The Seoul Metropolitan Government from Dec. 22 to Feb. 22 will run a sledding slope at the Hangang Parks of Ttukseom, Jamwon and Yeouido. Shown are people sledding down the Ttukseom park in Seoul's Gwangjin-gu District.

By Hong Angie
Photos = Seoul Metropolitan Government

A festival in Seoul from next week will offer a Christmas atmosphere with a European vibe.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government on Dec. 17 said the Hangang Winter Festival, a collection of winter festivals and events to mark the year-end and New Year's holidays, will simultaneously run from Dec. 22 to Feb. 12 at seven Hangang Parks in the capital including those at Ttukseom, Yeouido, Jamwon, Nanji and Mangwon.

The highlight is the Romantic Hangang Christmas Market from Dec. 22-31 at the Ttukseom park. The Republic of Korea Navy band will hold a congratulatory performance on Dec. 22 at 6 p.m. to mark the opening of the market, which will be a photo zone featuring a large "romantic" tree 9 m tall, "romantic" gate, things made of Hanji (traditional paper) like a dream carriage and snowmen, and cute sculptures called "Winter Friends" including one of Santa Claus.

In addition, Merry Market will sell Christmas goods and Food Lounge winter snacks.

The Hangang Festival Winter held from Dec. 22-31 at the Hangang parks of Gwangnaru, Nanji, Yeouido and Gangseo will have as its theme "River Warm Even in Winter."

The main program of the festival is its unique snow domes, or photo booths that also double as rest spots, at Ttukseom Hangang Park. With each one transparent and 2 m tall, the five domes will be decked with props like Christmas trees, fireplaces, blue dragons and bokjumeoni (traditional "lucky" money pouches), allowing visitors to take photos with the Hangang River as the backdrop.

Hangang Sledding Slope will run from Dec. 22 to Feb. 12 at the river parks of Ttukseom, Jamwon and Yeouido from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. The sledding venue at the Ttukseom facility will have extended hours until 8 p.m. from Dec. 22-31 during the period of the Romantic Christmas Market there.

The slope and amusement venues will be temporarily closed from noon to 12:40 p.m. daily for snow clearance and management.

Visitors there can ride sleds along a long 80-m slope, two slopes each 30-m long and one with a lower slant.

Admission to the slope is KRW 6,000 for all ages including children, teens and adults that includes riding sleds and using areas for playing in snow and rest. Interactive programs and rides will cost an additional KRW 5,000-6,000.

The five activities available including catching the small fish smelt, popping balloons or making dalgona (honeycomb candy) as well as riding five types of rides including a mini-Viking, low-level bungee jumping and tagada, or a spinning and bouncing circle with seats.

On Dec. 21, the city will also observe Day for People with Disabilities one day before the slope's official opening from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ttukseom Hangang Park for those with physical or developmental disabilities.

A sled lift will be manufactured and installed for disabled people having difficulty moving.

A sledding slope will also be opened at Yeouido Hangang Park this year to allow outdoor activities. It will also be opened at night for the first time

The slope will run daily until 8 p.m. from Dec. 22-31 over the same period as the Romantic Christmas Market at the Ttukseom park.

The Hangang Music Fireworks Cruise will be held on Dec. 23, 25 and 30-31 for an evening cruise going from Yeouido Hangang Park to Ara Gimpo Passenger Terminal, featuring the gorgeous nightscape and fireworks.

A free exhibition at Seoul Battleship Park will run from Dec. 22 to Jan. 31 at the information center of Mangwon Hangang Park. 

"We've prepared a comprehensive gift set of winter festivals including the Christmas Market, sledding slope and photo zones for late this year and early next year," Deputy Seoul Mayor of Future Hangang Project Headquarters Joo Yong Tae said. "We hope that visitors can feel the charm of Seoul with family and friends."

More information is available on the Hangang River Festival's official website (http://festival.seoul.go.kr/hangang). 

The Seoul Metropolitan Government from Dec. 22 through Feb. 12 will hold the Hangang Winter Festival at seven parks along the Hangang River including those at Ttukseom, Yeouido, Jamwon, Nanji and Mangwon. Shown are visitors catching the small fish smelt.