Where the River Meets the Sky
My next walk along the Seoul Dulle-gil (서울둘레길) took me on Course 15: Noeul and Haneul Parks (15코스: 노을·하늘공원) — beginning at the southern end of Gayang Bridge (가양대교 남단) and leading into a stretch of beautifully restored green spaces.
On this day, I felt spring more vividly than ever — not just in the warmth of the air, but in the way spring flowers had burst into full bloom overnight. It was, without a doubt, one of the most enjoyable Seoul Trail experiences I’ve had so far.
Crossing Gayang Bridge — which, to be honest, I hadn’t even known existed — turned out to be a simple but memorable moment. I always recommend friends explore bridges when visiting new cities. There’s something special about crossing from one bank to another at just the right time of day, especially when the views are as striking as Seoul’s.
The Han River, the light spring breeze, the gentle blend of nature and urban skyline, even the movement of cars below — everything came together to create a peaceful, cinematic walk.
The path linking Noeul and Haneul Parks was also a pleasant surprise. This district has done a wonderful job designing and decorating the trail: clear signage, an easy-to-follow path, and a stunning Metasequoia-lined road (메타세콰이어길) with artful landscaping that harmonizes beautifully with the surroundings.
Along the way, I passed some great spots — like Noeul Park and Haneul Park, which are part of World Cup Park (월드컵공원). (Fun fact: World Cup Park is actually made up of five parks, including Peace Park, Nanjicheon Park, and Nanji Hangang Park.) I also walked by the Seoul World Cup Stadium (서울월드컵경기장) and the Oil Tank Culture Park (문화비축기지) — a cool mix of nature, history, and city life all in one walk. — each adding its own flavor to the journey. Walking through these green spaces and then onto clean, modern streets filled with everyday life gave me a fresh perspective on Seoul — familiar yet constantly evolving.
Gayang Bridge (가양대교)
Gayang Bridge (가양대교) connects Gayang-dong in Gangseo-gu and Sangam-dong in Mapo-gu. It was completed in 2002, and one interesting detail is that the distance between its piers ranges from 100 to 180 meters — making it the bridge with the longest span between piers in all of South Korea.
Despite not being as famous as some of Seoul’s other bridges, Gayang Bridge offers surprisingly scenic views, especially on foot. It’s a great spot to enjoy the Han River skyline without the crowds. If you’re lucky, you might catch a hazy sunrise or watch cyclists zip by along the riverbanks.
Another fun fact: the bridge has dedicated pedestrian and bike paths, which makes it perfect for casual walkers like me who stumble upon these hidden gems while following the Dulle-gil.
Noeul Parks (노을공원)
This time, I just skimmed the southern edge of Noeul Park (노을공원) — but next time, I’m diving into the whole World Cup Park. All five parks, I’m coming for you!
Haneul Parks (하늘공원) & Metasequoia-lined road (메타세콰이어길)
Walking through the Metasequoia-lined road in Haneul Park this April was magical. The spring flowers surprised me, and the trees, just waking up, had a quiet beauty of their own. But I can’t help but wonder what this place looks like dressed in other seasons. I live far away now — but is it too much to dream of seeing it again, in autumn colors or under winter snow?
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Seoul World Cup Stadium
Oil Tank Culture Park (문화비축기지)
The Mapo Oil Storage Facility was built between 1976 and 1978, following the 1973 oil crisis, with five tanks that could store 69.07 million liters of oil — enough for about a month’s consumption for Seoul's citizens. The facility was closed in 2002 ahead of the World Cup for safety reasons, and for over a decade, no new use was found. In 2013, through a public idea contest, the transformation into the Oil Tank Culture Park was decided.
The five oil tanks, once used for storing oil, have now been repurposed as cultural tanks that create a variety of cultural events.
Nature’s Spring Awakening Along Course 15
Walking along Course 15 of the Seoul Dulle-gil, starting with the serene view of the Han River and feeling the warmth of spring in the air, was an experience I will never forget. The spring flowers that seemed to bloom overnight added an extra layer of beauty to the journey, making each step feel like a celebration of the season. One of the most memorable parts of the walk was the stunning Metasequoia-lined road in Haneul Park. The towering trees, their branches reaching up like guardians of the path, left me in awe of nature's quiet grandeur. This walk, with its combination of river views, blooming flowers, and lush greenery, truly embodied the essence of spring. It was a path I greatly enjoyed, and I look forward to exploring it again, perhaps during the other seasons to see how the landscape changes over time.
