Why September Is the Right Time to Visit
September is an ideal month for this park. The dense summer vegetation has thinned out, the humid haze lifts, and the air turns clear enough to make the skyline across the Han River pop into sharp relief. As the temperature gap between day and night widens, the light that settles over the river at dusk shifts to warmer, richer tones. The weather is comfortable enough to sit on a bench for a long stretch without discomfort. One caveat: insects can linger in the grassy sections through early autumn, so it's worth packing insect repellent.
What You Can See
Yongyang Bongjeojeong Park (용양봉저정공원) opened in 2020 on the former site of the Noryangjin water intake station. The redevelopment added a children's nature playground, walking trails, and two dedicated viewpoints: the Sky Observatory (하늘전망대) and the Summit Observatory (정상전망대). Both are free to use. Visitor reviews tend to favor the Summit Observatory, though the choice is ultimately a matter of personal preference.
According to Seoul's official tourism information, the viewpoints frame 63 Building, Hangang Bridge, Bukhansan, and Namsan Tower all in a single shot. The panorama extends further along the river to include Wonhyo Bridge, Hangang Railway Bridge, Nodeul Island, Yongsan Station, Ichon Ferry Landing, the National Museum of Korea, and Dongjak Bridge — Seoul's major landmarks unfolding one after another. The city has designated this a Seoul Outstanding Viewpoint (서울시 우수 조망명소).
Inside the park you'll also find a deck pathway fitted with footprint-shaped ground lighting, a photo-op zone, and the children's nature playground, making it a workable outing with kids. The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day, with no admission fee. It has previously been featured on an SBS variety program as an "ultra-budget sightseeing spot" — a label that's hard to argue with.
Getting There
The most straightforward route is from **Nodeul Station** (Seoul Metro Line 9), Exit 3 — approximately a 10-minute walk covering about 500 m. You can also walk from **Heukseok Station** in roughly 15 minutes.
If you're driving, note that the park's own car park is small and fills quickly on weekends; the nearby Nodeulnaru Park car park is a practical alternative in that case.
When searching on map apps, the park sometimes does not appear under 용양봉저정공원. Try **Yongbongjeong Neighborhood Park (용봉정근린공원)** or **Yongdubong Park (용두봉공원)** as alternative search terms. Because the name varies by app, it's a good idea to save a map pin before you leave. For enquiries, contact the Dongjak-gu Office Parks and Green Space Division at 02-820-1395.
Practical Tips
Weekday afternoons or early weekend mornings are the recommended times to visit. The park is generally quiet even at midday given how little-known it is, but a small number of photographers do tend to arrive around sunset. Getting to a viewpoint before the sun goes down gives you the best chance of watching the glow spread across the Han River at your own pace.
A walking itinerary that visitors frequently recommend is to start at **Nodeul Island**, cross up via the Hangang Bridge stairway, and continue on foot to the park — a route that gradually gains elevation while keeping the river close by. It's a relaxed half-day combination that costs nothing.
