Haneul Park Silver Grass Season: How to Get There and When to Go

Haneul Park is a hilltop meadow in Seoul's World Cup Park, and it's the city's best-known place to see silver grass (eulalia, eoksae). The silver grass usually looks its best from early October to early November, and the Seoul Silver Grass Festival takes place there in mid to late October. To get there, take Subway Line 6 to World Cup Stadium Station. From the station, walk through Pyeonghwa Park, then either climb the long wooden staircase to the top or ride the small electric shuttle up the hill. Go in the late afternoon if you can: the grass glows in the low sun, and the views over the Han River are best at sunset.

What makes Haneul Park special

Haneul Park ("Sky Park") sits on top of what used to be Nanjido, Seoul's main landfill for about fifteen years. When the World Cup Park was built around the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the landfill was capped and turned into parkland. Today the flat summit is covered with tall grasses, walking paths, wind turbines and viewing decks. Every autumn, waves of silver-white grass cover the hill, and you get views of the Han River, Bukhansan and the city skyline. It's a rare, wide-open landscape in a dense city, and it doesn't cost anything.

When to go: silver grass season

Best weeks

The silver grass starts to show color in late September and is usually at its fullest from early October to early November. Mid to late October is often the peak, which is also when the city holds the Seoul Silver Grass Festival (서울억새축제). The 2026 festival ran in mid to late October, with free entry, extended evening hours and a lighting show after dark. Dates and programs change every year, so check the Seoul city or Seoul Parks website before you plan around the festival.

By mid-November the grass turns paler and fluffier. It's still pretty, especially in soft light, but less dramatic. On a cold, clear day, a late-season visit can be quiet and beautiful.

Best time of day

Late afternoon to sunset: This is the classic choice. Backlit grass looks silver-gold, and the sun sets over the western Han River.
Weekday mornings: Fewest people, cool air and good light for photos without crowds.
Festival evenings: During the festival the park usually stays open later and lights the grass. Outside festival week, Haneul Park closes earlier in the evening, and its closing time varies by month. Check the official hours so you aren't caught at the bottom of the stairs at closing time.

How to get to Haneul Park

Step 1: Subway to World Cup Stadium Station

Take Seoul Subway Line 6 to World Cup Stadium Station (월드컵경기장역). Use the exit that map apps point to for World Cup Park/Pyeonghwa Park (usually Exit 1). From Hongdae it's only a few stops, so Haneul Park is easy to add to a day in Mapo.

Step 2: Walk to the foot of the hill

From the station, walk through Pyeonghwa Park and cross the footbridge toward Haneul Park. The walk to the base of the hill takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Naver Map or KakaoMap will guide you (search "하늘공원" or "Haneul Park").

Step 3: Stairs or shuttle

The wooden staircase (하늘계단): A long zigzag staircase of roughly 290 steps goes straight up the side of the hill. It takes 10 to 15 minutes at an easy pace and has great views on the way up. It's the free option and good exercise.
The electric shuttle ("Maengkkongi" train): A small open-air electric shuttle runs from the parking area at the foot of the hill to the top for a small fee. During festival weekends the line can be long, so arrive early or plan to walk one way.
Walking road: A gentler paved road also winds up the hill. It takes longer than the stairs but is easier on the knees and works for strollers.

What to do at the top

Walk the loop paths through the silver grass. Allow 45 to 90 minutes to wander without rushing.
Find the viewing decks for photos over the Han River and the Seoul skyline.
Look for the wind turbines and the large photo installations that appear in many visitors' pictures.
In some years, sections of pink muhly grass add a pink layer to the autumn colors.

Celia, who runs a pet cafe in POPORO CITY, has one warning: "Bring a jacket even on a sunny day. The wind on top of that hill means business."

Make it a half day in Mapo

Haneul Park pairs well with the rest of World Cup Park and the nearby neighborhoods. Before or after the climb, you can explore the Oil Tank Culture Park and World Cup Park, or head toward Mangwon for food and a Han River walk. Our Mangwon Hangang Park to Seonyudo walk works well on the same day.

Quick tips

Entry to Haneul Park is free. Only the electric shuttle has a fee.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring a windproof layer. The summit is exposed and colder than the city below.
Food options at the top are limited, so carry water and a snack, and take your trash with you.
Stay on the marked paths. The grass areas are protected, and walking into them damages the plants.
Festival weekends get very crowded. A weekday visit in October gives you most of the beauty with far fewer people.
Check the official closing time on the day you visit, especially in late autumn when it gets dark early.

FAQ

When is the silver grass at Haneul Park at its best?

Usually from early October to early November, with the peak often in mid to late October around the Seoul Silver Grass Festival. Exact timing depends on the weather each year.

Is Haneul Park free?

Yes. The park and the festival are free to enter. The small electric shuttle up the hill charges a modest fee.

How do I get from World Cup Stadium Station to Haneul Park?

Leave the station toward Pyeonghwa Park, walk about 15 to 20 minutes to the foot of the hill, then take the wooden staircase, the paved road or the electric shuttle to the top.

Can I visit Haneul Park at night?

The park usually opens later in the evening only during the silver grass festival. At other times it closes in the early evening, so check the official hours before you go.

Is it worth visiting in mid-November or later?

Yes, if you like quiet places. The grass is paler and softer by then, but the hilltop views and sunsets are still lovely and the crowds are much smaller.