Do not go gentle into that good night, old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light, though wise men at their end know dark is right, because their words had forked no lightning they, do not go gentle into that good night.
Seoul opens 6 Han River park pools, water playgrounds for summer season
An outdoor swimming pool at Yeouido Hangang Park / Courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government
By Jhoo Dong-chan
Seoul will open six outdoor swimming pools and water playgrounds along the Han River starting Friday, offering residents and tourists a popular urban escape from the summer heat.
The facilities — located at Ttukseom, Yeouido, Jamsil, Gwangnaru, Nanji and Yanghwa parks — will operate through Aug. 30, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The sites are part of the city's extensive Han River park system, a major recreational destination that stretches across the capital.
The city said more than 552,000 visitors used the facilities last year, a 77 percent increase from 2024, highlighting growing demand for affordable outdoor leisure activities in Seoul.
Most locations will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended evening hours until 10 p.m. from July 3 through Aug. 30 at selected venues, including Ttukseom, Yeouido, Jamsil and Nanji.
Operations may be suspended during severe weather events, including typhoons, heavy rainfall or poor air quality conditions.
City officials have also prepared special summer programs, including live acoustic guitar performances, orchestral concerts and water-themed music events.
A community outreach event at Yeouido will provide free swimming experiences and meals for 250 children and teenagers from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Admission fees range from 3,000 to 5,000 won ($2 to $4) for swimming pools and from 1,000 to 3,000 won for water playgrounds. Children under 6 can enter for free, while seniors, people with disabilities, veterans and eligible large-family cardholders can receive a 50 percent discount.
To improve safety, Seoul has installed 138 CCTV cameras across the six sites and added 42 English-language information signs for international visitors.
The city will also deploy 58 lifeguards and maintain on-site medical facilities equipped with emergency response equipment, including automated external defibrillators.
The Han River facilities feature pools designed for different age groups and attractions ranging from lazy rivers and infinity pools to family pools, fountains and nature-themed water play areas, offering a variety of experiences for visitors throughout the summer season.
This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.