Ten important skateboard spots in Seoul, South Korea
1. Seoul Skatepark (Ttukseom Hangang Park)
Located along the Han River in the Ttukseom area, Seoul Skatepark is one of the city's most popular and well-equipped skateboard parks. Opened in 2011, the park is a concrete skate paradise that attracts skateboarders from all over the city and abroad. The park features a large street course, bowls, ramps, and funboxes that cater to skateboarders of all levels.
The park’s prime location along the river provides beautiful views, and the surrounding area has plenty of cafes and restaurants, making it a great spot to relax after skating. It's a place where beginners can practice basic tricks while experienced skaters can hit advanced features. The overall atmosphere is welcoming, and it often hosts local skateboarding events.
Why it's great: A well-maintained, versatile park perfect for both street and bowl skating, with a fantastic location by the river.
2. Hongdae Skatepark
Hongdae, a neighborhood known for its youthful energy and vibrant arts scene, is home to one of the best skateparks in Seoul. The Hongdae Skatepark is located near the Hongik University, a central area for music, street art, and subculture. This spot features a concrete skatepark with a variety of obstacles, including ledges, rails, ramps, and bowls.
What sets Hongdae Skatepark apart is its proximity to the urban culture of the area. It's often filled with skateboarders, BMX riders, and even graffiti artists, making it an ideal place for those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life. The park is popular among young, talented skateboarders who are looking for a place to shred, and it often hosts competitions and skateboarding events.
Why it's great: A unique blend of skate culture and Seoul's urban scene, making it a social hub for skateboarders.
3. Jamsil Sports Complex
Located in the southeastern part of Seoul, Jamsil Sports Complex is a massive sports center that houses various facilities, including a world-class stadium, gymnasium, and indoor sports arenas. Within this complex, there is a smaller but notable skatepark.
The skatepark here is relatively quiet and less crowded compared to the more famous parks like Seoul Skatepark or Hongdae Skatepark, making it perfect for skateboarders who prefer a more laid-back environment. The park has a solid range of features, including banks, rails, and mini-ramp setups. It’s a fantastic location for those looking to improve their skills or film tricks in a low-pressure environment.
Why it's great: Less crowded than other skateparks, offering a peaceful place to practice and skate.
4. Gwanghwamun Square
Gwanghwamun Square is one of the busiest and most iconic areas in central Seoul. It is home to the famous Gwanghwamun Gate and several cultural landmarks, but it’s also a great spot for street skateboarding. The area features smooth, wide plazas with plenty of ledges, stairs, and flat ground perfect for skating.
While the area can be busy with tourists and locals, the wide spaces and smooth surfaces allow skateboarders to perform tricks without the risk of running into too many obstacles. The square’s proximity to other urban attractions means there’s always something to do when you need a break from skating. Gwanghwamun Square is also a hub for cultural events, and it’s not uncommon to see street performers and vendors, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Why it's great: A central, iconic location with plenty of smooth terrain for street skaters to enjoy.
5. Yeouido Hangang Park
Yeouido is one of Seoul’s financial districts, but it’s also home to one of the city's most scenic parks, Yeouido Hangang Park. Along the Han River, this park provides ample space for a variety of outdoor activities, including skateboarding. The park features smooth paths that run along the river, providing a relaxed space for longboarding or cruising.
In addition to the paths, there are several small obstacles and areas where skateboarders can practice tricks. The large open spaces are ideal for practicing flat ground tricks, and the view of the river and the city skyline makes this spot particularly appealing. Whether you're looking to cruise or work on your tech tricks, Yeouido Hangang Park is a fantastic location for both beginners and advanced skaters.
Why it's great: Scenic riverside location with plenty of space to cruise and practice tricks.
6. Seoul Forest Skatepark
Seoul Forest, one of the largest urban parks in the city, offers a skatepark that stands out for its versatility and green surroundings. The park features both street-style obstacles and smooth pathways, making it a great location for both beginners and advanced skaters. The skatepark itself has a variety of elements, including rails, banks, ramps, and ledges.
