[One Day Walk] Around Seokchon Lake: Lake, Cherry Blossoms, and Lotte World Tower...

Seokchon Lake and Lotte World Tower dyed with cherry blossoms seen from the sky
[Photo by Lotte Corporation]

Among the must-visit places during the cherry blossom season, Seokchon Lake in Jamsil, Seoul, cannot be missed. Today's course uses public transportation to travel from Jamsil Station to Seokchon Lake West and East Lakes, and then to Lotte World Tower, crossing the Jamsilhosugyo Bridge. Seokchon Lake is a 2.5 km circumference lake park representing Songpa-gu, formed through the Han River reclamation project on the site where Songpa Ferry Terminal once stood. Divided into East and West Lakes by Songpa-daero, the East Lake is a jogging course, while the West Lake features Lotte World Magic Island and Seoul Nori Madang. From above, Seokchon Lake resembles a butterfly shape with the West and East Lakes connected, allowing for endless walking if you wish. Especially in spring, Seokchon Lake creates a spectacular scene with fully bloomed cherry blossoms.

Cherry Blossoms Viewed from the Cultural Experiment Space Hosu [Asia Economy DB]

The first bright white building you encounter at the West Lake is the ‘Cultural Experiment Space Hosu.’ Previously operated as a restaurant, it has been transformed into a cultural and artistic enjoyment space for residents. It actively hosts exhibitions and performances centered on young artists, as well as a private cooking studio called ‘Urikkiri Sikdang’ and a one-day class named ‘Talent Discovery Lab.’ Next, you will find Magic Island. Created as an artificial island, Magic Island is connected to Lotte World Adventure by a monorail and a cloud bridge. Surrounded by the clear blue Seokchon Lake and nature, it creates a scenery reminiscent of a village in a fairy tale.

Cherry blossoms embroidered along Seokchon Lake [Asia Economy DB]

Seoul Nori Madang is an open-air theater that regularly showcases and passes down traditional culture. It holds about 120 performances annually, mainly featuring intangible cultural heritage, every Saturday and Sunday. The average audience is around 1,300 people. At the West Lake, you can also find ‘Seokchon Lake Atelier,’ a caf? transformed into a cultural space. With a total floor area of 452.83㎡ and a single-story structure, it includes a small performance hall, caf?, and rooftop garden. It operates from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The view of the surroundings of Seokchon Lake from the atelier’s rooftop garden is also worth seeing. Passing the atelier and entering the East Lake, you will encounter Songhojeong, an octagonal pavilion. The name Songho means ‘Songpa’s lake.’ Nearby are the Songpa Ferry Terminal monument and the Songpa origin stele, erected in 1988. Continuing to walk along the East Lake, you will find the waterside stage followed by Jaybout Coffee. The caf? spans two floors and features a very impressive terrace. You can also enjoy the lakeside caf? street boasting lake views, Lotte World Tower, and various other nearby attractions.

Main stops: Jamsil Station - Seokchon Lake (West Lake) - Cultural Experiment Space Hosu - Magic Island - Seokchon Lake Atelier - Songpa Naru-gil - Seokchon Lake (East Lake) - Waterside Stage - Jaybout Coffee - Lotte World Tower, Distance: 3.1 km, Duration: 46 minutes