2024 Silver Grass Festival in Seoul: A Comprehensive Overview
Each autumn, Seoul becomes a vibrant canvas of colors, with numerous festivals celebrating the season. Among these, the Silver Grass Festival at Haneul Park stands out as a unique event. For 2024, the festival will run from October 19 to October 25, inviting visitors to enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery, cultural performances, and mesmerizing lighting shows. If you are also looking for the cultural park nearby, please click here.
The event transforms Haneul Park into a magical destination filled with shimmering silver grass fields and the backdrop of Seoul’s skyline. In this guide, you’ll find updated information about the event schedule, transportation options, and a detailed overview of what to expect during your visit to the festival.
Location and Festival Details
The Silver Grass Festival takes place in Haneul Park, a part of the larger World Cup Park complex in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Once a landfill site, this eco-friendly park has been transformed into a scenic natural reserve that offers some of the best views of the city. During the festival, the park is open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including evening lighting shows that bring the park’s landscapes to life.
Festival Dates:
October 19-25, 2024
Opening Hours:
9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Location:
Haneul Park, World Cup Park, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Admission:
Free
Haneul Park is known for its fields of silver grass, a type of Pampas grass that thrives in the autumn months. During the Silver Grass Festival, the park becomes a hotspot for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to enjoy the serene beauty of the season. With extended evening hours, the festival provides ample opportunity for visitors to witness both the natural and artistic beauty of the park.
What to Expect at the 2024 Festival
- Expansive Silver Grass Fields: The primary attraction is the vast fields of silver grass that sway in the autumn breeze, creating a soft silver glow across the park. The natural beauty of these fields makes for stunning photo opportunities and is perfect for those looking to capture the essence of Seoul’s autumn.
- Cultural Performances and Light Shows: Every evening during the festival, musical performances and a lighting show take place at 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 8:45 PM. These performances, combined with the illuminated fields, offer a breathtaking experience as the park’s atmosphere shifts from day to night.
- Craft Activities: Visitors can engage in creative activities, such as silver grass crafts, where festival-goers are invited to make souvenirs from the natural materials. These hands-on activities add a special touch to the festival experience, allowing visitors to take home a unique piece of the event.
- Photo Zones: Haneul Park has several designated photo spots that capitalize on the park’s beauty. These zones are perfect for capturing memorable moments with friends and family, and the scenic backdrop of the silver grass against Seoul’s skyline makes for Instagram-worthy shots
Best Time to Visit
To fully appreciate the festival’s offerings, plan your visit based on the time of day and the crowd size. Weekdays tend to be less crowded, providing a more peaceful experience as you stroll through the fields. If you prefer to avoid the crowd, arrive earlier in the day, as the park gets busier in the late afternoon and evening. For those looking to catch the festival’s light show, arriving around sunset is ideal, as you can enjoy both the natural beauty of the silver grass fields and the evening performances.
Transportation and Accessibility
By Subway: The easiest way to get to Haneul Park is by taking the Seoul Subway Line 6 to World Cup Stadium Station. From there, take Exit 1, and it’s a 15-minute walk to the park. The walk takes you through the World Cup Stadium area and is clearly marked with signs directing visitors to Haneul Park.
By Shuttle Cart: For those who prefer not to walk up the hill to the park, shuttle carts are available at the park entrance. These carts offer a convenient ride to the top of the park for a small fee, costing 2,000 KRW one-way or 3,000 KRW round trip. The ride takes about 7-8 minutes and is a popular option, especially during festival days when the park is more crowded.
By Bus: You can also take the Seoul City Bus No. 271, which stops at World Cup Stadium. This route is ideal if you’re coming from major areas like Hongdae or Sinchon
Driving: If you’re planning to drive, there is parking available at World Cup Stadium, but it’s recommended to arrive early as parking spaces can fill up quickly during the festival. From the parking lot, it’s about a 10-15 minute walk to the park entrance.
Other Festival Highlights
- Picnic Areas: Haneul Park is perfect for a leisurely picnic, with plenty of designated seating areas. Visitors are encouraged to bring snacks or pack a picnic to enjoy the serene environment. There is also a convenience store near the park’s entrance where you can purchase refreshments, or you can stop by Homeplus supermarket near World Cup Stadium Station to pick up snacks before your visit
. - Haneul Garden and Observatory: While exploring the park, take a moment to visit the Haneul Garden and its observatories, which offer some of the best panoramic views of Seoul’s skyline, including the distant Bukhansan, Namsan, and Gwanaksan mountains. The most famous observatory, the “Bowl with the Sky,” provides an unparalleled vantage point, making it a must-visit location during your time at the park.
Festival Tips
- Dress Appropriately: Autumn in Seoul can get chilly, especially in the evenings. Bring a warm jacket or extra layers if you plan to stay for the evening light shows.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Haneul Park’s terrain involves some uphill walking, so comfortable footwear is essential to fully enjoy your visit without discomfort.
- Avoid Peak Hours: The festival can get quite crowded, especially during weekends and in the evenings. If you want a quieter experience, aim to visit during the early morning or on a weekday.
Nearby Attractions
Once you’ve explored Haneul Park, consider visiting other attractions in the area. World Cup Stadium, which is adjacent to the park, is a popular landmark, especially for football enthusiasts. The nearby Pyeonghwa (Peace) Park is another peaceful spot worth exploring, featuring tranquil walking paths, beautiful lakes, and scenic cycling routes. It’s a great way to round out your day after experiencing the festival.
To conclude: Unique chance to capture the nature
The 2024 Silver Grass Festival at Haneul Park is a unique opportunity to experience Seoul’s natural beauty and cultural vibrancy during the autumn season. The festival’s combination of expansive silver grass fields, evening light shows, and cultural activities makes it a standout event for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or just looking for a peaceful retreat within the city, this festival is not to be missed.
Make sure to plan your visit between October 19 and October 25, 2024, to enjoy the festival at its peak. With easy access via public transportation, scenic landscapes, and an array of activities, the Silver Grass Festival offers something for everyone, making it one of the most anticipated autumn events in Seoul. For more information about the festival, please visit : @SeoulParksOfficial
