Hangangyeoksatambang (한강역사탐방) is a free guided walking program that runs from April 20 to November 15, 2026, in Seoul’s Hangang Park and at nearby cultural heritage sites. Organized by Seoul’s Future Hangang Headquarters (미래한강본부), it offers 16 courses, each lasting about 120 minutes and led by a Han River guide. The name means roughly “Han River history exploration.” Advance registration on the official website is required, and every course starts from a different meeting point.
What Is Hangangyeoksatambang?
This tourism program pairs the scenery of the Han River with its history and culture. Residents and visitors follow a set route on foot while a guide tells the stories tied to that stretch of the river.
Themes range from war and the growth of the city to Joseon-era logistics, Han River folktales, and modern railway history. A simple way to choose is to start with the subject that interests you most, or with the meeting point closest to where you’re staying.
Hangangyeoksatambang 2026 Schedule and Hours
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Program period | April 20–November 15, 2026 |
| Session 1 | 10:00–12:00 |
| Session 2 | 14:00–16:00 |
| Duration | About 120 minutes |
| Location | Hangang Park and nearby cultural heritage sites (meeting points vary by course) |
| Participation fee | Free |
| Organizer | Seoul Future Hangang Headquarters |
| Contact | 02-6953-9239 |
| Official website | visit-hangang.seoul.kr |
During the heat response period from June to September, only the 10:00–12:00 session runs. That limit does not apply in November.
Remaining November Dates
As of November 5, 2026, the reservation page lists sessions only on November 10, 12, 13, 14, and 15. Some are already full and availability can change, so check the reservation calendar for the latest status.
| Course | Sessions marked as closed |
|---|---|
| Ttukseomnaru-gil | Nov 12, morning |
| Yanghwanaru-gil | Nov 13, morning |
| Seonyudo-gil | Nov 14, afternoon |
| Songpanaru-gil | Nov 15, afternoon |
| Maponaru-gil | Nov 15, morning |
| Seobinggo-gil | Nov 12 and Nov 13, afternoon |
Hangangyeoksatambang Courses: All 16 Routes
Here is what each of the 16 courses covers and the main stops along the way.
| Course | Theme | Main route |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1: Gwangnaru-gil (광나루길) | The beginnings of the Gyeonggang (경강) and war | Hanam Wiryeseong (하남위례성) – Statue of Lady Domi (도미부인 동상) – Seo Geo-jeong’s Gwangjin poetry monument (서거정 광진예찬 시비) – Gwangjingyo 8th Street (광진교 8번가) – Gwangnaru ferry site marker (광나루터 표지석) – Gwangnaru Station (Line 5) |
| Course 2: Songpanaru-gil (송파나루길) | How the city formed and grew | Samjeondo Stele (삼전도비) – Seokchon Lake (석촌호수) – Songpa Naru marker (송파나루 표지석) – Seokchon-dong Ancient Tombs (석촌동 고분군) |
| Course 3: Ttukseomnaru-gil (뚝섬나루길) | The founding of Joseon and the timber trade | Jeongwanwon (전관원) – Majodan (마조단) – Salgoji Bridge (살곶이다리) – Jungnangcheon Stream (중랑천) – Gongssi Bookstore (공씨책방) |
| Course 4: Nodeulnaru-gil (노들나루길) | Scholars’ ideals of loyalty and filial piety | Hyosajeong (효사정) – Student Volunteer Soldiers Memorial (학도의용군 현충비) – Hangang Bridge (한강대교) – Jugyosa marker (주교사 표지석) – Yongyangbongjeojeong (용양봉저정) – Sayuksin Park (사육신 공원) |
| Course 5: Dongjakjin-gil (동작진길) | The history of Dongjakjin, a site prized for its auspicious location | Dongjak Naru marker (동작나루표석) – National Cemetery (국립현충원): main gate – Memorial Tower – Patriots’ Graves |
| Course 6: Yeouinaru-gil (여의나루길) | The Miracle on the Han River | National Assembly Building – Yeouido Park (Culture Plaza – Traditional Forest) – Mulbit Plaza (물빛광장) at Yeouido Hangang Park |
| Course 7: Seogangnaru-gil (서강나루길) | Moving tax grain and fish | Gwangheungchang (광흥창) – King Gongmin’s Shrine (공민왕 사당) – Bamseom Bugundang (밤섬부군당) – Seogang Naru marker (서강나루표석) – Bamseom Park (밤섬 공원) |
| Course 8: Yanghwanaru-gil (양화나루길) | The arrival of foreign culture | Foreign Missionary Cemetery (외국인 선교사 묘원) – Yanghwajin site (양화진터) – Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine (절두산 순교성지) – Yanghwa Naru marker (양화나루 표지석) |
| Course 9: Seonyudo-gil (선유도길) | Han River development and the environment | Seonyudo origin monument (선유도 유래비) – Seonyudo Park (선유도공원) – northwest observation deck |
| Course 10: Gongamnaru-gil (공암나루길) | Han River folktales and Heo Jun | Heo Jun Theme Street (허준테마거리) – Tapsan (탑산) – Heogabawi (허가바위) – Gongam Naru (공암나루) – Gwangjubawi (광주바위) – Guam Neighborhood Park (구암 근린공원), near the Heo Jun Museum |
| Course 11: Gyeomjae Jeongseon-gil (겸재정선길) | Gyeomjae’s paintings of the Han River | Yangcheon Hyanggyo (양천향교) – Gungsan (궁산) – Soakru (소악루) – Gungsan Neighborhood Park (궁산 근린공원), near the Gyeomjae Jeongseon Art Museum |
