[One Day Walk] Enjoying Various Sceneries of Seoul: Anyangcheon-Hangang-Seonyudo Trail

Editor's NoteAsia Economy provides walking-friendly courses for subscribers of the 'One Day Ten Thousand Steps, One Day Thousand Characters' newsletter. The One Day Ten Thousand Steps content is organized daily and monthly around themes, featuring courses recommended by Asia Economy, the government, local governments, experts, and subscribers.

Citizens are enjoying the autumn atmosphere at Anyangcheon in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Today's ten-thousand-step course is a path that stretches from Anyangcheon Stream through the Han River to Seonyudo. It is a route where you can enjoy the diverse scenery of the metropolitan city Seoul, starting from a stream, continuing to a river, and ending on an island.

The starting point is Mokdong Sports Complex. It includes a main stadium, a baseball stadium, and an ice rink. When the official sports season arrives, it is good to watch a game or try skating as a warm-up before walking. The main stadium serves as the home ground for Seoul E-Land FC of K League 2, and the baseball stadium, formerly used by Nexen Heroes (now Kiwoom Heroes), is currently used as a dedicated field where amateur players compete. The ice rink and the main stadium track are freely accessible to citizens. Although the main stadium track usually charges a fee, it is open for free from 5 to 8 a.m., making it a kind of 'holy ground' for those who enjoy walking and running.

Crossing the pedestrian overpass next to the sports complex leads to the Anyangcheon Stream walking trail. This marks the true beginning of the walk. The local government has well maintained the area, providing rest facilities such as benches and restrooms along the way. After about 1.5 km, a fork appears where you can cross Anyangcheon via a small bridge. Crossing the bridge offers a different view from the opposite Yeongdeungpo District side, distinct from the scenery you have walked through so far.

Whichever direction you choose, following Anyangcheon downstream eventually reveals a wide-open view filled with water. This is the Han River, the lifeline of the Korean Peninsula. Once you reach the confluence of Anyangcheon and the Han River, turn eastward and head toward Yanghwa District of Han River Park. The vast expanse of the Han River unfolds right beside you, naturally energizing your steps.

The endpoint is Seonyudo Park. You can reach it by crossing Seonyugyo Bridge, nicknamed the 'Rainbow Bridge' due to its intersecting oval and straight shapes resembling a rainbow. Seonyudo, once used as a water purification plant supplying tap water to southwestern Seoul, was transformed into an eco-friendly ecological park in 2002. Gardens utilizing the existing purification facilities create a unique landscape. An observatory is also available, allowing you to view the Han River scenery from a slightly different perspective.