At a glance
| Dates | Expected Oct 2027A weekend in late October 2027 if the pattern of 2025 and 2026 holds; nothing announced as of 18 October 2026. |
|---|---|
| Next edition | 2027: A weekend in late October 2027 if the pattern of 2025 and 2026 holds; nothing announced as of 18 October 2026. |
| Weather | October average 20/11 °C (68/51 °F), 52 mm of rainComfortable: light layers. Monthly averages, not a forecast: Korea Meteorological Administration climate normals, 1991–2020, Seoul station. |
| Admission | Free. Some hands-on programmes are partly paid (2026 KTO listing); amounts were not published.Entry: Free (2026 prices) |
| Venue | Seonyudo Park서울특별시 영등포구 선유로 343 (당산동) |
| Nearest station | Seonyudo Station (선유도역), Seoul Subway Line 9, Exit 2About 10 minutes to Seonyudo Park, through Yanghwa Hangang Park and over the Seonyu pedestrian bridge |
| From Seoul | In Seoul · SubwayFull route |
| Organizer | Yeongdeungpo Culture Foundation and Yeongdeungpo-gu District Office영등포문화재단 · 영등포구청 |
| Usual timing | A weekend in late October: 24–26 Oct 2025 (Friday to Sunday) and 24–25 Oct 2026 (Saturday and Sunday). First held in autumn 2024, so 2026 is the third edition. Browse October festivals. |
| First held | 2024 |
| Last checked | 22 October 2026Checked against 15 sources · See sources |
What it is like
Seonyudo is a small island in the Han River between Yanghwa Bridge and the south bank. It was once a hill called Seonyubong, the "peak where immortals played", that was cut away during the 20th century; from 1978 to 2000 a water treatment plant on the island supplied tap water to south-western Seoul. In 2002 the plant reopened as Seonyudo Park, designed by the landscape architect Jung Young-sun, who kept the concrete tanks and columns and let gardens grow over them. Korean sources describe it as the country's first park made by regenerating an industrial site. The park is free and open 06:00–24:00 every day.
Yeongdeungpo-gu District and the Yeongdeungpo Culture Foundation started the Seonyudo Garden Festival (선유도원축제) in autumn 2024 to bring the arts into the park. The 2025 edition ran for three days, 24–26 October, with a main stage for classical music, ballet and fusion gugak (Geum Nan-sae and the New World Chamber Orchestra, Seoul City Ballet and the band Ondo), a guided bird walk, Seonyu Yoga, the Yeongdeungpo flea market, a book festival with author talks, climate and charity campaigns, and a street-arts building workshop run with the Korea Street Arts Association.
For 2026 the Korea Tourism Organization lists two days, Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October, 12:00–20:00. Its programme summary names the Seonyudo bird walk (선유도 새산책), which looks at the park's habitats and birds, outdoor yoga for families and couples, and a street-arts festival of teams chosen through an open call. Alongside it runs Siwol-ui Seonyu ("Seonyu in October"), a resident-organised street festival with a flea market and stage programmes on the car-free walking street that leads from Seonyudo Station towards the river; it reached its ninth edition in 2025.
The honest caveats: the 2026 dates and hours come from the Korea Tourism Organization's listing (updated 15 October 2026); the organizer's own festival page and a detailed 2026 timetable could not be checked. Programme times, and which activities are paid or need sign-up, were not published. The island has no public car park, so come by subway, and expect to walk about 10 minutes from Seonyudo Station and over the Seonyu pedestrian bridge.
Highlights
- A free festival on a Han River island park built on a water treatment plant that ran from 1978 to 2000 and reopened as a garden park in 2002
- 2026 programme (KTO): the Seonyudo bird walk through the park's habitats, outdoor yoga for families and couples, and street-arts shows by teams chosen through an open call
- Siwol-ui Seonyu: a resident-run flea market and stage programmes on the car-free walking street by Seonyudo Station (in 2025, about 300 m of street from Exits 2 and 3)
- 2025 line-up for a sense of scale: Geum Nan-sae and the New World Chamber Orchestra, Seoul City Ballet, fusion gugak band Ondo, a book festival with author talks, and climate and charity campaigns
- The Seonyu Bridge, the only pedestrian-only bridge across the Han River, lit after dark
- Concrete water tanks and columns overgrown with gardens, and autumn colour in late October
Who it suits. Best for families, couples and anyone staying in western Seoul (Hongdae, Hapjeong, Yeouido) who want a relaxed, free afternoon of music, yoga and a flea market in an unusual riverside park; less suited to travellers looking for a big headline festival, or anyone who needs to drive, since the island has no public parking.
