Haneul Park is the highest point in Seoul’s World Cup Park, at 95 Haneulgongwon-ro, Mapo-gu. Admission is free. Opening hours change from month to month: 06:00–19:00 in October and 06:30–19:00 in November. From the top you can see across Seoul, including the Han River and Bukhansan Mountain. In autumn, silver grass covers the hillsides.
What Is Haneul Park?
World Cup Park stands on what used to be Nanjido (난지도), an island beside the Han River. Starting in 1978, 92 million tons of Seoul’s household waste were buried there over 15 years, until the island had become a huge mountain of garbage. Work to stabilize the landfill began in 1996. In May 2002, World Cup Park opened as a group of four parks.
Haneul means “sky,” and Haneul Park is the one of the four that sits closest to it. It’s a place where you can see for yourself how a former landfill has turned back into nature. Entry is free, and there’s also a free dog playground.
When and Where to See the Haneul Park Night View
You can’t stay after dark. Haneul Park closes to visitors at night, so you have to see it before the closing time. Opening hours move each month with sunrise and sunset. If you want the view at dusk, check that month’s closing time first.
- Observation deck: Looks down over the Han River. From the summit you also get a wide view of Seoul, including Bukhansan.
- Silver grass fields: Each autumn, the hillsides fill with silvery silver grass plumes.
- Noeul Park Metasequoia Path: This path connects to Haneul Park. A 1.0km section opened on May 22, 2026.
Evening Hours During the 2026 Seoul Eulalia Festival
The 25th Seoul Eulalia Festival (서울억새축제) took place around Haneul Park. Its theme was “억새, 자연이 건네는 위로,” roughly “silver grass, the comfort nature offers.”
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | Saturday, October 17 – Friday, October 23, 2026 |
| Hours | Daily, 10:00–21:00 |
| Venue | Haneul Park area, World Cup Park |
| Inquiries | Western Parks Leisure Center (서부공원여가센터) 02-300-5574 |
In 2025, the silver grass fields stayed open until 20:00 through November 2, after the festival had ended. There’s no official word yet on whether the park will open in the evening after the 2026 festival.
Haneul Park Opening Hours and Admission
Admission is free. Here are the opening hours for each month:
| Month | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| January | 07:00 | 18:00 |
| February | 07:00 | 18:00 |
| March | 06:00 | 20:00 |
| April | 05:30 | 20:00 |
| May | 05:00 | 20:00 |
| June | 05:00 | 20:30 |
| July | 05:00 | 20:30 |
| August | 05:30 | 20:30 |
| September | 05:30 | 20:00 |
| October | 06:00 | 19:00 |
| November | 06:30 | 19:00 |
| December | 07:00 | 18:00 |
Different sources list slightly different hours. Before you go, check the World Cup Park website or call the park information line (02-300-5501).
Maengkkongi Electric Car: Fares and Hours
The Maengkkongi Electric Car (맹꽁이 전기차) is a paid shuttle up the hill. It leaves from the Nanjicheon Park parking lot and reaches the top of Haneul Park in about 10 minutes.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Route 1: Nanjicheon Park → Haneul Park summit |
| Travel time | About 10 minutes |
| Fare | 2,000 KRW (~$1.50 USD) one way · 3,000 KRW (~$2.30 USD) round trip (as reported in the media) |
| Hours (Oct–Nov) | 09:00–19:00 |
| Hours (Dec–Feb) | 10:00–18:00 |
These fares come from news reports. They haven’t been confirmed on an official fare table.
How to Get to Haneul Park: Subway, Electric Car & Parking
The nearest subway stop is World Cup Stadium Station on Line 6. Be ready for a fairly long walk from the station to the summit.
| From | How | Distance / Time |
|---|---|---|
| World Cup Stadium Station (Line 6), Exit 1 | On foot | About 1.6km |
| World Cup Stadium Station · Mapo-gu Office Station | On foot | About 40 minutes (per Seoul city festival info) |
| Nanjicheon Park parking lot | Maengkkongi Electric Car | About 10 minutes (to the summit) |
To walk up, you can take one of three staircases (west, south, or from the Noeul Park side) or a longer walking trail that circles up the hill. If stairs are a problem for you, the electric car is the easier choice.
Parking
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours | 09:00–22:00 (free after hours) |
| Parking information | 02-304-6678 |
The Seoul city government warned that traffic gets very heavy during the festival and suggested taking public transportation.
Haneul Park Visitor Tips
- Check the closing time first. The park closes to visitors at night, so plan around that month’s closing hour.
- Decide how you’ll get up. Choose ahead of time between walking and taking the Maengkkongi Electric Car from Nanjicheon Park. The car’s hours also change by season.
- Use public transportation in silver grass season. Traffic is very heavy during the festival.
- Add Noeul Park to your visit. You can follow the Metasequoia Path over to Noeul Park.
- Bring your dog. There’s a free dog playground inside the park.
For general travel help, call the tourist information line at 1330 (+82-2-1330).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an admission fee for Haneul Park?
No, there’s no admission fee. Haneul Park is free to enter. The only charge is for the Maengkkongi Electric Car that goes up to the summit.
How much is the Maengkkongi Electric Car, and when does it run?
It costs 2,000 KRW (~$1.50 USD) one way or 3,000 KRW (~$2.30 USD) round trip, according to media reports. It runs 09:00–19:00 in October and November and 10:00–18:00 from December through February. The ride from Nanjicheon Park to the summit takes about 10 minutes.
How long is the walk from World Cup Stadium Station to Haneul Park?
It’s about 1.6km from Exit 1 of World Cup Stadium Station on Line 6. Seoul’s festival information says the walk from World Cup Stadium Station or Mapo-gu Office Station takes about 40 minutes.
What time does Haneul Park close in November and December?
It closes at 19:00 in November and 18:00 in December. Opening time is 06:30 in November and 07:00 in December. Hours vary between sources, so check before you go.
Can I see the night view from Haneul Park late in the evening?
No, you can’t stay late. The park closes to visitors at night, so you can only stay until that month’s closing time. During the 2026 Seoul Eulalia Festival (October 17–23), it stayed open until 21:00.
Can I still see the silver grass after the Seoul Eulalia Festival?
Yes, you can see the silver grass fields during the day, within regular park hours. In 2025, the fields stayed open until 20:00 through November 2, after the festival. There’s no official word yet on evening opening after the 2026 festival.
Where can I park for Haneul Park?
Park at the Nanjicheon Park parking lot, where you can take the Maengkkongi Electric Car straight up to the summit. The lot operates 09:00–22:00 and is free after hours. For parking questions, call 02-304-6678.
Does Haneul Park get crowded?
Yes, it gets very crowded in silver grass season, especially during the festival. The Seoul city government also warned of very heavy traffic during this period and suggested taking public transportation.
