—and can disappear even faster if it rains—I always stay on high alert to make sure I don’t miss the peak cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
There are many famous cherry blossom spots in Seoul, such as Yeouido Hangang Park(여의도한강공원), Seokchon Lake(석촌호수), Yangjaecheon Stream(양재천), Seoul Forest(서울숲), Children’s Grand Park(어린이대공원), National Cemetery(국립현충원), and Deoksugung Palace(덕수궁). Personally, I try to avoid places that are too crowded, so I usually skip the top two major spots and explore others instead.
This year’s cherry blossom pick was Seonyudo Park(선유도공원). Interestingly, I haven’t spent much time on the western side of the Han River beyond Yeouido (for no particular reason), so it had been almost 20 years since my last visit to Seonyudo.
Seonyudo Park (선유도공원)
- Address: 343 Seonyu-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 06:00 – 24:00
- Homepage: parks.seoul.go.kr
- Map: Google Maps | Naver Map (Recommended for navigation in Korea)
Seonyudo was used as a water purification plant for southwestern Seoul until 2000, before being reborn as an eco-friendly park in 2002. A highlight is the “Garden of Green Columns,” designed by landscape architect Jung Young-sun. By removing the concrete roof of the former reservoir and leaving the pillars behind, she created a space for rest and contemplation, now beautifully draped in ivy.
How to Get There
Since I brought my car, I parked at Yanghwa Hangang Park (양화한강공원/ general vehicle parking is not allowed inside Seonyudo itself). For those using public transport, you can take Line 2 or 9 to Dangsan Station or Line 9 to Seonyudo Station, then hop on a bus that drops you right at the Seonyudo entrance. On a nice day, it’s also a very walkable distance from the subway stations.
Food Strategy: What to Eat?
Seeing the flowers is important, but deciding what to eat is a crucial mission! While you can order delivery or enjoy “Hangang Ramen” at a convenience store, I decided to grab some Tacos and Gimbap near Seonyudo Station to take with me.
(Note: As of April 2026, ‘Cafeteria Naru’ inside Seonyudo appears to be closed. If you’re craving Hangang Ramen, be sure to check Naver Maps beforehand or head to the convenience store at Yanghwa Hangang Park instead!)
Recommended Spots for Takeout:
1. Mexico Sikdang (Mexican Restaurant)
- Address: 1F, 31 Seonyu-ro 51-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 11:00 – 22:00 (Break time: 15:00 – 16:00)
- Map: Google Maps | Naver Map
2. Gimbap Cheoreom (김밥처럼)
- Address: 1F, 13 Yangpyeong-ro 22-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 10:00 – 21:00 (Break time: 15:00 – 16:00)
- Map: Google Maps | Naver Map
3. Ieatco (아잇코)
- Address: 1F, 13 Yangpyeong-ro 22-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 07:30 – 18:00
- Instagram: @ieatco
- Map: Google Maps | Naver Map
The Experience
After a long winter, there’s nothing quite like spreading out a picnic mat outdoors, chatting, and sharing delicious food. From Mexico Sikdang, we chose Soft and Hard shell tacos with beef and chicken. From the Gimbap(김밥) shop, we had Ham & Cheese and Tuna Gimbap. I tried Ieatco simply because it was right next to the Gimbap shop, and the iced Americano was surprisingly good!
We spent so much time enjoying the breeze, the cozy spot, and the great conversation that our “official” cherry blossom viewing didn’t happen until after sunset—though we did see plenty of blossoms while walking back and forth between Yanghwa and Seonyudo.
The view of the cherry blossoms against the Han River(한강) at night was incredibly romantic. Seonyudo has many Weeping Cherry Blossoms (Suyang-beotkkot/수양벚꽃), which look like willow trees with branches flowing downward. Watching them sway gently in the wind was truly beautiful.
Wrapping Up the Night
After a loop around the park to take photos, we headed back toward Yanghwa Hangang Park. I wanted to visit ‘Cafe Jinjungsung Hangang Coffee House‘ (there’s a Tea House right across from it) near the entrance of Yanghwa Bridge, but it was too late. Instead, we grabbed warm drinks from a convenience store and continued our walk.
Cafe Jinjungsung Hangang Coffee House (카페 진정성 한강편 커피하우스)
- Address: 313 Seonyu-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 09:00 – 20:00
- Instagram: @cafe_jinjungsung
- Map: Google Maps | Naver Map
Seven Eleven (Hangang Renaissance Yanghwa No. 1)
- Address: 203, Hangangnam-jajeongeo-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
- Map: Google Maps | Naver Map
Water Sports Training Center
- Address: 100 Dangsan-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
- Map: Google Maps | Naver Map
Behind the convenience store(7-ELEVEN), near the Water Sports Training Center, there’s a great spot close to the river where you can see Subway Line 2 passing by. You can also see the Yeouido in the distance. It’s a perfect place to just zone out and enjoy the river breeze.
Safe travels, Soy Kim
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