[One Day 10,000 Steps] Enjoy Yongsan Children's Garden 100 Times More

The Yongsan Children's Garden will be open to the public from 2 p.m. on the 4th. It was created by transforming part of the Yongsan Park return site, which was returned from the U.S. Forces Korea, into the 'Yongsan Children's Garden.'

The Yongsan Children's Garden consists of the General's Residence area, which you encounter upon entering the main entrance, the lawn yard and the observation hill at the center of the garden, and the sports field located to the east. The most distinctive feature of the General's Residence area is the exotic scenery created by the single-story detached houses with red roofs where U.S. military generals lived, and wooden utility poles. The promotional center introduces 120 years of history from the Japanese colonial period, through the post-liberation U.S. military presence, to this temporary opening, with photos and videos. A media art exhibition commemorating the opening is held in the exhibition hall. Educational and cultural programs for children are conducted at the event house with a lawn garden. The Yongsan Library offers a resting space where children and general visitors can enjoy reading, and the archive allows visitors to explore the lifestyle of U.S. military families who lived on the former Yongsan base and the history of Korean popular music that originated from the Eighth U.S. Army Club.

Single-story detached house with a red roof where U.S. military generals lived

At Cafe Eoullim, adjacent to the lawn yard, visitors can sit on the deck and enjoy a panoramic view of the lush green lawn. The 20,000-pyeong (approximately 66,000 square meters) lawn yard and observation hill were newly renovated from four former U.S. military baseball fields, reflecting the public's desire for a relaxing urban resting space. A tree-lined street with beautiful plane trees and a walking trail where various wildflowers bloom seasonally have also been created.

From the observation hill, visitors can view not only the entire return site but also major nearby locations such as the Presidential Office, Yongsan downtown, the National Museum of Korea, and Namsan Mountain. The sports field located at the eastern end is designed as a baseball and soccer field exclusively for children under 12 years old. It can be used free of charge through advance reservation, and various community sports programs are also operated.

Inside the Children's Library within Yongsan Children's Garden Photo by Yonhap News

To commemorate the opening of the Yongsan Children's Garden, a variety of events themed around children and families will be held throughout May. Immediately after the opening, popular character exhibitions for children, hands-on activities such as pot making and face painting, as well as performances including bubble shows and balloon art, will take place, along with a children's art exhibition. Additionally, various events such as baseball and soccer tournaments for children will be held continuously at the sports field. During May, a stamp tour event allowing children to explore every corner of the Yongsan Children's Garden will be conducted, along with regular programs such as busking performances along the tree-lined street and guided walking tours of the Yongsan Children's Garden with expert commentary. Furthermore, various events including community sports activities and classical music concerts will be held throughout the garden. Detailed information will be gradually disclosed through the Yongsan Children's Garden website and other channels.

Entry requires advance reservation. Visitors with prior records can enter immediately after a separate procedure. Domestic visitors must reserve at least 5 days in advance, and foreign visitors at least 10 days in advance. The Yongsan Children's Garden is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last admission at 5 p.m.), and is closed on January 1, Lunar New Year's Day, Chuseok Day, and every Monday. Visitors can enter through the main entrance near Exit 1 of Sinyongsan Station or the sub-entrance connected to the National Museum of Korea.

Pets are also allowed. Strollers and wheelchairs can be rented at the main entrance information center. However, personal mobility devices such as electric kickboards, except for chairs for the elderly and disabled and non-motorized playground equipment for infants, are not permitted. Parking is not available inside, so public transportation must be used. Both the baseball and soccer fields are only available for youth use, and facility use requires prior reservation and approval through the website.