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Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the lush greens! Deep valleys and oceans would be nice, too, but strolling in the verdant woods to relish the richness of nature is a great way to spend the summer break. Here is a list of great destinations located throughout the city for when your weary body and mind need some quiet respite surrounded by nature.

Seoul's first arboretum

Pureun Arboretum

Located in Guro District south of Seoul, Pureun Arboretum is the city’s first botanical park featuring over 1,700 species of trees, plants, and flowers in a 103,354 m² area, which is eight times larger than Seoul Plaza. Surrounding the arboretum are the Hangdong Reservoir and smaller theme parks, such as Grass Square, Herb Garden, Urban Garden, and Rock Garden, as well as a library and a training center. In other words, the entire Hangdong area is utilized as a place for tourists and students alike to learn about ecology and nature. Complete with various educational contents, Pureun Arboretum is an ideal destination for the whole family to spend a healthy summer.

A quaint stroll down nostalgia lane

Hangdong Railroad

Nothing is more relaxing than being on the railroad, a thing of the old romantic nostalgia. Only minutes away from the hectic city center, Hangdong Railroad, lined with lush trees, lets you release your stress upon arrival and simplifies the complexity of ordinary life. In the area where you will find the sign “Hangdong Railroad Station” is a faux temporary platform where you can take commemorative snapshots with the arboretum as backdrop. Why not make a quick trip to make lasting memories surrounded by the beauty of nature?

An ecological center at the heart of Seoul

Seoul Botanic Park

As Korea’s first botanical park in the city, Seoul Botanic Park combines a park and an arboretum where visitors can learn about the diversity of plant life and species as well as the future of Seoul as a sustainable green city. The park is divided into several zones such as Forest Field, Botanic Garden, Lake Garden, Wetland, and a gardening school for children, each of which features a wide variety of living plants. Conveniently located in the heart of Seoul, Seoul Botanic Park is an ideal destination for the whole family, friends, and lovers on dates to know more about the importance of ecology while enjoying freshness. In summer, the park operates a water playground for children. Don't miss your chance to go take in some quality time with nature at Seoul Botanic Park this summer!

Where humans, animals & plants coexist

Gangseo Marsh Ecological Park

Officially designated as one of the 30 ecological tourist destinations by Seoul Metropolitan Government, Gangseo Marsh Ecological Park comes with the impressive scenery of natural marshland filled with reed and willow forests. Come summer and fall, the park is also a place where migrating birds regularly visit, which gave birth to various educational courses on ecology. A visit during these seasons is made interesting by watching wild animals and taking a leisurely stroll during the day. Especially after sundown, the scenic view of Banghwa Bridge is stunning atop the viewpoint and path for watching migrating birds. Why not pay a visit to this amazing park? It is the beautiful nature of Seoul, so close to us, where human, animals, and plants coexist.