Getting there
From Seoul
Line 9 to Seonyudo Station, Exit 2, then walk towards the river (about 10 minutes) through Yanghwa Hangang Park and over the Seonyu pedestrian bridge onto the island. Dangsan Station (Lines 2 and 9) is about 15 minutes on foot. City buses 603 and 761 (from Dangsan or Hapjeong stations) stop at the Seonyudo Park stop, according to a 2023 city guide. The Siwol-ui Seonyu street market starts right by Seonyudo Station Exits 2 and 3.
From Busan
KTX from Busan Station to Seoul Station, about 2 h 30 min (standard fare ₩54,400 since 1 September 2026), then Line 1 to Sindorim, Line 2 to Dangsan and Line 9 one stop to Seonyudo, or walk about 15 minutes from Dangsan.
From Incheon Airport
AREX to Gimpo Airport Station, then Line 9 to Seonyudo Station, Exit 2, and walk about 10 minutes to the park.
Last leg from Seonyudo Station
Seoul Subway Line 9, Exit 2. About 10 minutes to Seonyudo Park, through Yanghwa Hangang Park and over the Seonyu pedestrian bridge
Festival shuttle
No festival shuttle was announced.
Getting home
The festival closes at 20:00 (2026 KTO listing), well before the last Line 9 and Line 2 trains; Seonyudo Station is about 10 minutes' walk from the park.
Parking
Seonyudo Park has no general car park; only disabled-access vehicles (6 spaces in 2023) and emergency vehicles can drive onto the island. Drivers are pointed to the Yanghwa Hangang Park car park on the south bank. Come by subway.
How to switch Naver Map and Kakao Map to English
Google Maps shows train, subway and bus routes in Korea but not walking or driving directions yet, so for the walk from the station Naver Map or Kakao Map is more reliable.
Before you go
1330 · Travel hotline
The Korea Tourism Organization’s helpline answers in English, Japanese and Chinese around the clock, and in several other languages from 08:00 to 19:00. Dial 1330 from a Korean phone, or +82-2-1330 from a phone registered abroad.
112 / 119 · Emergencies
112 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance. Both are free from any phone. Police on 112 can add an English or Chinese interpreter to the call.
T-money card
Buy one at a convenience store such as GS25, CU or 7-Eleven and top it up there with cash. It pays for subways and buses in most cities, and for most taxis.
Maps
Use Naver Map or Kakao Map for walking and bus directions; Google Maps does not yet give walking directions in Korea. Both apps can be switched to English. Naver Map: Menu (≡) → Settings → Language (Japanese and Chinese also available). Kakao Map: Menu (≡) → Settings → App settings → Language. If the option is missing, change your phone’s language and reopen the app. Small shop names and some reviews stay in Korean.
Trains and buses
Book trains on Korail’s English site and express buses on Kobus. Holiday weekends sell out first.
Checked 18 October 2026.
Tickets, prices and practical details
| Item | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Free | Free; some hands-on programmes are partly paid (amounts not published) |
- Booking
- No booking needed for entry. Whether the bird walk, yoga or paid activities take advance sign-ups in 2026 was not published; the organizer posts updates on Instagram (@ydp_seonyudo) and its website, and enquiries go to 02-2629-2261.
- English on site
- No festival information in English was found.
- Best time to go
- Saturday or Sunday afternoon, staying until dusk, when the Seonyu Bridge is lit and the river views are at their best.
- What to bring
- A picnic mat and snacks (picnicking on the lawns is common), a warm layer for the riverside in late October, and comfortable shoes for the walk over the bridge.
- Toilets
- The park has public toilets.
- Step-free access
- Seonyudo Park has ramps throughout and is manageable with a stroller; disabled-access vehicles can use the six spaces on the island (2023). Step-free routes over the Seonyu Bridge were not described.
Editions
| Year | Dates | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | A weekend in late October 2027 if the pattern of 2025 and 2026 holds; nothing announced as of 18 October 2026. | expected | The festival has been held every autumn since 2024. |
| 2026 | 24–25 Oct 2026 | ended | Seonyudo Park and the "walking street" (걷고 싶은 거리) by Seonyudo Station. |
| 2025 | 24–26 Oct 2025 | ended | Seonyudo Park and the walking street by Seonyudo Station; about 300 m of street from Exits 2 and 3 to the back gate of Dangsan Elementary School was closed to traffic. |
Nearby
- Yanghwa Hangang Park (양화한강공원) — About 440 m. The riverside park on the south bank, linked to the island by the Seonyu pedestrian bridge; it has the nearest car park.
