[Seoul Day Trip] Route 10: Olympic & Lake (History Meets Landmark in Songpa)

?Notice : Hyperlinked travel spot, you can click to read more details.

Discover the dynamic Songpa district, where the proud legacy of the 1988 Seoul Olympics meets the modern marvel of Lotte World Tower. This course offers vast green spaces, historical sites, and iconic urban scenery, perfect for travelers seeking relaxation and grand landmarks.

? Course Overview: History, Art, and Urban Oasis

CategoryDetails
Course ThemeExploring the history of the ’88 Seoul Olympics, walking through a vast art park, and enjoying urban relaxation at Seokchon Lake with Lotte World Tower as the backdrop.
Best ForTravelers who seek rest in large natural spaces, enjoy history, architecture, K-Pop (many venues here), and love iconic photo spots.
DurationFull Day (Day Trip), 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Total 8 hours)
EssentialsT-money card, Bicycle rental (highly recommended for the massive size of Olympic Park), comfortable shoes, and a camera.
FeatureOlympic Park is enormous; efficient planning or bike rental is essential. Both areas are easily accessible via Subway Line 8 or 9.

?‍♀️ Day Itinerary: From Olympic Glory to Tower Views

This itinerary focuses on maximizing your time in the vast Olympic Park before moving to the modern cityscape of Jamsil.

Place & Activity
(Time Slot)
Key Experience & Transport Details
[1] Olympic Park Core Course
(10:30~13:30)
Start at the World Peace Gate (View #1) in Peace Plaza. Walk the Mongchontoseong Fortress Trail (View #5), exploring Baekje-era ruins. Take photos at the famous Lone Tree (View #6). (Recommend using the “9 Views” stamp tour map for efficiency).

? Transit: Line 5 Olympic Park St. Exit 3 or Line 8 Mongchontoseong St. Exit 1

Expected Duration : 3 hours
Lunch Break & Rest
(13:30~14:30)
Have lunch near Olympic Park or move towards the Lotte World Mall/Jamsil area for a meal.

? Transit: Line 8 Mongchontoseong St. → Line 8 Jamsil Station (Approx. 5 min)

Expected Duration : 1 hour
[2] Lotte World Mall & Jamsil Landmark
(14:30~16:00)
Explore the Lotte World Mall interior and take a rest. Check out public art spaces like the Artium within the shopping complex.

? Transit: Lotte World Mall is connected to Jamsil Station

Expected Duration : 1 hr 30 min
[3] Seokchon Lake & Lotte World Tower View
(16:00~18:30)
Stroll along Seokchon Lake’s East Lake, taking pictures with Lotte World Tower as your backdrop. Enjoy the fairy-tale view of Magic Island (Lotte World) castle across the West Lake. Relax on a bench by the lake.

? Transit: Walk from Jamsil Station to Seokchon Lake (Approx. 10 min)

Expected Duration : 2 hr 30 min

?️ Navigation Guide & Practical Info

LocationKorean NameEnglish Search TermKey Subway Information
Olympic Park올림픽공원 세계평화의 문Olympic Park World Peace GateLine 5 Olympic Park St. or Line 8 Mongchontoseong St.
Lone Tree올림픽공원 나 홀로 나무Lone Tree, Olympic ParkWalk from Line 8 Mongchontoseong St. (Deep inside the park)
Seokchon Lake석촌호수Seokchon Lake–    

? Advanced Tips for the History & Landmark Route

Tip 1: Efficient Olympic Park Exploration (Crucial!)

  • Size Matters: Olympic Park is massive, covering the equivalent of about 200 soccer fields. Walking the entire park is impractical. Focus on the core ‘9 Views’ for efficiency.
  • Recommended Path: Peace Plaza (View #1) → Mongchon Moat (View #3) → Mongchontoseong Trail (View #5) → Lone Tree (View #6).
  • Bicycle Rental: We strongly recommend renting a bicycle inside the park (inquire at the information center) to cover the vast area quickly and comfortably.

Tip 2: History and Art in the Park

  • Sculpture Garden: The park is home to over 200 sculptures by world-renowned artists, making it one of the World’s 5 Great Sculpture Parks. Take time to find some hidden gems.
  • Ancient History: The Mongchontoseong Fortress is a historic site dating back nearly 2,000 years to the Baekje era. Walking the trails along its ancient earthen wall offers a unique glimpse into Korea’s past.

Tip 3: The Dual Charm of Seokchon Lake

  • East Lake: Offers a modern, urban view with the towering Lotte World Tower as the main backdrop, often lined with trendy cafés.
  • West Lake: Provides a more whimsical, fairy-tale atmosphere, featuring the exotic castle of Lotte World’s Magic Island.
  • Seasonal Beauty: The lake is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season (Spring) and foliage season (Autumn).

Tip 4: K-Pop Concert Hub

  • Idol Venues: Olympic Park houses major performance halls like KSPO DOME (Gymnastics Arena) and Olympic Hall, where many K-Pop idol concerts are frequently held. If a concert is scheduled during your visit, it adds a unique layer to this course.
Select your currency
KRW South Korean won