Seoul’s Olympic Park isn’t just a legacy of the 1988 Summer Games—it’s a sprawling cultural oasis where sport, history, and art harmoniously collide. At its heart lies the Sculpture Park, an open-air gallery featuring over 200 works from globally renowned artists. As a foreign visitor, I found it to be a serene yet thought-provoking escape from the city’s buzz. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your Seoul itinerary.
🌿 Where Nature Frames Art
Unlike traditional museums, the Sculpture Park blends seamlessly with rolling hills, tranquil ponds, and shaded pathways. The artworks aren’t confined to plinths—they emerge organically from meadows, perch beside willow trees, and reflect in still waters. This integration creates a dialogue between art and environment: Alexander Calder’s playful red stabile “The Crab” contrasts with lush greenery, while Korean master Kim Chung-up’s granite “Gate of Harmony” stands sentinel over a wildflower field. Walking here feels like a treasure hunt, where each turn reveals a new surprise.
🎨 Global Masters & Korean Visionaries
The collection is a testament to the Olympics’ international spirit. Highlights include:
- Joan Miró’s “Moon Bird” (Spain): A whimsical bronze creature soaring skyward, embodying childlike wonder.
- Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” (USA): The iconic pop-art sculpture, radiating optimism.
- Park Chong-bae’s “The Sound of the Sky” (Korea): Steel rings that “sing” when wind whispers through them—a poetic fusion of sound and form.
Many pieces reflect Korea’s modern art evolution, like Lee Jung-seob’s abstract steel compositions, echoing resilience post-war.
✨ Immersive Experiences & Hidden Corners
Beyond viewing, the park invites interaction:
- Sit inside Kim Ki-chang’s “Open Space”, a circular stone installation amplifying birdsong.
- Photograph Niki de Saint Phalle’s colorful “Nana” figures—joyful, curvy sculptures celebrating femininity.
- Pause at the Meditation Hill, where Mark di Suvero’s towering steel arcs frame the sunset perfectly.
Pro tip: Rent a bike near Gate 1 (₩3,000/hour) to cover more ground—the park spans 1.4 million sq meters!
📅 Visitor Essentials
- Getting There: Subway Line 5 to Olympic Park Station (Exit 3). Follow signs to “Peace Plaza” near Gate 1.
- Hours: Open 24/7 (lighted paths at night), but sculptures best viewed 9 AM–6 PM.
- Cost: Free! (Special exhibitions may charge).
- Nearby Eats: Grab hotteok (sweet pancakes) at Mongchon Fortress or upscale Korean at Jihwaja near the park.
💭 Why It Resonates
The Sculpture Park transcends typical tourism. It’s where history whispers (the park sits on 1,500-year-old Baekje Kingdom ruins), art inspires, and Seoul’s soul unfolds. As dusk paints the sky pink, watching families picnic beside Botero’s voluptuous “Woman on Horseback”, I realized: this isn’t just a park—it’s a living canvas of human creativity.
Whether you’re an art lover or simply seeking calm, come wander, reflect, and let sculpture and nature tell their stories. 🖼️✨
Pro tip: Combine your visit with the Olympic Museum (free entry) to fully appreciate the ’88 Games’ legacy!