The Best Picnic Spot You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of

 By Rowie Eka Limputra

As spring arrives in Korea and the weather becomes pleasantly warm, many people begin looking for the perfect picnic spot to enjoy the sunshine. While popular areas like 여의도 (Yeouido) and 반포한강공원 (Banpo Hangang Park) often come to mind first, there’s a quieter, lesser-known spot that deserves just as much attention which is 노들섬 (Nodeul Island).

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Located right in the middle of the Han River near Yongsan, Nodeul Island is a cultural space that offers beautiful scenery, wide open lawns, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for picnics, casual hangouts, and even sunset photography. This hidden gem was also a filming location for Korean dramas including the popular series Start-Up (스타트업), where the island was featured as the Sandbox headquarters,  giving it a special, almost dream-like atmosphere for fans of the show.

What makes Nodeul Island unique is its balance between nature and convenience. You’ll find plenty of open spaces where you can lay down a 돗자리 (picnic mat), but also many tables and chairs available if you don’t have one. Unlike other parks, there’s no mat rental service, but you can easily purchase a mat for around 5,000원 at the 편의점 (convenience store) on the island. The store also sells instant 라면, snacks, and drinks! perfect for a spontaneous picnic. What’s even better is that you can order 배달 (delivery food) directly to the park. When I visited with friends, we enjoyed 치킨 ( chicken ), 떡볶이 ( tteokbokki ), and 라면 ( ramyeon ) while watching the sun set behind the bridges. The atmosphere was peaceful, clean, and not overcrowded, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

Nodeul Island isn’t just a picnic destination, it’s a great place to experience another side of Seoul. Whether you want to relax under the sun, take aesthetic photos, or simply enjoy the river view with good food and company, this spot has something for everyone. For international students looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, Nodeul Island offers a refreshing change and a chance to enjoy spring like a local. Next time you’re planning a picnic, consider skipping the usual places and heading to 노들섬 instead, you might just find your new favorite hangout spot in Seoul.