Citizens, seeking refuge from the early heat, are enjoying a leisurely time by laying out mats, watching the water, or admiring the sunset over the Han River. [Photo by Reporter Lim Yo-hee]

Ttukseom, a vast urban garden where the Han River's waves break like silver, is currently experiencing its most vibrant season.

The Han River, with its calm flow, meets a garden of 60,000 pyeong (approximately 198,000 square meters) in full bloom, creating a harmonious blend with its large concrete structures. The true charm of this scenery unfolds at dusk.

Around this time, Ttukseom offers a spectacular night view as lights begin to twinkle in the Gangnam urban forest across the river. To the west, Namsan Mountain, framed by the crimson sunset, completes the picturesque panorama of Seoul.

This is the time when citizens, escaping the early heat, head to the Han River, spread out mats, and enjoy a moment of relaxation, captivated by the water or the sunset.

The Enigmatic Harmony of Cheongdam Bridge and the Ttukseom Jjabeoli

The uniqueness of Ttukseom Hangang Park can be found in the numerous concrete pillars supporting the park's grounds. These pillars are part of Cheongdam Bridge, the 18th bridge to span the Han River, connecting Jayang-dong in Gwangjin-gu and Cheongdam-dong in Gangnam-gu. It is recognized as Korea's first double-decker bridge.

The Jjabeoli structure, used as an exhibition space, is characterized by its irregular elegance, contrasting with the geometric feel of Cheongdam Bridge. [Photo by Reporter Lim Yo-hee]

On Children's Day, Ttukseom briefly transformed into a theme park. [Photo by Reporter Lim Yo-hee]

The upper deck serves as a six-lane highway for vehicles, while the lower deck is a railway bridge connecting Konkuk University Station and Cheongdam Station on Subway Line 7. The sight of trains entering the bridge from below is another unique experience only available at Ttukseom.

Furthermore, the upper part of the northern pier of Cheongdam Bridge, due to its curving road, exhibits a distinct curvilinear beauty. The lower part of the piers is adorned with green ivy, offsetting the starkness of the cold, man-made structures.

Adjacent to the piers is the 'Ttukseom Jjabeoli (Seoul Saenggakmaru),' a long, cylindrical structure. The Jjabeoli structure is characterized by its irregular, flowing form, which contrasts with the geometric aesthetic of Cheongdam Bridge. The Ttukseom Jjabeoli, in itself a work of art, adds a 'hip' vibe to the otherwise potentially barren riverside space.

Currently, an exhibition is underway inside the Ttukseom Jjabeoli, highlighting the Han River as a trading hub for merchants from the Gyeonggang region. Gyeonggang merchants (京江商人) were a group of merchants active in the late Joseon Dynasty, based in areas like Mapo, Seogang, Yongsan, and Ttukseom. They distributed rice, salt, timber, and seafood on a national scale, driving Seoul's commercial development.

Additionally, one can observe the historical changes of the Han River at a glance, including the devastating flood of Eulchuk-nyeon (1925), river modification projects, the 88 Olympics, and the comprehensive Han River development project.

Selected as the Stage for the Garden Expo until October

At the heart of Ttukseom Hangang Park lies a large garden that changes its attire with the seasons. The 2026 Seoul International Garden Expo is the largest event of its kind, aiming to transform Seoul Forest, the Han River, Seongsu, and the Ttukseom Hangang Park area into a single garden.

A large garden that changes with the seasons is located at the center of Ttukseom Hangang Park. [Photo by Reporter Lim Yo-hee]

The event will run for 180 days from May 1st to October 27th, featuring 167 gardens across a 90,000 square meter site. In particular, Ttukseom Hangang Park near Jayang Station has been designed as a riverview garden course, allowing visitors to enjoy the gardens while feeling the river breeze.

The garden expo will also showcase artist gardens by world-renowned designers, corporate gardens (including character pop-up gardens by Kakao, Pokémon, etc.), and companion gardens cultivated by citizens. It aims to be more than just a visual exhibition, offering an 'experiential festival' with events such as orchestra performances on the outdoor stage at Seoul Forest.

A recommended itinerary is to exit at Jayang Station, admire the waterside gardens at Ttukseom Hangang Park, then stroll along the Han River to Seoul Forest, or explore the trendy alley gardens of Seongsu-dong.

Meanwhile, Ttukseom emerged as a modern summer resort for Seoul citizens in 1934 when the Gyeongseong Electric Railway Company established Ttukseom Resort here. People would take the Seoul tram to visit, enjoying swimming and boating on the sandy beaches. Recently, the Ttukseom Swimming Pool opened in the same location, becoming a beloved summer destination for Seoulites.

Ttukseom emerged as a modern summer resort for Seoul citizens in 1934 when the Gyeongseong Electric Railway Company established Ttukseom Resort here. People would take the Seoul tram to visit, enjoying swimming and boating on the sandy beaches. [Photo courtesy of Seoul City]

The site of the former Ttukseom Resort now houses Ttukseom Swimming Pool, which is very popular as a summer destination for Seoul citizens. [Photo courtesy of Seoul City]

Reporter Lim Yo-hee