Location: Yongsan-gu, Seoul | Category: Cultural Complex / Urban Park | Best For: Sunset seekers, K-drama fans, picnic lovers
A 35,000-square-meter island floats in the middle of the Han River, connected to Seoul only by a single bridge. Nodeul Island—meaning "the stone where herons once played"—sat abandoned for decades before reopening as a cultural complex in September 2019. Today, it draws locals and travelers alike with its open lawns, live music venues, and what many call Seoul's finest sunset spot.
This guide breaks down everything needed for a visit: seasonal highlights, key facilities, the best time to catch golden hour, and how to actually get there.
At a Glance
| Address | 445 Yangnyeong-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울 용산구 양녕로 445) |
| Hours | Summer (Mar-Oct): Tue-Fri 10:00-21:00, Weekends 10:00-22:00 / Winter (Nov-Feb): Tue-Sun 10:00-20:00 |
| Outdoor Areas | Open 24 hours |
| Admission | Free |
| Closed | Mondays, Lunar New Year, Chuseok |
| Time Needed | 1.5-3 hours |
| Best Time | 1-2 hours before sunset on weekdays |
Why This Place Matters
Nodeul Island has a complicated history. In the 1960s, Seoul residents swam here in summer and skated on frozen pools in winter. Then the sand disappeared—literally—taken for construction materials in 1968. The island fell into obscurity for 50 years.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government transformed it into a music-focused cultural complex without bulldozing the existing landscape. The result: a space where indie bands perform in a 456-seat concert hall while families spread picnic blankets on the lawn outside.
K-drama fans recognize it immediately. Nodeul Island served as "Sandbox," the fictional startup incubator in the 2020 hit series Start-Up. BTS filmed here. So did Running Man and Hangout with Yoo. The location continues to draw visitors recreating scenes from their favorite shows.
Four Seasons on the Island
Each season reshapes the island's character completely.
Spring (March–May)
Cherry blossoms bloom along the riverbank in early April. Willow trees turn bright green. The lawn fills with picnic blankets by mid-afternoon on weekends. Temperatures hover around 15-20°C—ideal for spending 2-3 hours outdoors.
Summer (June–August)
Heat and humidity define summer visits. The outdoor spaces stay open until 22:00 on weekends, making evening visits preferable. Food trucks occasionally set up near the plaza. Weekday evenings after 18:00 bring cooler temperatures and thinner crowds.
Autumn (September–November)
Peak season for sunset photography. The trees surrounding the lawn turn orange and gold. Clear autumn skies produce the most photogenic conditions. This is also the busiest period—arrive by 16:00 on weekends to secure lawn space facing Yeouido.
Winter (December–February)
An outdoor ice rink operates on the main lawn (Nodeul Yard), typically from late December through January. Skating with the Han River and Seoul skyline as backdrop creates a distinctive winter memory. Indoor facilities—the bookstore, gallery, and cafes—become the main draw. Hours shorten to 20:00.
What to See & Do
Nodeul Square & Lawn (Nodeul Yard)
The central green space defines the island experience. The sloped lawn faces west toward Yeouido and the 63 Building, positioning visitors directly in front of the sunset. Bring a blanket or rent one from nearby cafes. No reservations needed—just show up and find a spot.
Crowd reality check: Weekday afternoons remain manageable. Weekend evenings from 16:00-19:00 pack the lawn completely during good weather.
Live House
A proper 456-seat music venue (708 standing) hosts indie bands, jazz performances, and cultural events. The acoustics rival dedicated concert halls. Check the official website for the monthly performance schedule—most shows require advance tickets ranging from free to ₩30,000-50,000 (~$22-37 USD) depending on the artist.
Nodeul Bookstore
Open during facility hours, the bookstore curates titles around rotating themes rather than standard categories. The rooftop terrace doubles as a reading space with river views.
Nodeul Gallery
Free exhibitions rotate throughout the year, often featuring emerging Korean artists. Media art installations occasionally take over the space. No reservation required.
Walking Trail (Dulle-gil)
A 1.2 km path circles the entire island. The loop takes 20-30 minutes at a relaxed pace. The southern stretch runs closest to the water, offering unobstructed views of the Hangang Railway Bridge—trains crossing every few minutes.
The Sunset Experience
Nodeul Island ranks among Seoul's top sunset locations for good reason. The unobstructed western exposure, combined with the Han River's reflective surface and Yeouido's skyline, creates consistently photogenic conditions.
Positioning tip: Face the 63 Building. The sun drops to its right, casting golden light across the water.
Timing: Arrive 1-2 hours before sunset to secure lawn space. Golden hour peaks approximately 30 minutes before the sun disappears below the buildings.
What to bring: Picnic blanket, snacks from the convenience store on-site, and layers—temperatures drop quickly after dark.
Getting There
Nodeul Island sits between Yongsan and Noryangjin, accessible only via Hangang Bridge. No direct subway station exists on the island itself.
By Subway + Bus (Recommended)
From Line 9: Exit Nodeul Station (노들역) at Exit 2. Walk 700-800 meters toward Hangang Bridge (10-12 minutes).
From Line 4: Exit Sinyongsan Station (신용산역) at Exit 3. Walk 100 meters to bus stop 03-004. Take any bus toward Nodeul Island. Buses: 150, 151, 152, 500, 504, 605, 750A, 750B, 751, 752.
From Line 1: Exit Yongsan Station (용산역) at Exit 1. Walk 300 meters to Sinyongsan bus stop (03-004). Same buses as above.
By Taxi
Tell the driver: "Nodeulseom" (노들섬) or show this address: 서울 용산구 양녕로 445
From Seoul Station: ₩8,000-12,000 (~$6-9 USD), 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.
Parking
Available but extremely limited. First 30 minutes: ₩1,000. Each additional 10 minutes: ₩300. Daily maximum: ₩15,000. Public transportation strongly recommended.
Practical Tips
Food options: Several restaurants operate on-site, including a German-style butcher shop (Blumetz) and cafes. A convenience store stocks basics for impromptu picnics. Chicken-and-beer (chimaek) remains the local favorite—grab it from the convenience store or a pub on the ground level.
Picnic rules: Blankets and outside food allowed on the lawn. No barbecue facilities. Clean up before leaving.
Photography: The signature "Nodeul Island" sculpture near the entrance makes for the obvious photo spot. The stepped seating area behind the lawn provides elevated angles. For Start-Up fans, the island's modern architecture and open plazas recreate the "Sandbox" aesthetic.
Weather backup: If rain arrives, the bookstore, gallery, and indoor cafes provide alternatives. Check forecasts before committing to a sunset visit.
Pets: Allowed outdoors on leash. Not permitted inside indoor facilities.
Accessibility: Barrier-free access throughout. Elevators available. Accessible restrooms installed.
Is It Worth It?
Go if: You want Seoul's best sunset spot without the crowds of Yeouido Hangang Park. The combination of open space, cultural programming, and river views delivers something different from typical Han River parks.
Skip if: You need a full day of activities. The island works better as a 2-3 hour stop—ideally timed around sunset—than an all-day destination.
For K-drama fans: Walking the "Sandbox" grounds brings Start-Up scenes to life. The architecture, open plazas, and bridge views remain largely unchanged from filming.
📌 Quick Reference
- Official site: nodeul.org (Korean) | english.nodeul.org (English)
- Instagram: @nodeul_island
- Info hotline: ☎ +82-2-749-4500 (Korean/English, during operating hours)
- Address: 445 Yangnyeong-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울 용산구 양녕로 445)