A Gwanghwamun Office Worker's Winter Lunchtime Stroll: Enjoying Winter at the Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink
Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink, Winter Romance in the City Center
A representative place where you can fully enjoy winter in Seoul is the Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink , which I recently visited for a walk. Easily accessible, connected directly to exits 5 of Subway Line 1 and 2 at City Hall Station, this is a perfect place to make special winter memories in the heart of the city. I didn't skate, but I visited for a little while during my lunch break, and it was really nice to feel the lively atmosphere and the romance of winter at the same time.
Operating Period and Facility Information
The Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink operates from December 2024 to early February 2025 . It operates normally even on public holidays, including the Lunar New Year holidays. Especially on public holidays like Lunar New Year's Day, it is open from 10 AM to 11 PM according to the Saturday and holiday operating hours. As it is open seasonally for a limited time, I highly recommend you visit it before this winter is over. The operating hours are from 10 AM to 9:30 PM on weekdays and until 11 PM on weekends and holidays, so you can enjoy it at your leisure.
Inside the skating rink, there are conveniently available changing rooms and a cafeteria where you can enjoy warm beverages and snacks. The facilities are well-equipped to allow you to spend time comfortably even in the cold weather. I was especially impressed by the lively atmosphere, as many people were enjoying skating even during lunchtime.
Usage Fees and Rental Services
The usage fees for the Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink are very reasonable. It costs only 1,000 KRW for one hour , which includes both admission and skate rental fees, so you can enjoy it without feeling any burden. Helmets and knee pads can also be rented for free, so you can enjoy skating safely.
The additional services provided are as follows:
- Locker: 1,000 KRW for one-time use
- Skate glove rental: 1,500 KRW
- Assistive tool rental: For beginners, assistive tools are available for 4,000 KRW per hour
Also, private lessons are also provided. I saw many students wearing fluorescent vests while skating. There were programs available for everyone, from beginners to advanced skaters.
The Special Experience of Skating
The Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink was more than just a place to skate; it was a special place where you can fully enjoy winter in the city center. The scenery of the skating rink, harmonizing with the surrounding high-rise buildings, created a lively atmosphere during the day and a romantic atmosphere with the addition of lights at night. It was a perfect place to visit with friends, family, or a partner.
In particular, there are two main rinks: a large rink and a children's rink, so you can enjoy it comfortably even during busy hours. Thanks to the assistive tools and safety equipment designed to be easy for beginners to adapt to, people who visit for the first time can enjoy it without feeling burdened.
My Review of a Lunchtime Stroll at Seoul Plaza
This lunchtime stroll was truly special. It was surprisingly amazing that you can enjoy winter sports so close to Gwanghwamun, and I could visit it without any burden thanks to the low price. More than anything, the lively energy that you can feel in the middle of the city energized me throughout the day.
It was heart-warming to see many people gathering together and laughing and enjoying themselves even in the cold weather. I felt warm and like I was relieving stress while skating, so I wanted to visit again in the future.
In Conclusion...
The Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink has become a popular attraction for not only Seoul citizens but also tourists. Thanks to its low price and excellent accessibility, anyone can visit without burden, and the romance of skating in the middle of the city provides a unique experience that cannot be felt anywhere else.
Be sure to visit it before this winter ends! I hope you all create unforgettable winter memories at Seoul Plaza.