In addition to skateboarding, Seoul Forest offers beautiful natural landscapes, art installations, and bike paths, making it a great spot for a day out. It’s also a family-friendly environment, meaning you’ll often see people walking, biking, or enjoying picnics nearby.
Why it's great: A perfect blend of nature and urban skating, offering both peaceful vibes and plenty of skating features.
7. Namsan Seoul Tower Area
The area around Namsan Seoul Tower, one of the most famous landmarks in Seoul, is known for its steep hills, urban landscapes, and smooth pavement. While not a designated skatepark, the area around the base of Namsan Tower is perfect for street skaters who love skating up and down hills and around urban obstacles.
There are multiple stair sets, ledges, and smooth concrete pathways around the area. The views of the city from the tower’s base and surrounding areas provide a unique backdrop for any skateboarding session. It’s also a popular spot for tourists, so be prepared to dodge pedestrians while you skate.
Why it's great: A great location for street skating, with the added bonus of fantastic city views.
8. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a futuristic building that serves as a cultural hub for exhibitions, fashion shows, and art installations. Located in the heart of Seoul’s fashion district, DDP’s surroundings are a mix of modern architecture, open plazas, and smooth surfaces perfect for skateboarding.
Skateboarders can enjoy cruising around the futuristic structure and practicing tricks on the surrounding ledges and rails. The area also has wide open spaces, making it an ideal location for longboarding. While the plaza itself is often crowded with tourists and visitors, there are plenty of quieter spots nearby where skateboarders can practice their skills.
Why it's great: A visually stunning location with a mix of smooth urban surfaces and interesting architecture.
9. Itaewon
Itaewon is a multicultural neighborhood known for its nightlife, diverse food offerings, and vibrant street culture. The streets of Itaewon are lined with smooth roads and various street obstacles, making it a great place for street skateboarders to enjoy. Whether you’re carving down the main road or skating around the backstreets, Itaewon offers endless opportunities for exploring new spots.
The variety of urban obstacles, including ledges, rails, and stair sets, creates a skateboarding paradise for those who enjoy city street skating. Plus, Itaewon’s bustling atmosphere makes it a lively spot to skate, meet other skaters, and immerse yourself in Seoul's urban culture.
Why it's great: A lively neighborhood with diverse urban obstacles, perfect for street skating and socializing with other skaters.
10. Banpo Hangang Park
Located along the Han River, Banpo Hangang Park is a peaceful park that is also home to one of Seoul’s most iconic bridges, the Banpo Bridge. The park features long, smooth paths ideal for cruising, as well as small ledges and rails that are perfect for practicing flat ground tricks or simple grinds.
The park's location near the river and its proximity to the vibrant Gangnam area provide a calm yet urban skate experience. It’s a great place to skate with friends, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and have a relaxing time by the water. Additionally, the park has plenty of open space for longboarding or cruising.
Why it's great: A serene location with scenic views, perfect for a relaxed skateboarding session along the river.
Skateboarding is tribal and most locals are welcoming, but if you're new to a spot, or just passing through, have respect for the locals. Listen. Be smart. Have fun.
A human being
Art can change the world – and everybody is an artist. Those who scribble stickmen. Those who paint chapel ceilings. Those who tattoo biceps. Those who are careful with pigment on canvas. Those who create fantasy characters. Those who paint pet portraits. Those who yarn bomb. Those who write poems on crappy old cardboard.
My art lives on the bottom of skateboard decks. It's designed for you to destroy. For you, the rider, my art may come second to the deck’s ability to perform – and that’s awesome. To me, art comes first. Always.
It’s how I think. It’s who I am. It’s what I am.
A machine
This article has been created with the help of artificial intelligence platforms ChatGPT and Bard. If there are inaccuracies or there are opportunities for improvement, please let me know.
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