- Seonyudo Story Hall (선유도 이야기관). A small exhibition hall inside the park telling Seonyudo's story (09:00–18:00, 09:00–17:00 in winter).
- Mangwon Market (망원시장) — About 2 km. A busy traditional market on the north bank, a walk of about 2 km across Yanghwa Bridge (09:00–21:00, varies by shop); about 443 m from Mangwon Station Exit 2 on Line 6.
Questions travelers ask
When is the Seonyudo Garden Festival 2026?
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026, 12:00–20:00, in Seonyudo Park and on the walking street by Seonyudo Station, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. Programme times had not been published as of 18 October.
Is the festival free?
Yes. Entry is free; some hands-on activities are partly paid, but prices were not published. Seonyudo Park itself is free and open 06:00–24:00.
How do I get to Seonyudo Park?
Take Line 9 to Seonyudo Station, Exit 2, and walk about 10 minutes to the river, crossing the Seonyu pedestrian bridge onto the island. Dangsan Station (Lines 2 and 9) is about 15 minutes on foot.
What is on at the festival?
For 2026 the Korea Tourism Organization lists a guided bird walk, outdoor yoga, a street-arts festival by teams chosen through an open call, and Siwol-ui Seonyu, a resident-run flea market with stage programmes. In 2025 there were also classical, ballet and gugak concerts and a book festival.
Can I drive and park at Seonyudo Park?
Not really. The island has no general car park; only disabled-access and emergency vehicles can drive on. Use the Yanghwa Hangang Park car park on the south bank, or better, the subway.
Is Siwol-ui Seonyu the same festival?
It is a separate, resident-organised street festival (ninth edition in 2025) held at the same time on the walking street by Seonyudo Station, and it is promoted together with the Seonyudo Garden Festival.
What is the weather like at Yeongdeungpo Seonyudo Garden Festival in October?
October in Seoul: average high 20 °C (68 °F), low 11 °C (51 °F), 52 mm of rain (Seoul station, KMA 1991–2020 normals). Comfortable: light layers.
Sources and verification
Facts checked
22 October 2026, against the sources listed below.
This page is desk research from the sources below, not a firsthand report of the 2027 edition. Confidence in the current facts: medium.
- KTO TourAPI listing 영등포선유도원축제 (contentId 3387201)kto — 2026 dates 24–25 Oct, 12:00–20:00, free with some hands-on programmes partly paid, venue Seonyudo Park to the Seonyudo Station walking street, 343 Seonyu-ro, coordinates, organizers, phone 02-2629-2261, 2026 programme (bird walk, outdoor yoga, open-call street arts, Siwol-ui Seonyu), listing modified 15 Oct 2026
- KTO tourist data — 영등포 선유도원 축제 (ktriptips mirror)kto — 2025 dates 24–26 Oct, Fri–Sat 12:00–20:00 and Sun 12:00–18:00, free, 2025 programmes and partner campaigns; listing created 15 Oct 2024; Yanghwa Hangang Park about 439 m away
- Yeongdeungpo Culture Foundation press release via Korea Newswire — 2025 Yeongdeungpo Seonyudo Garden Festival (10 Oct 2025)official — 2025 dates 24–26 Oct (3 days), Geum Nan-sae and the New World Chamber Orchestra on Fri 24 Oct, performers, programmes, Korea Street Arts Association, partners, up to 30% off at nearby restaurants and cafes, Instagram @ydp_seonyudo, 2024 festival photos
- Herald K — 영등포의 가을 '선유도원 축제'와 '시월의 선유'로 물든다 (20 Oct 2025)news — 2025 was the 2nd edition and Siwol-ui Seonyu the 9th; about 300 m of street from Seonyudo Station Exits 2 and 3 to the back gate of Dangsan Elementary School closed to vehicles; book festival authors; park designed by Jung Young-sun
- Herald K — 영등포구, 24일부터 '선유도 축제' 개최 (20 Oct 2025)news — 2025 dates 24–26 Oct, Yeongdeungpo-gu as organizer, bird walk with birders and gardeners, yoga, flea market, book festival