| Course 12: Nanji Kkotseom-gil (난지꽃섬길) | Nanjido, then and now | World Cup Stadium – Bulgwangcheon Stream (불광천) – Peace Park (평화의 공원) – Nanji Hangang Park (난지한강공원) – Oil Tank Culture Park (문화비축기지) |
| Course 13: Hangang Baeknyeon Dari-gil (한강 백년다리길) | The Gyeongui Line railway and the Han River’s modern history | Yongsan History Museum (용산역사박물관) – Hangang-daero and Hangang Bridge – Hangang Railway Bridge (한강철교) – Saenamteo Catholic Church (새남터 성당) – railway officials’ residences (철도관사) |
| Course 14: Donghonaru-gil (동호나루길) | Dongho Naru, a scenic spot on the Han River | Jungnangcheon Stream – Eungbongsan (응봉산) – Musoemak site (무쇠막터) – the story of Jeojado (저자도 이야기) – Oksu Station |
| Course 15: Maponaru-gil (마포나루길) | The many faces of the Han River shaped by Mapo | Boksakkot Children’s Park (복사꽃 어린이공원) – Damdamjeong site (담담정 터) – Mapo Terminal origin monument (마포종점 유래비) – Mapo Naru sculpture (마포나루 조형물) – site of Tojeong Yi Ji-ham’s home (토정 이지함 집터) – Jeong Gu-jung House (정구중 가옥) |
| Course 16: Seobinggo-gil (서빙고길) | Storing and distributing ice in the Joseon era | Seobinggo marker (서빙고 표지석) – Seobinggo Bugundang (서빙고 부군당) – Hangang Art Park (한강예술공원) – Hangang Mansion (한강맨션) – Geobukseon ferry site (거북선나루터) |
The program does not cover admission or inside commentary at paid venues such as museums. To see the interior of a cultural facility on your route, go back after the walk and pay for entry yourself.
How to Apply for Hangangyeoksatambang
Create an account on the official Hangang Iyagi Yeohaeng (한강이야기여행) website, then sign up for the course you want. Deadlines depend on the type of applicant.
| Applicant type | Application window |
|---|---|
| General | Up to 5 days before the tour date |
| People with disabilities and foreigners | 10–30 days before the tour date |
| Groups | 20–60 days before the tour date |
| Groups of 16 or more | Up to 1 month before the tour date |
Group Size Rules
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity per session | 5–15 people |
| Yanghwanaru-gil capacity | 5–7 people (the course visits a cemetery) |
| Maximum per applicant | 5 people (from July 1, 2026) |
| Minimum to run | 5 people |
| Foreign applicants and applicants with disabilities | Runs even with just 1 applicant |
If a session has fewer than 5 total reservations by midnight (24:00) four days before the tour date, its bookings are canceled automatically. Children under 14 without a guardian will have their participation canceled on-site.
Cancellations and Participation Restrictions
If you can’t make it, request a cancellation at least 5 days before your session. Same-day cancellations and no-shows can lead to a participation restriction that lasts one year.
When a fine dust emergency reduction measure or severe weather such as a heat wave, typhoon, or heavy rain makes operation difficult, all reservations are canceled together, based on the day before the tour. This can happen even if you’ve already received a confirmation text.
Can Foreigners Join Hangangyeoksatambang?
Yes, and a session will run even if you’re the only applicant. Interpretation of the guide’s commentary must be arranged in advance, however, and the official page does not list which languages are supported.
Your reservation may be canceled if no guide is available on your chosen date. Since foreign applicants must apply 10–30 days before the tour date, it’s safest to contact the organizer first to ask whether any of this year’s remaining sessions are still open to you.
How to Get to Hangangyeoksatambang Meeting Points
Each course has its own meeting point, so head directly to the one for the course you booked.
| Starting point | Transportation | Travel time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Seoul | Seoul Metropolitan Subway | Varies by starting point | Transit card: 1,550 KRW (~$1.16 USD); single-journey ticket: 1,650 KRW (~$1.23 USD) |
| Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 | AREX all-stop train (to Seoul Station) | About 59 minutes | 4,150–4,750 KRW (~$3.10–$3.55 USD) |
| Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 | AREX all-stop train (to Seoul Station) | About 66 minutes | 4,150–4,750 KRW (~$3.10–$3.55 USD) |
| Incheon International Airport | Airport bus | About 60–80 minutes | 5,000–15,000 KRW (~$3.70–$11 USD) |
The subway fares are the amounts reported as of June 28, 2025, so check for current rates. Some AREX all-stop trains take 2–6 minutes longer. Airport bus times and fares vary by route and traffic, and the drop-off stop for each course has not been confirmed.
