Seoul Is Turning the Han River Into an All-Night Hangout Spot

Seoul is turning the Han River into an overnight summer destination, with pop-up campsites, late-night events and riverside activities.The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced the project on July 22 as part of its plan to create a stronger nighttime economy around the Han River, encouraging visitors to stay from afternoon through dawn.

The main attraction is “Han River Bam-ping,” a pop-up camping experience at Yeouido and Ttukseom Han River Parks. The city will set up 100 tents at each location, for up to 200 tents a day, with the sites open from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. the following morning.

Camping is free during the pilot period. Visitors can bring their own four-person shade tent or rent one on site. However, cooking and multi-night stays are not allowed, encouraging campers to explore nearby restaurants and businesses.

More nighttime activities will be part of the Han River Festival, including the all-night “Han River Night Walk 42K,” a silent DJ party and outdoor movie screenings under the bridges at Yeouido and Ttukseom.

The city is also making the experience more convenient for international visitors. New food delivery pickup zones will be added near the campsites, while a multilingual “K-Delivery Guide” will explain how foreign tourists can use Korean delivery apps.

Seoul will also promote 21 nearby traditional markets and alleyway shopping streets, aiming to spread visitor spending beyond the river parks.

Safety measures are being strengthened for the overnight program as well, including additional CCTV, improved lighting and 24-hour patrols by Han River officers and public safety staff.

The city will review the pilot based on visitor satisfaction, the number of domestic and international guests, time spent at the parks and changes in nearby business sales before deciding whether to expand overnight camping to other Han River parks.

Camping by the Han River, dancing under the stars and watching movies by the water? Seoul might have just found a new way to spend summer nights.