Sky Park: Feel the Wind atop Nanjido, a Landfill Containing 92 Million Tons of Waste

15 Years from 1978: When Nanjido Was a 92-Million-Ton Landfill

Nanjido, where Sky Park is located, was originally an island along the Han River, but the Seoul Metropolitan Government landfilled household waste here for 15 years starting in 1978. Seoul Metropolitan Government World Cup Park information materials describe the cumulative landfill volume as approximately 92 million tons and state that stabilization of the landfill, which had severe leachate, odor, and fly problems, began in 1996.

Even after opening as World Cup Park in May 2002, this is not simply a hill covered with soil. A structure remains in place to manage landfill gas and contaminated water, including approximately 6,017 m of cutoff walls, 106 gas collection wells, and 31 leachate collection wells. The pipes and ventilation facilities visible in the park are not separate from the scenery; they are the foundation that maintains the garbage mountain as an ecological park.

From 95 Haneulgongwon-ro to the Summit: Exit 1 of Line 6 and a 30-Minute Walk

The address is 95 Haneulgongwon-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Seoul’s public service reservation information recommends walking straight from Exit 1 of World Cup Stadium Station on Line 6, crossing the main road, passing over the pedestrian bridge between Peace Park and Sky Park, and then using the Sky Stairs or the hillside road. It is safest to allow approximately 30 minutes to reach the Visitor Information Center.

Buses stopping at the “Mapo Agricultural and Marine Products Market · World Cup Park” stop include trunk buses 271 and 571, branch buses 7011, 7013, and 7715, express bus 9711, and Mapo 08. At the “World Cup Park Entrance” stop, buses 271 and 571, 7011, 7013, 7715, 7719, and 8773, as well as 9711, stop, so you can choose the stop that best suits your accommodation’s location.

• If you choose to walk, follow the route in this order: Peace Park–pedestrian bridge–Sky Stairs or hillside road.
• If the stairs seem strenuous, it is better to use the electric vehicle boarding area near the Nanjicheon Park parking lot as your reference point.
• Because the route includes an ascent to the upper part of the park, a backpack is more practical than a suitcase with small wheels.

Riding the Maengkkongi Electric Vehicle from Nanjicheon Park: KRW 2,000 One Way · KRW 3,000 Round Trip

Admission to Sky Park itself is free, and no regular closing day is separately announced. However, if you want to reduce the uphill walk to the summit, you can use the Maengkkongi electric vehicle near the Nanjicheon Park parking lot. According to Seoul’s reservation information, the regular fare is KRW 2,000 one way and KRW 3,000 round trip; for children aged 12 and under, it is KRW 1,500 one way and KRW 2,200 round trip.

The electric vehicle is a particularly practical option for stroller and wheelchair users and travelers accompanying young children, but waiting times and operating conditions may vary depending on event periods and on-site operations. A 2022 Seoul park guide listed the regular round-trip fare as KRW 3,000 and the round-trip fare for children aged 4–12 as KRW 2,200, so it is best to check whether the service is operating with the on-site information board or the park management office immediately before departure. The inquiry telephone number is 02-300-5576.

Directions to the Han River and the City Seen from the Wind Turbines and “Bowl Containing the Sky”

When you reach the summit, Sky Park changes into a broad, flat walking area. Seoul materials introduce it as the park closest to the sky among the World Cup Park complex and explain that its eco-friendly management using landfill gas and its wind turbines reflect the park’s origins. The wind turbines also serve as landmarks for gauging the approach direction from World Cup Stadium Station.

Around the observatory-like artwork “Bowl Containing the Sky,” it is easy to take in the full expanse of the silver grass field at a glance. A 2024 Seoul field article also noted that Bukhansan can be seen from the entrance, so rather than photographing only the silver grass, walking a route that combines the observatory, wind turbines, and views toward the Han River will help you understand the park’s terrain. Allow 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for the summit walk and the ascent combined.

Not Only the October Silver Grass Festival: The Changing Face of the Grassland by Season

The signature vegetation of Sky Park is silver grass, and in autumn it is widely known as the venue for the Seoul Silver Grass Festival. A 2024 Seoul article introduced the festival map, photo zones, and areas of kochia and cosmos flowers. Festival dates, nighttime programs, and additional electric vehicle services may change each year, so if you are visiting for a specific event, check that year’s schedule in Seoul’s park announcements first.

If silver grass is your main goal, consider both the backlighting in the late afternoon and weekend crowds. In spring and summer, by contrast, this is a place to appreciate the broad grassland, wind turbines, and views of the Han River rather than the silvery scenery of the silver grass. Since the summit has little shade to block the wind, it is best to bring water and a hat in summer, and windproof outerwear in autumn and winter.

Walking On to Peace Park and Nanjicheon Park and Deciding Where to Park

Rather than briefly visiting only Sky Park and returning, you can better understand the restored terrain of World Cup Park by crossing the pedestrian bridge from Peace Park, climbing to the summit, and then descending toward Nanjicheon Park. Peace Park has Nanjicheon Pond and a lawn plaza, while Sky Park functions as a windy grassland on top of the former landfill; the two have distinct roles.

Seoul’s information recommends using either the Peace Park parking lot or the Nanjicheon Park parking lot when arriving by car. During major events such as the Silver Grass Festival, nearby roads and parking lots may be congested, so it is better to consider Line 6 and buses first. Wheelchair and stroller users should combine the hillside road and the Maengkkongi electric vehicle instead of using the stairs. Since the availability of foreign-language information may vary between festivals and on-site signage, it is safest to inquire in advance by calling 02-300-5576 if needed.