- Festival listing site 축제.com — 영등포선유도원축제 (2025)other — 2025 dates 24–26 Oct, Fri–Sat 12:00–20:00, Sun 12:00–18:00, free
- Seoul Mediahub — 신선들이 놀던 바로 그곳, 선유도공원! (citizen reporter, Nov 2024)municipal — Festival held for the first time in 2024; upcycling play and a five-spot photo stamp hunt; ramps throughout the park, usable with a stroller
- KTO tourist data — 선유도공원 (ktriptips mirror)kto — Address 343 Seonyu-ro, open 06:00–24:00 all year, free, no parking, restrooms, water treatment plant 1978–2000, park opened 2002, phone 02-2631-9367~8
- Yeongdeungpo-gu tourism — 선유도공원municipal — Seonyubong peak cut away after 1968; water treatment plant from 1978 for about 20 years; eco park opened 2002; Korea's first environmental-regeneration park; Seonyu Bridge the only pedestrian-only bridge on the Han River, lit at night; picnicking common
- Seoul Mediahub — 선유교 closure and other routes to Seonyudo Park (26 May 2023)municipal — Seonyu Bridge links the park with the Yanghwa section of Hangang Park; buses 603 and 761 to the Seonyudo Park stop from Dangsan and Hapjeong; no general parking, 6 disabled-access spaces
- Seoul Mediahub — 선유도공원 and Mangwon Market walk (citizen reporter, 2 Jun 2026)municipal — Seonyudo Station (Line 9) about 10 minutes' walk, Dangsan Station (Lines 2 and 9) about 15 minutes; park 06:00–24:00, free; Seonyudo Story Hall 09:00–18:00 (09:00–17:00 in winter); Mangwon Market about 2 km across Yanghwa Bridge, 09:00–21:00, about 443 m from Mangwon Station Exit 2
- fanmaum community post — spring visit to Seonyudo Park (28 Apr 2026)blog — Seonyudo Station Exit 2; parking only for disabled visitors, drivers use the Yanghwa Hangang Park car park; rainbow-shaped Seonyu Bridge
- Busan → Seoul Station train timetable, 16–22 Oct 2026 (third-party mirror of the MOLIT/data.go.kr national timetable feed, page last modified 2026-10-16)other — Same last trains on Fri 16, Sat 17 and Sun 18 Oct: 22:00 KTX 82 (arr 00:27) and 22:10 KTX 84 (arr 00:42), i.e. about 2 h 30 min Busan–Seoul; matches korail.com for 16 Oct
- Hankyung: 9월 1일부터 서울~부산 KTX 5만4400원…운임 평균 10% 인하 (31 Aug 2026)news — KTX and SRT run as KTX from 1 Sep; former SRT trainsets renamed KTX-Sancheon; Seoul–Busan ₩59,800→₩54,400, Yongsan–Gwangju Songjeong ₩46,800→₩42,000; Suseo seats +30%; booking unified in Korail+
- Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism — festival listing: 영등포선유도원축제ministry — 2026 dates 24–25 Oct, 12:00–20:00; Seonyudo Park to the Seonyudo Station walking street; bird walk, outdoor yoga, open-call street arts, 시월의 선유; free, some hands-on programmes partly paid; Yeongdeungpo-gu and Yeongdeungpo Culture Foundation; phone 02-2629-2261; may change; no booking information
What we could not confirm
- 2026 dates (24–25 Oct), hours and programme rest on the KTO and culture ministry listings; the organizer's page (ydpcf.or.kr/festival/seonyudo.do) was not opened and no 2026 news report was found
- 2026 programme times, performers and which hands-on activities are paid (and how much) were not published
- Whether the bird walk and outdoor yoga need advance sign-up in 2026
- Whether buses 603 and 761 still stop at the Seonyudo Park stop (route details are from a 2023 city guide)
- Rain policy, pet rules, crowd figures and English support were not published
- Official Japanese and Chinese names of the festival not found
Changes: 2026-10-18 — Added to the site: fact-first record (dates, hours, prices, getting there, sources). · 2026-10-19 — Rechecked before the 2026 edition: no changes found. · 2026-10-19 — Added a photograph from the Korea Tourism Organization (Korea Tourism Content Lab), KOGL Type 1. · 2026-10-22 — Rechecked before the 2026 edition: dates, hours and programme also confirmed by the culture ministry's festival listing, which was added as a source; enquiry number added.
