After checking in at the hostel and a good amount of rest, we decided to head out to our first destination, the Haneul Sky Park. It has a close proximity to our guesthouse and only takes two stops from Mangwon to World Cup Stadium.
When we arrived and exit the station, a crowd of Halmeoni (grandma) and Hal-abeoji (grandpa) welcomed us. Apparently, there's an event happening inside the stadium and we came exactly at the time the program ended. There are about twenty to thirty buses and hundreds of elders that day so we have to squeeze our way to the park.
The beauty is in the walking...
From World Cup Stadium Station, Line 6, Exit 1, turn right, go around the stadium and walk towards the big road. At the first main intersection, cross the road and walk past the car park to reach the entrance. [1] You can take a shuttle service departing from the park entrance for 3000 KRW (RT). [2] Take the 291 steps zig-zag stairway to the top if you have plenty of time and energy. We are very fond of walking (or hiking) so we chose the latter.
It was a strenuous ascend but the breathtaking view compensated it.
Seoul Worldcup Stadium view from 291 steps stairway
Situated at the highest elevation of World Cup Park, Haneul Park which means "Sky" in Korean serves as an incredible example of ecological and urban regeneration. This place was once a mountain of garbage but now a green hill covered with Eulalia and wildflowers.
Even this back-shot shows how happy I was that day
At the beginning of October, when the grass is in full bloom, tourist and locals celebrate the annual Eulalia festival. Various events and performances are offered during the period and the park remains open till 10 in the evening.
Cold Urticaria, swollen face and red spots all for the sake of art
The way the grass gracefully dances with the wind as the sun slowly reflects and turned them into gold felt almost like a dream. It was a wistful moment.
A close friend once asked, how does sunset differ from the other? I paused for a long while and pondered. Though sunsets are equally beautiful in my eyes, it is with whom I watched that makes it exceptional, I said.
You are worth the wait.
The temperature drops as the sun bids goodbye. It was a long and dramatic day indeed.
They say Haneul Park is at its loveliest in autumn, and I couldn't agree more...
Till the next post ♥
