[One Day Walk] A Space Where the Sea and Lake Coexist... Songdo Central Park

Editor's NoteThe subway is a transportation method that anyone can easily access and travel safely, and it is also an important point for daily walking. We introduce walkable places around subway stations.

Today's course is Songdo Central Park, a representative park of Incheon Songdo International City. The starting point of the course is Central Park Station on Incheon Metro Line 1, named after the park. As the name suggests, the station is located on the west side of the park, so you can access the park immediately upon exiting the station.

Songdo Central Park is Korea's first seawater park using seawater. As a planned city built on the coast, Songdo draws seawater into the park, creating an urban park that reflects Korea's geographical characteristics. In the artificial waterways created through this, you can enjoy water leisure activities such as canoeing.

When you exit from Exit 3 of Central Park Station, the first thing to greet you is the 'Tri-bowl,' one of Songdo's symbolic landmarks. This sculpture frequently appears in various commercials, dramas, and music videos to promote a futuristic image. As its name 'Three Bowls' suggests, it consists of three connected bowls representing the sky, sea, and land, as well as the Songdo, Cheongna, and Yeongjong areas that make up the Incheon Free Economic Zone. Inside, it is a multipurpose art space composed of a performance hall and exhibition hall among others.

Heading east and walking along the lake park, you will see 'Songdo Hanok Village,' where many traditional Korean houses are gathered. However, unlike typical Hanok villages where people actually live, this area includes commercial and cultural experience facilities such as the 5-star hotel 'Gyeongwonjae Ambassador' and various restaurants. Experiencing the atmosphere of Hanok alongside the park in a city densely packed with high-rise buildings is a unique experience.

Scenery of Songdo Central Park, Incheon
[Photo by Incheon Tourism Organization]

Continuing east along the waterfront, you will find the East Boathouse. Here, you can enjoy various water activities with different boats such as the moon-shaped 'Moon Boat,' the Gurumi Boat, Family Boat, as well as transparent kayaks and canoes.

Now, turning northwest and following the lake's circuit, you will come across the walking garden. Songhwajeong, located on the east side of the garden, offers a picturesque night view with moonlight. Even if you visit here during the day, there is no need to be disappointed. You can see beautiful and adorable deer grazing leisurely in the 'Flower Deer Garden,' reminiscent of visiting Kyoto, Japan.

Additionally, after enjoying various sceneries of Central Park such as the lawn plaza and the grass garden, completing the circuit around the lake marks the end of today's journey.