[One Day Walk] Walking Around 'My Island' Yeouido... Yeouinaru Station

Editor's NoteThe subway is not only a transportation method that anyone can easily access and travel safely but also an important point for daily walking. We introduce pleasant walking spots around subway stations.

The course introduced this time starts from Yeouinaru Station on Line 5, circles around Yeouido, and heads to Yeouido Station. Yeouido has long been an island called Naehwado and Raiuju. When heavy rains caused flooding, Yangmalsan, located where the current National Assembly Building stands, would emerge like a head, and citizens referred to it as 'My Island' and 'Your Island.' This was later changed into the Sino-Korean characters Yeouido (汝矣島). Today, in addition to the National Assembly Building, the Financial Supervisory Service, and the Korea Exchange being located here, financial and securities companies have formed a securities district, making it a genuine center of politics, finance, and media.

The walking course begins at Yeouido Hangang Citizen's Park, connected to Exit 3 of Yeouinaru Station. With a total area of 1.48 million cubic meters, Hangang Citizen's Park is located in Yeouido and is easily accessible by public transportation, making it a popular spot for many citizens to relax. Various events such as the Spring Flower Festival, World Fireworks Festival, various performances, and marathon races are held here.

The next stop, Yeouido Shibeom Apartments, holds the record as the first high-rise apartment complex in Korea. Built in 1971 with 12 floors, Yeouido Shibeom Apartments were the tallest apartments in Korea at the time. Initially, sales were difficult due to the perception that the buildings were constructed on sand, but as the National Assembly Building and companies moved into Yeouido, its popularity began to rise.

The 63 Building is also an unmissable landmark when thinking of Yeouido. Completed in May 1985, the 63 Building reaches a height of 249 meters above ground and set the record as the tallest building in East Asia at the time of completion. Later, as high-rise residential-commercial complexes were built in Korea, it lost its status as the tallest building domestically and now ranks fourth in height within Yeouido. Currently, Lotte World Tower in Jamsil holds the record as the tallest building in Korea, but since the 63 Building held the title for a long time, it is still regarded as a symbol of high-rise buildings.

The course ends at Yeouido Park after passing through Saetgang Ecological Park and the National Assembly Building and circling West Yeouido. Established in 1999, Yeouido Park is a 230,000 cubic meter urban park located between the Yeouido securities district and the National Assembly Building. Yeouido Park, boasting a vast area, was formerly called Yeouido Square, where large-scale events such as university song festivals were held. This wide space in the middle of the city was originally an airport. During the Japanese colonial period, a temporary runway was first created, and after liberation, it opened as an official airport. However, due to poor conditions where the runway would flood during heavy rains, its role was transferred to Gimpo Airport, and it was closed. The C-47 transport plane displayed in Yeouido Park's cultural plaza shows that this place was once an airport.

Main Stops: Yeouinaru Station Exit 3 - Hangang Citizen's Park - Yeouido Shibeom Apartments - 63 Building - Saetgang Ecological Park - National Assembly Building - Yeouido Park - Yeouido Station Exit 3

Course Distance: Within 8 km, approximately 4 hours