Want to cool off like a local during a Seoul summer? The Hangang River swimming pools are open-air public pools inside the Han River parks that run only in summer. They are cheap, easy to reach by subway, and a fun, uniquely-Seoul way to beat the heat. This guide covers the two most popular ones, Yeouido and Ttukseom — season, prices, how to get there, the rules first-timers miss, what to bring, and how to choose.
What Are the Hangang Swimming Pools?
They are outdoor public pools the city of Seoul opens each summer along the Han River. Because they are public, admission is very affordable, and you get to swim with the river and city skyline right there. There are several locations — Yeouido, Ttukseom and Jamsil among them — and you can easily pair a swim with a riverside walk or picnic afterwards.
Season & Opening Hours (2026)
The 2026 season runs June 19 to August 30, opening at 9:00 AM. Closing time is 6:00 PM from June 19 to July 2, then extends to 10:00 PM (night swimming) from July 3 to August 30. The pools run 45 minutes per hour with a 15-minute break, and entry is paused daily from 12:00–1:00 PM and 6:00–7:00 PM. Operations can be suspended in bad weather, so it is worth checking before you go.
Admission Fees
Adults (19+) 5,000 won, youth (13–18) 4,000 won, children (6–12) 3,000 won, and free for under 6. You can pay at the ticket office or book online. As a public facility, it costs a fraction of a commercial water park.
How to Get There
Yeouido: Line 9 National Assembly Station, Exit 1, about a 5-minute walk (Yeouinaru Station also works). Ttukseom: Line 7 Ttukseom Resort Station, a short walk into the park. Parking exists but fills up fast on weekends and holidays, so the subway is the easier option.
Rules to Know Before You Go
A few rules catch first-timers off guard. A swim cap is mandatory — even under a sun cap you must wear one underneath. The Ttukseom lazy river requires a flotation tube, and arm floats are not allowed. There is a 15-minute break every hour, plus no entry from 12–1 PM and 6–7 PM. For food, messy delivery-style meals are restricted, but simple items like gimbap, sandwiches or cut fruit in reusable containers are fine. Diving is not allowed.
What to Bring
Bring a swimsuit or rash guard, a swim cap, a towel, a waterproof pouch, sunscreen and sandals. There is no reserved seating, so a picnic mat or camping chair is handy, and a light ball makes the water much more fun. For Ttukseom, bring a tube for the lazy river (or buy one on site).
Facilities
There are men’s and women’s changing rooms with public showers next to them, and lockers are available for your belongings, including lockers inside the changing rooms (about 3,000 won). A shop sells tubes, life vests and waterproof pouches, and a food court serves Korean snacks and meals. Do try Hangang ramyeon — instant ramen you cook yourself at a vending station, a beloved Han River ritual.
Yeouido Hangang Swimming Pool — Big, Lively, Night Swimming
Yeouido is large, with adult, youth and children’s pools plus a lane-style section for swimming laps. It stays open until 10 PM for night swimming under the city lights, which makes it great for friends, dates and evening visits.
During my visit there was even an Uber-run indoor lounge and event space to cool off in (events vary by season). One heads-up: it gets extremely crowded on holidays and weekend afternoons, so go early or on a weekday for a more relaxed time.
Yeouido Swimming Pool at a Glance
- Season (2026): June 19 – August 30
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (night swimming from July 3)
- Admission: 5,000 won adults · 4,000 won youth (13–18) · 3,000 won children (6–12) · free under 6
- How to get there: Line 9 National Assembly Station, Exit 1 — about a 5-minute walk (Line 5 Yeouinaru Station also works)
- Best for: night swimming, lap lanes, groups and evening dates
Ttukseom Hangang Swimming Pool — Lazy River, Subway Views, Family-Friendly
Ttukseom’s highlight is its lazy river — drift around on a tube while the current carries you. Kids love it (tube required, under-120 cm needs a guardian). You can also watch subway trains crossing the Han River from the pool, a fun little bonus for train-loving kids.
I went on a rainy day and it was nearly empty with pleasantly warm water — a great alternative when Yeouido is packed. Just note that heavy rain or strong wind can pause operations.