Meeting Points by Course
| Course | Meeting point |
|---|---|
| Gwangnaru-gil | Underground circular plaza, Cheonho Station (Lines 5 and 8) |
| Songpanaru-gil | Street level outside Exit 3, Jamsil Station (Line 2) |
| Ttukseomnaru-gil | Bench next to the restroom inside Hanyang University Station (Line 2) |
| Nodeulnaru-gil | Street level outside Exit 1, Heukseok Station (Line 9) |
| Dongjakjin-gil | Street level outside Exit 3, Dongjak Station (Lines 4 and 9) |
| Yeouinaru-gil | Street level outside Exit 6, National Assembly Station (Line 9) |
| Seogangnaru-gil | Street level outside Exit 1, Gwangheungchang Station (Line 6) |
| Yanghwanaru-gil | Street level outside Exit 7, Hapjeong Station (Lines 2 and 6) |
| Seonyudo-gil | Next to the Seonyudo Park Information Service bus stop (stop no. 19277 toward Dangsan, no. 19278 toward Hapjeong) |
| Gongamnaru-gil | Street level outside Exit 1, Gayang Station (Line 9) |
| Gyeomjae Jeongseon-gil | Street level outside Exit 1, Yangcheon Hyanggyo Station (Line 9) |
| Nanji Kkotseom-gil | Street level outside Exit 1, World Cup Stadium Station (Line 6) |
| Hangang Baeknyeon Dari-gil | In front of the Yongsan History Museum |
| Donghonaru-gil | Exit 1, Eungbong Station (Gyeongui-Jungang Line) |
| Maponaru-gil | Outside Exit 3, Mapo Station (Line 5) |
| Seobinggo-gil | Exit 1, Seobinggo Station (Gyeongui-Jungang Line) |
Hangangyeoksatambang Stamp Challenge and Completion Gift
Your guide stamps a course-specific mark on-site, and the stamp book can be downloaded online. Finish all 16 courses to receive a commemorative gift.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026 deadline to submit your completion certificate | Saturday, November 21 |
| Gift distribution | All at once during December |
| If you miss the deadline | Submit during the 2027 program period (planned for April–November) |
Hangangyeoksatambang Tips
- Check the reservation calendar first. Few November sessions remain, and some are already full.
- Confirm your meeting point ahead of time. Every course starts somewhere different, so note the exact exit number from the table above.
- Download the stamp book before you go. If you’re aiming to finish all the courses, have it ready before your first walk.
- Respect the cancellation deadline. Same-day cancellations and no-shows can bring a one-year participation restriction.
- Check your reservation the day before. Severe weather or a fine dust emergency reduction measure can cancel all bookings, based on the day before the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hangangyeoksatambang free?
Yes, participation is free. To see the inside of a cultural facility, though, you’ll need to enter separately at your own expense after the walk.
How do I apply for Hangangyeoksatambang?
Apply through the official Hangang Iyagi Yeohaeng website. Create an account and choose the course you want; each applicant can register up to 5 people.
What is the application deadline?
General applications close 5 days before the tour date. People with disabilities and foreigners apply 10–30 days before, groups apply 20–60 days before, and groups of 16 or more must apply at least 1 month before.
Where does each course meet?
Every course has its own meeting point. Yeouinaru-gil, for example, gathers at street level outside Exit 6 of National Assembly Station (Line 9), while Maponaru-gil meets outside Exit 3 of Mapo Station (Line 5). The Meeting Points by Course table above has the full list.
Can foreigners participate, and is interpretation available?
Foreigners can participate, but interpretation must be arranged in advance. The official page does not list supported languages, and your reservation may be canceled if no guide is available on your chosen date.
How do I get there from Incheon International Airport?
Take AREX or an airport bus into central Seoul, then continue by subway to your meeting point. The AREX all-stop train reaches Seoul Station in about 59 minutes from Terminal 1 and about 66 minutes from Terminal 2, for 4,150–4,750 KRW (~$3.10–$3.55 USD). Airport buses take about 60–80 minutes and cost 5,000–15,000 KRW (~$3.70–$11 USD).
Does the program run in rain, heat waves, or other bad weather?
If operation becomes difficult, reservations are canceled together. Severe weather such as a heat wave, typhoon, or heavy rain, or a fine dust emergency reduction measure, can trigger a cancellation based on the day before the tour, even if you’ve received a confirmation text.
Can I bring my children?
Yes, children can participate with a guardian. Children under 14 without a guardian will have their participation canceled on-site.
