From Industrial Land to the Green Sanctuary: A Tour of World Cup Park

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Once a 15-year-old Nanjido landfill that held over 92 million tons of waste, World Cup Park is now an extensive environmental and ecological park covering 2,700,000 square meters. It is known to be an eco-friendly park to commemorate the 2002 World Cup and the new millennium.

There are five sections that form The World Cup Park: Pyeonghwa Park (Peace Park), Haneul Park (Sky Park), Noeul Park (Sunset Park), Nanjicheon Park, and Hangang Riverside Park.

Pyeonghwa Park, situated just across from Seoul World Cup Stadium, is the heart of World Cup Park and was created to honor the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup. Its name reflects a wish for peace and unity worldwide. The park features spots like UNICEF Plaza, Nanji Pond, Peace Park, Hope Forest, and the World Cup Park Museum.

Haneul Park, meaning "sky" in Korean, sits at the highest point of the park. It’s famous for its 291-step staircase and offers fantastic views from observation points along the slopes.

Noeul Park is home to wild animals like deer, wildcats, and raccoons. It also has a sculpture park with art and nature displays on lush lawns.

Nanjicheon Park runs along the Nanji Stream, which was once polluted but has since been cleaned and revitalized. It includes an outdoor stage and sports facilities.

Finally, Hangang Riverside Park lines the Han River and offers a variety of amenities such as soccer and basketball courts, grassy fields, a river cruise dock, and spots for nature study.

Engaging Ways to Connect with the Outdoors

Perfect for cycling enthusiasts, the area offers a variety of smooth and well-maintained bike paths. These paths are suitable for riders of all skill levels and provide a safe and enjoyable environment for cycling. As you ride, you can take in views of the surrounding landscape, including hills, forests, and open spaces.

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It's also a good location for peaceful nature walks. The walking trails are easy to follow and wind through forests and fields. These trails are suitable for all ages and provide a quiet place to enjoy the natural surroundings. Walking here is a good way to relax and get some fresh air.

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What’s more, the area features large open spaces with wide views of the landscape. Visitors can enjoy the scenery, take photos, or have a picnic. The open areas are perfect for spending time outdoors, whether for casual relaxation or outdoor activities.

Exciting Sporting Events to Enjoy in the Park

World Cup Park is a massive go-to spot for major running events in Seoul, especially popular local meetups like the MY PACE Morning fitness series.

On any given weekend, you'll see thousands of runners and families gathering at Constellation Star Plaza to take on the scenic 4-kilometer loop right along Metasequoia Road. Thanks to its sprawling network of trails, it is easily one of the best places in the city for weekend fun-runs, charity marathons, and community health walks.

Credits to: Seoul City

The park also sets the stage for some pretty unique competitions, like the annual Seoul Petlympic coming to Peace Plaza on October 24 and 25, 2026. For that weekend, the grounds turn into a full-blown agility and obstacle course for local pups. There is even a charity fun-run built into the festival to help raise money for animal welfare programs around the city.

Credits to: The Korea Times

Right next to all those green trails, Seoul World Cup Stadium keeps the energy high with elite soccer matches that draw massive crowds to the area. It is the home turf for K League 1's FC Seoul, who will be hosting a big match against Jeju United FC on October 10th, 2026, and it regularly plays host to high-stakes international games for the South Korean National Football Team.

The opening hours vary throughout the year. In January, February, and December, the hours are from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. During March, the hours extend from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. In April and May, as well as September, the facility is open from 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM. June and July have slightly longer hours, opening at 5:00 AM and closing at 8:30 PM, and the same schedule applies to August. In October, the hours are from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and in November, they are from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Also, the access to the facility is always free of charge.

World Cup Park is a must see as it offers visitors a peaceful environment for outdoor activities, picnics, and enjoying nature, all while showcasing a remarkable transformation from a former industrial site into a lush urban green space.