Ttukseom Swimming Pool at a Glance
- Season (2026): June 19 – August 30
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (night swimming from July 3)
- Admission: 5,000 won adults · 4,000 won youth (13–18) · 3,000 won children (6–12) · free under 6
- How to get there: Line 7 Ttukseom Resort Station — a short walk into Ttukseom Hangang Park
- Best for: the lazy river, families with kids, quieter weekday swims
Yeouido vs Ttukseom: Which Should You Choose?
| Yeouido | Ttukseom | |
|---|---|---|
| Nearest station | Line 9 National Assembly | Line 7 Ttukseom Resort |
| Lazy river | No | Yes (tube required) |
| Vibe | Big, lively, night swimming | Subway views, more relaxed |
| Best for | Friends, dates, night | Families, lazy river, quiet |
Go to Yeouido for a big, lively scene and night swimming with friends or a date. Choose Ttukseom for the lazy river and a more relaxed, family-friendly day. Jamsil also has a Han River water-play area if you want another option.
Other Hangang Pools in Seoul
Yeouido and Ttukseom are the most popular, but Seoul runs several more outdoor pools along the Han River each summer. The exact pools that open can change year to year, so check the official Hangang parks site, but these are the regulars:
- Jamsil (Songpa-gu) — a family-friendly water-play area on the southeast side, handy if you are near Jamsil, Lotte World or the stadium.
- Gwangnaru (Gwangjin-gu) — far east Seoul, one of the larger sites and usually a bit less crowded.
- Jamwon (Seocho-gu) — south of the river near the Express Bus Terminal area, convenient from Gangnam.
- Mangwon (Mapo-gu) — west Seoul near Hongdae and Hapjeong, lively and popular, with water slides.
Locations & Map
Both pools sit inside Han River parks. Here is exactly where to find them.
Yeouido Hangang Swimming Pool
Ttukseom Hangang Swimming Pool
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Hangang swimming pools open?
In 2026 they run from June 19 to August 30, opening at 9:00 AM. Closing is 6:00 PM until July 2, then 10:00 PM (night swimming) from July 3.
How much is admission?
Adults 5,000 won, youth (13–18) 4,000 won, children (6–12) 3,000 won, and free for under 6. They are public facilities, so much cheaper than a water park.
Do I need a swim cap?
Yes. A swim cap is mandatory at every Hangang pool. Even if you wear a sun cap, you must put a swim cap on underneath so your hair does not touch the water. You can buy one on site.
Is there a lazy river?
Yes, at Ttukseom. You float around on a tube (a flotation tube is required, arm floats are not allowed), and children under 120 cm must be accompanied by a guardian.
When is it least crowded?
Weekday mornings are the most relaxed. Holidays and weekend afternoons get extremely busy, especially at Yeouido.
What happens if it rains?
Light rain is usually fine, but operations may be suspended for safety during heavy rain or strong wind, so check before you go.
What is Hangang ramyeon?
It is instant ramen you cook yourself at a vending station in the Han River parks. Eating it after a swim is a classic Seoul summer experience.
Are there showers and lockers?
Yes. There are men’s and women’s changing rooms with public showers, plus storage lockers (there are also lockers inside the changing rooms).
For a cheap, memorable Seoul summer, a Hangang pool is hard to beat. Pick Yeouido or Ttukseom to match your mood, grab a bowl of Hangang ramyeon, and you have a perfect river day.
Is the Yeouido swimming pool open at night?
Yes. Yeouido Hangang Swimming Pool runs night swimming from July 3 through the end of the season (August 30, 2026), staying open until 10:00 PM. It is the best Hangang pool for an evening swim with the city lights across the river.
How much does the Yeouido swimming pool cost?
Admission to Yeouido Hangang Swimming Pool is 5,000 won for adults, 4,000 won for youth (13–18), 3,000 won for children (6–12), and free for kids under 6. Get there via Line 9 National Assembly Station, Exit 1 — about a 5-minute walk.
Keep Planning Your Korea Summer
Cooling off in Seoul is sorted — and if Busan is next on your route, here’s where to stay in Haeundae: 9 Busan hotels we actually stayed in. Traveling with little ones? Seoul also runs free kids’ water playgrounds in almost every district.
Written by WY, a Seoul-based local sharing honest, first-hand guides to Korea. Nothing here is sponsored; I go and pay my own way. More about me →
More family day-trip ideas: our Anseong Farmland guide — animal feeding, mini-tractor rides and open meadows about an hour from Seoul.