Sports Centers And Water Recreation Will Open At Hangang Park Seoul This Month

JAKARTA - If nothing changes, the people of South Korea will be able to enjoy water recreational activities such as wind surfing, paddleboarding to cruise boating at Nanji Hangang Park in Mapo District, western Seoul.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government in March announced its plans to inaugurate the city's largest water recreational sports center, with two kines capable of hosting 155 ships for communal use.

Joo Yong-tae, director of the Future Hangang Project Headquarters in the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stressed the central role in popularizing water recreational sports, which previously lacked adequate infrastructure near the Han River.

"We aim to turn the Han River into a center for water recreation activities through this center. In addition, we hope to make the Han River the main destination for water recreation in Korea," he said, quoted by The Korea Times on May 1.

This year, there are about 3,000 water vessels registered in this city. However, the marinas along the Han River are only able to accommodate 130 ships. As a result, ship owners must look for anchorages in other areas, such as the Gympo or Hwaseong in Gyeonggi Province, or Yeongjong Island in Incheon.

Later, one marine covering an area of 2,600 square meters, will be able to accommodate 69 water vessels, including cruise ships and boats, while another land marine covering an area of 5,000 square meters will be built on the riverbank adjacent to the marina, to provide storage space for 86 boats and water recreational supplies.

Not only that, support centers will also provide education about water recreation and various activities.

The 1,277 square meter center also aims to make water recreational sports more accessible to visitors, offering wind surfing, kayak and canoe teaching.

The center's first floor will feature facilities such as educational rooms, changing rooms and shower facilities. While the second floor will function as a relaxation area. Visitors can enjoy the sunset panorama of Sungai Han from the rooftop.

To ensure the security of facilities, the city government has built floating sea walls that are able to withstand strong waves and winds during floods or hurricanes. Crossing 90 meters long and 3.9 meters wide, this sea wall will protect the ship and its users.

With attractions such as Nanji Campground, Seoul Warship Park to nearby World Cup Park, the city government anticipates Nanji Hangang Park to become a leading tourist destination where visitors can simultaneously engage in tourism and recreational sports.

Upon completion of the final inspection of interior facilities and convenience, the center will host various educational programs and water recreational experiences for residents, which are scheduled to begin in May.