[One Day Walk] From Garbage Island to a Citizen's Resting Place... Nanji-do World Cup Park

Nanjido, once an island in the lower reaches of the Han River, was originally named for the abundance of orchids growing there and was known for its beautiful scenery. However, it was designated as a landfill site for waste from Seoul, transforming it into a "mountain of garbage" with waste piled up to 90 meters high.

Panoramic view of World Cup Park, Mapo-gu, Seoul [Photo by Seoul City]

As Nanjido emitted foul odors, an ecological park development project was launched to revive the island. Subsequently, with the construction of the World Cup Stadium in nearby Sangam-dong for the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, related developments began, completely transforming the area. Nanjido was reborn as World Cup Park, and nearby apartment complexes and the Digital Media City (DMC) were established.

When you arrive at World Cup Stadium Station on Seoul Subway Line 6, you can reach World Cup Park via the World Cup Stadium. World Cup Park consists of a total of five parks, including the most famous Peace Park and Nanjido Sky Park, as well as Noeul Park, Nanjicheon Park, and Nanjihan River Park. Among these, it is recommended to start from Peace Park and take a loop course following Sky Park, Noeul Park, and Nanjicheon Park.

The starting point, Peace Park, is centered around Nanjipond and features various themed gardens. Unlike other parks with hills, this park was created on flat land on Nanjido, which was once a "mountain of garbage," making it comfortable and easy for people of all ages to enjoy a light stroll.

The next destinations are Sky Park and Noeul Park, both located on the hills of Nanjido. Sky Park was named to mean "the place closest to the sky," and Noeul Park means "the place where you can see the most beautiful sunset in Seoul." True to its name, Sky Park offers a spectacular panoramic view from the hilltop, including the Han River, Bukhansan, Namsan, and other major Seoul landmarks. At Noeul Park, visitors can stand on the observation deck and enjoy the view of the Han River harmonizing with the sunset setting in the west. There are also activity spaces such as a camping site and park golf course where families can enjoy together.

Finally, following Nanjicheon Park, which features various waterside ecological spaces including Nanjicheon Stream and ponds, you return to Peace Park, concluding today's course.