[One Day Walk] From Saetgang's Nature to Yeouido's Tallest Skyscraper... Singil Station

Editor's NoteThe subway is a transportation method that anyone can easily access and travel safely, and it is also an important part of daily walking. We introduce pleasant walking spots around subway stations.

The starting point of today's course is Singil Station, a transfer station between Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line 1 and Line 5. The name Singil-dong, from which the station takes its name, originates from the Joseon Dynasty era when Yeongdeungpo ferry dock was located here. The name literally means "new good fortune" (新吉), expressing a wish for many new good things to happen.

Exiting from Exit 2 of Singil Station and heading toward Saetgang Cultural Bridge, you can easily reach Yeouido. Saetgang Bridge, completed in April 2011 with a total length of 324 meters, is the first asymmetrical cable-stayed pedestrian bridge in Korea (a bridge supported by cables hung from towers). It was recognized as a beautiful bridge, winning the International Public Design Award in the civil engineering category that same year. The bridge features an S-shaped path resembling a trail and a water stream, with cable lines inspired by the shape of a traditional Korean hanok roof, harmonizing with the form of a boat with a sail raised.

Saetgang Ecological Park
Photo by Seoul Institute

As you start crossing the bridge, a unique scene unfolds. Beneath the bridge lies Saetgang Ecological Park, which had long been neglected wetlands but was transformed into Korea's first ecological park in 1997. Right before your eyes, a striking urban skyline coexists, featuring the Marriott Executive Apartments Hotel and the Federation of Korean Industries building. You can easily enter Saetgang Ecological Park through a passage connected from Saetgang Bridge. As an ecological park, you can enjoy the natural, almost primeval forest-like scenery. About 6 kilometers of walking trails are established, allowing you to enjoy various aspects of nature if you have time.

Seoul Yeouido Park panorama. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Crossing the bridge and walking west along Yunjung-ro, you will reach Yeouido Park. After the construction of the embankment according to Yeouido development plans, a plaza was established here. Since its creation in 1972, it has been used for various national events such as reunions of separated families, the canonization ceremony of 103 martyrs by Pope John Paul II, as well as political rallies and religious events. However, from 1997 to 1999, through a park development project, the concrete plaza was reduced to a central part, and other spaces were transformed into an urban park. Walking paths are arranged around the park’s perimeter, allowing visitors to enjoy a moment of relaxation.

Citizens visiting The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido, Seoul are enjoying shopping. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Today's destination is The Hyundai Seoul department store. Park One, where The Hyundai Seoul is located, has become a new landmark of Yeouido along with the adjacent IFC Seoul. Construction began in 2007 and was completed in 2020 after 13 years, opening together with the department store, office buildings, and the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul hotel. The main tower, Tower 1, stands 69 floors high at 332.7 meters, making it the tallest building in Yeouido. Right next to it, IFC Seoul includes the IFC Mall, three office buildings, and the Conrad Seoul hotel. Both Yeouido Park and Hangang Citizen’s Park are easily accessible, and with convenient public transportation options such as Yeouido Transfer Center and Yeouido Station (transfer station for Lines 5 and 9), it is a popular destination that everyone can easily enjoy.