Things to do in Yeouido (여의도)

Yeouido 여의도 (汝矣島) is a large island in Yeongdeungpo-gu district, home to Seoul's first airport in 1929. It lies between the north and south of the mainlands of Seoul, and has developed to become an important business and banking district. The island is also home to the National Assembly building, 63 Building, Korea Exchange Centre and broadcasting stations MBC and KBS. The island is a must-go place during spring where the cherry blossoms turn the island into a beautiful backdrop for photography lovers.

I've been to Yeouido several times for different reasons, and it's definitely one of my recommended places to go if it's your first time in Seoul.

How to get there:

Yeouinaru Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Yeouido Station (Seoul Subway Line 5) or National Assembly Station (Seoul Subway Line 9)

What to do in Yeouido

1. Cherry blossoms viewing
Although the area in front of the National Assembly building is the popular place to go during the cherry blossoms season, I'd recommend another route along the ecology park. Refer to my previous blog post on this!

Along the Hangang Park (한강공원)

Cherry blossoms along the ecology park

Cherry blossoms at night

2. Cycling along Hangang River
If you are a Korean drama fan, you would definitely have seen scenes of the beautiful river front, or just couples hanging out along the river. Variety shows such as Running Man, Shinhwa Broadcast and B1A4 's Hello Baby also have scenes along the river!

The course is mainly on flat land, but beware of the steep slopes at certain parts of the park. I'd recommend a mountain bike after my attempt to cycle using the pretty girly bike I always see in dramas. You can't imagine how my thighs hurt after the uphill cycling.

Hangang Park

Han river

After your exercise, eat around the area or order chicken delivery and they can deliver right into the park!

We had dinner at a nearby restaurant, and I must say the restaurant with a long history was really not bad. We also met the pd of some variety show in the restaurant (as was told to us by the shop owner). May be a potential star spotting eating place!

Korean Broadcasting Station (한국 방송 공사)

3. Watch a bora 보라 (viewable radio) or music show!
Super Junior's Kiss the Radio (Sukira 슈키라 보라) is recorded at the KBS station, which attracts swarms of fans everytime. Similar to the Singaporean way of using tissue in the CBD area to "chope" your seats, the local fans have pieces of paper stuck on the floor to indicate their territory, some even a week in advance. So be wary of where you're standing because you may be asked to leave when the "owner" comes.

Music Bank 뮤직뱅크 is broadcasted at KBS every Friday. Catch a glimpse of the stars on their way in to the station!

Super Junior's Henry Lau 슈퍼주니어 헨리

 MBLAQ's Thunder 엠블랙 천둥

MBLAQ's Lee Joon 엠블랙 이준

2pm Taecyeon 옥택연

 SHINee's Tae Min 샤이니 태민

Shinhwa's Minwoo 신화 이민우

4. Take a walk along the Yeouido Saetgang Ecological Park (여의도샛강생태공원)

I went with my host parents once for housekeeping at their guesthouse (see link here), and went for a evening stroll with them. No hustle and bustle of the city, just the nature and us. Totally loved the experience!

If you are cycling, there's bike pullway for getting up and down the stairs!

5. Go shopping at Yeouido's International Financial Centre (IFC) Mall 

How to get there: Yeouido Station Exit 3

An attraction to tourists only means that shopping cannot be lacking. IFC Mall is an international mall with restaurants, cafes, shopping, a bowling alley and even a health club and sauna. 

Outside IFC Mall

6. Experience the beauty of spring at Yeouido Park (여의도 공원)
Address: 120, Yeouigongwon-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 영등포구 여의공원로 120 (여의도동)

7. Visit filming location of City Hunter 시티헌터
I happened to stumble upon the filming location of City Hunter, ‘Road of Wind’ on Mapo Bridge, and managed to check another item off my bucket list!

8. Hang out with friends or lovers

The view of the Han River along the park is beautiful both day and night, and the park is a good place for a picnic!

Though not specifically at Yeouido, you can find cafes and even a musical fountain along the river. See my links below for details:
- Cafes
- Banpo daegyo - Moonlight Rainbow Fountain

9. Take a walk through Yeouido's history

The first international airport in Seoul was built on Yeouido (1929 to 1958), before it was moved to Gimpo. You can find information of its history along the underpass from the riverside to Yeouido Park. 

Cotton candy seller

Basketball courts

Caricature artist

All in all, Yeouido is a recommended place for sightseeing, sports and fangirling! Love the place for its beautiful scenery, and beautiful people, that is, if you manage to catch a hallyu star in action!