Swimming pools, water slides to be set up in downtown Seoul on Sunday

Residents play in a swimming pool set up in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul, during an event last year in which the city offered water play facilities there. This year’s event will be held Sunday. / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

By Kim Rahn

If you can’t leave Seoul for summer vacation, why not spend it in the city?

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Wednesday that it will set up water play facilities on the 550-meter section of Sejong-daero, the main avenue from Gyeongbok Palace to Gwanghwamun Station, on Sunday.

Four swimming pools, two smaller pools for children, water slides, mini boats and more facilities will be available. Several sports facilities, such as those for mini-golf and table tennis, will also be set up.

Visitors can relax under poolside parasols and tents, as well as enjoy performances by bands and DJs.

Vehicles will be banned on the street from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and buses on the route will make a detour.

“The first such event last year gained positive feedback. We hope citizens enduring the sweltering heat can cool off,” a city official said.

For traffic information on the day, visit topis.seoul.go.kr or seoul.go.kr/story/walk or call Dasan Call Center at 120.