Ice Skating in Seoul
City Hall, also known as Seoul Plaza, is a renowned and well-liked area. In 2002, it became a gathering place for hundreds of thousands of soccer fans who came to cheer on their country during the World Cup Soccer Game. Since then, it has continued to be a venue for various cultural festivals and events. Most recently, over 80,000 people assembled to witness a free concert by Korean YouTube sensation Psy, as a gesture of gratitude to the Korean public for their support. Psy's iconic "Gangnam Style" has become the most viewed YouTube video of all time.
The new City Hall building itself is a contemporary architectural wonder that garners a great deal of attention. Completed at the end of 2012, it proudly holds the title of being Korea's most eco-friendly public facility, utilizing less energy than any other structure. Upon entering, you will immediately notice the walls adorned with lush live plants. This design element is not merely for aesthetic purposes, but also functions as a natural air purifier and humidifier. The building houses free-to-use computers, exhibitions on the 8th floor, and a cozy café on the 9th floor. Additionally, the Mayor of Seoul has their office on the 5th floor. Feel free to drop by and say hello!
Our children had never experienced ice-skating before, but they were eager to take on the challenge. Thus, we headed to City Hall.
The Ice Skating Rink at City Hall operates daily from 10am until 10pm from Sunday to Thursday, and from 10am until 11pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Public Holidays. Admission for a one-hour session, which includes skate rental, costs 1,000 Korean Won per person.
Getting the right skates was a fairly straightforward process, and in no time, we were ready to glide across the ice. If necessary, gloves can be rented for an additional 500 Won, and lockers are available for the same price to store your belongings.
For kids and beginners, there is a smaller rink that we decided to try first. Our children performed admirably, and helmets are offered for free to ensure their safety. These helmets proved quite handy as they had a few falls on the solid ice. As long as you have your pass, you are free to switch between the main and smaller rinks throughout the allocated session time. With skaters of various skill levels, everyone seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.
If you prefer not to skate and instead relax, there is a cozy library area where you can sit comfortably and enjoy a book or watch the skaters in the warmth of the indoors.
At the end of our one-hour session, the children were eager for more excitement. It seems we'll have to fit in a few more skating sessions before the rink closes. When it comes to finding an activity that guarantees enjoyment for all ages, is centrally located, and doesn't strain your wallet, this ice-skating experience comes highly recommended.
City Hall isn't the only outdoor Ice Skating Rink in Seoul. There are a couple of others that operate between December and February each year. One such rink is located at Olympic Park, following similar operating hours and pricing. There are, however, some that are either more expensive or more challenging to reach. For example, the Grand Hyatt hotel in Itaewon transforms its outdoor pool into an Ice Skating Rink during winter, open to all. The ambiance is enhanced by beautifully illuminated trees and a captivating view. While children may not be as captivated by such scenery, the rink offers various couple specials, possibly catering to their target audience. Although the precise price is not listed on the website, the 'Happy Hour' price between noon and 5pm is approximately 23,100 KW for groups of three, providing a rough estimate.
There are also several indoor Ice Skating Rinks that operate all year round. Lotte World, for instance, boasts a large fully enclosed hockey-sized rink, with admission priced at around 10,000 KW per adult, including skate rental.
In my opinion, City Hall triumphs due to its ideal location, reasonable pricing, and the sheer joy of skating amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Just around the corner, you'll find a fantastic burger restaurant called 'Burger Hunter,' which is always a delightful added incentive for me!
The Ice Skating Rink will remain open until February 12th, so there's still ample time to enjoy this activity. It does tend to get crowded on weekends, but you can reserve a spot in advance, and group bookings are also available. Groups of over 20 individuals enjoy a 30% discount from Monday to Thursday.
For more information, directions, bookings, and operating hours, please visit the English website at: seoulskate.or.kr/eng.php.
