Many visitors to Seoul, Korea, tend to flock to well-known destinations like Myeong-dong. Yet, given Seoul’s expansive nature, there’s a wealth of areas to discover. In particular, Songpa District stands out as the city’s most populous region, brimming with attractions. Let’s delve into what makes Songpa unique and highlight some top spots you shouldn’t miss.
1. Introduction about Songpa
Nestled in the southeastern expanse of Seoul, Songpa District stands as the most populous area in the city, outstripping even the largest cities in some provinces like Jeonju and Cheonan. It’s not just its size that’s impressive—Songpa is among the most affluent districts in South Korea, alongside Gangnam, Seocho, Yongsan, and Mapo.
Despite the prevalence of older apartment complexes, which may seem outdated at first glance, these residences are highly valued in the market. Songpa’s infrastructure is a treasure trove of attractions, including but not limited to the towering Lotte World Tower, the sprawling Lotte World Mall, the enchanting Lotte World theme park, serene Seokchon Lake, the sprawling Olympic Park, scenic Jamsil Hangang Park, the historic Seoul Olympic Stadium, and the vibrant Jamsil Baseball Stadium.
While Songpa is a hub for shopping and entertainment, with an abundance of shopping centers and movie theaters, it’s impractical for travelers to see everything. Hence, I recommend focusing on a select few must-visit sites for a memorable experience.
2. Lotte World Tower
“What is that beautiful building. Great tower. Lotte Tower is beautiful. Love the design.”
Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States
Nestled in the heart of Jamsil within the Songpa District, the towering Lotte World Tower soars into the sky with its 123 stories. As of 2024, it claims the title of the tallest structure in South Korea, ranks as the sixth tallest globally, and stands as the loftiest among all OECD nations. This architectural marvel is not just a hub for luxury shopping but also houses the prestigious Signiel Seoul hotel and Signiel Residences. Right next door, the expansive Lotte World Mall offers a shopping spree paradise, complete with a duty-free zone, making it a magnet for travelers. The tower’s observatory, accessible to those willing to purchase a ticket, has cemented its status as a landmark emblematic of not just Seoul, but the entire nation. Its unmistakable silhouette is visible across Seoul, asserting its profound presence. A visit to the observatory is especially recommended on clear days for panoramic views over Seoul. For those looking to indulge, a stay at the Signiel Seoul hotel comes highly suggested.
3. Seokchon Lake
Although modest in scale, Seokchon Lake is celebrated for its picturesque scenery, beautifully complemented by the Lotte Hotel and Lotte World. Its charm is most evident in spring when cherry blossoms reach their peak bloom, presenting an enchanting view that ranks it among Seoul’s top romantic destinations. With charming cafes dotting the vicinity, it’s perfect for leisurely walks. A typical date might include a stroll around the lake followed by a visit to one of the nearby cafes, restaurants, or shopping centers, making for a memorable outing.
4. Olympic Park
Nestled in the heart of Songpa District, Seoul, Olympic Park stands as a verdant oasis amidst the urban sprawl, celebrated alongside the likes of World Cup Park, Seoul Forest, and Buk Seoul Dream Forest as one of the city’s premier green spaces. Originally sculpted into a sprawling sports complex for the 1988 Seoul Olympics, today it offers a tranquil retreat for residents and visitors alike, embodying the spirit of the Olympics within its every nook.
Olympic Park has seamlessly woven together threads of history, culture, and leisure to create a tapestry of communal harmony. Its grounds are dotted with venues that once played host to the global spectacle of the 1988 Olympics, including tennis courts, fencing and gymnastics arenas, and velodromes, each telling its own story of athletic prowess and international camaraderie. While most of these facilities were inaugurated before the 1986 Seoul Asian Games, they continue to serve as vibrant centers for physical activity and sportsmanship, complemented by picnic-friendly lawns and casual sports setups.
Within this park, culture thrives alongside nature. The SOMA Museum of Art and the iconic Olympic Hall stand as pillars of cultural enrichment, transforming the Olympic legacy into a dynamic stage for concerts and events that captivate both local and international audiences. These spaces have evolved to become keystones of Korea’s cultural landscape, hosting an array of performances that span genres and generations.
The allure of Olympic Park is magnified by its role as a preferred venue for K-pop concerts, particularly in the adjacent Jamsil Sports Complex area, where weekends come alive with the vibrant energy of music fans from across the globe.
Adding to its cultural tapestry, the park features an artful promenade adorned with an eclectic collection of sculptures that invite contemplation and admiration, making it a haven for art enthusiasts. With over 200 sculptures set against its expansive backdrop, Olympic Park is heralded as one of the world’s leading sculpture parks, a testament to its global significance and artistic richness.
History resonates through the park’s landscape, marked by sites like Mongchontoseong, an ancient fortress designated as Historic Site No. 297, alongside the Hanseong Baekje Museum and Seoul Olympic Museum. These landmarks serve as gateways to the past, offering visitors a journey through Seoul’s storied heritage from the Hanseong Baekje era to the pivotal moments of the 1988 Olympics.
Olympic Park, thus, stands not just as a green expanse in the metropolis of Seoul but as a living museum, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Olympics, and a beacon of culture, history, and recreation in the heart of South Korea.
