Experience the True Taste of Winter in Seoul
"It's about minus 10 degrees!" ... "Adults can enjoy it too!" A true taste of winter on the ice.
Despite the cold wave that exceeds minus 10 degrees, various places in Seoul are bustling with visitors enjoying the winter. When asked if they are cold, the response comes without hesitation. Dressed warmly in scarves and gloves, they ride sleds and enjoy outdoor skating. Here are two winter attractions in Seoul that people of all ages can enjoy this winter.
The Han River Park sledding area has been opened by the city of Seoul in Ttukseom, Yeouido, and Jamwon. The large slope reaches a height of 7 meters and a length of 35 meters, while the small slope for toddlers is 2 meters high and 14 meters long. All three locations are similar in size, so there's no need to worry about which one is bigger or more fun.
Leave behind the thought that sledding is just for kids. The large slope is equivalent to the height of 2.5 stories of an apartment building and stretches as long as six buses lined up. When you gain speed, the thrill of spinning and racing down the slope is beyond expectations.
One of the most impressive sights at the sledding area is the change in expressions of adult visitors. Even those who approach the slope without high expectations end up smiling brightly like children after riding the sled. One parent visiting with their child said, "I thought it was just for kids and didn't expect much, but it was so much fun that I was surprised."
As you keep riding the sled, you naturally become a 'researcher,' experimenting with ways to make it more thrilling. A child who seemed to be an expert said, "Lying back while riding is the most fun," sharing their own 'tip.' Another visitor mentioned, "When it's less crowded, if you ask the safety personnel, they can spin the sled for you, and it’s exhilarating to the point of losing your mind." Friends often hold onto each other's sleds as they go down or push off powerfully just before starting, each accumulating their own techniques on the snow.
In addition, there are various facilities such as a snow playground created with artificial snow and a food market that can accommodate hundreds of people. The food market offers a wide variety of options, including snacks, New York-style hot dogs, and Taiwanese sandwiches.
This year, instead of the previously offered ice fishing and paid rides, Pororo Village has been introduced. Photo zones featuring Pororo, Tayo, and Loopy have been set up, and on weekends, characters appear for photo opportunities. There are also sing-along shows and parades that capture the hearts of young visitors. The Han River Park sledding area, which opened on December 31, will operate without breaks until February 18, the last day of the Lunar New Year holiday. It is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Jamwon Han River Park will also open at night on weekends and holidays.
Seoul Plaza Skating Rink has returned this year, allowing visitors to enjoy skating for just 1,000 won. The entrance fee includes the rental of skates and helmets for one hour. Since its opening in 2004, the city has maintained this low entrance fee. This year, the rink has adopted a new concept, wrapping the plaza's periphery in bright yellow diamond-shaped lights under the theme of 'Wintering,' creating a unique atmosphere.
The feeling of 'extraordinary' continues at the skating rink. For safety reasons, using mobile phones while skating is prohibited. While it may be disappointing at first not to capture vivid videos, this actually enhances the romantic atmosphere of the rink as everyone focuses on the simple act of skating. Couples holding hands, citizens gliding slowly while enjoying the scenery, and friends racing each other create a different scene compared to the usual commute where everyone is glued to their phones.
There are various rest areas including a snack bar, café, and local market. The snack bar notably serves food in reusable containers. The 'Seoro Market,' a space for experiencing local agricultural products, is also popular, featuring sweet potatoes, Gun-san Jjamppong, and squid from Gunsan city.
Close to popular tourist spots like Myeongdong and Gwanghwamun, the rink attracts foreign tourists as well. A tourist from Spain said, "I visited after a friend recommended it at the guesthouse," laughing as they asked why the entrance fee is so cheap. Key information such as storage services and menus are provided in multiple languages. Although the ice quality may not be excellent due to the high number of users, the management is impressive, with hot water being poured for resurfacing and safety personnel assisting fallen visitors.
Skating aids are available for rent, and small group lessons are offered, ensuring that anyone can enjoy skating, regardless of skill level. Kim Myung-joo, the director of the Seoul Tourism and Sports Bureau, stated, "We will do our best to ensure that all visitors can safely enjoy skating and create happy winter memories." The Seoul Plaza Skating Rink will operate until February 8, open daily from 10 AM to 9:30 PM, and extended until 11 PM on Saturdays and holidays. A maximum of 600 visitors can be accommodated per session.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/ds2hcg/224163540638
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