A Playground in the Heart of the City? Welcome to Seongsu 1 Play Park!
Hello! I'm Ssugo, and I’m excited to be part of the 2025 Seoul Design International Forum as a supporter.
Today, I’ll be introducing a spot I recently explored—Seongsu 1 Play Park!
Also known as Seongsu 1-ga Children’s Park, it’s just an 11-minute walk from Exit 2 of Seoul Forest Station,
or you can take Bus 2224 from Exit 1 of Seongsu Station.
I headed there by taxi after having a meal at Gorogoro.
It’s easy to find—located right next to Gangbyeon Dongyang Apartments, with a clear sign for Seongsu 1 Play Park.
Originally a run-down urban space, this area has been reborn as a vibrant place for people of all ages.
It was revamped as part of the Seoul-style Active Design initiative led by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
The purpose of this initiative is to enhance citizens’ health, happiness, and empathy by creating environments where everyone—
including those less able to exercise—can enjoy active, healthy lifestyles.
One well-known example is “Yeoui Roller Park,” located beneath Mapo Bridge in Yeouido Hangang Park.
Through the Design Seoul 2.0 Project, the city continues these efforts to create an “Active Seoul” full of joy and energy.
Seongsu 1 Play Park consists of three zones:
a play area (playground),
an exercise zone (sports field),
and a resting area (park).
Let’s take a closer look together!
① The Play Area
This zone features climbing walls, a running track, wave-shaped hills, and iron play bars.
The looping track and undulating hills encourage active play.
Numbers are marked along the track, so it really makes you want to shout “Ready, Set, Go!” and start running.
There are even 3- and 10-minute play timers installed to help time your activities.
Free movement is great—but what about safety? Don’t worry!
The pathways and tracks are made from SF concrete and colored rubber chips for both safety and comfort.
SF concrete offers excellent anti-slip properties, even on slopes.
Colored rubber chips—known for their shock absorption and elasticity—are also used in professional sports facilities like running tracks and badminton courts.
As an adult, I tried the climbing wall myself and found it sturdy and secure.
No wobbly holds or dangerous parts—just fun and reliable play equipment!
② The Exercise Zone
This multipurpose area can host community sports, games, and recreational programs. You can also take a break on one of the benches nearby.
Look around and you’ll spot a round “meeting zone” and lots of exercise machines.
They include full-body stretchers, waist twisters, treadmills, and aerial walkers—all in great condition.
There’s even a mirror and a place to prop up your phone, so it’s easy to get moving without any hassle!
③ The Resting Area
Next to the fitness zone, you’ll find a shaded resting space.
This shaded shelter (called a pergola) has a roofed structure to protect visitors from sun and rain.
When I visited, the sunlight was blazing—but many people were comfortably resting in this area. It’s a popular and practical spot.
Some visitors even brought their own chairs, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
There are four entrances to the park, all equipped with bright red safety railings.
Low steps near the shelter allow for easy access for the elderly, wheelchair users, and strollers—a small detail that shows thoughtful design.
According to the signage, smoking and cooking are prohibited in the park.
CCTV cameras are installed, and fire extinguishers are available.
To ensure safety, bicycles and powered vehicles (e.g., electric scooters) are not allowed.
Instead, why not use your own body and enjoy some natural movement?
Design is more than just aesthetics—it plays a vital social role in enhancing public value.
That’s the essence of public design, and the Design Seoul 2.0 Project focuses on exactly this.
Walk with joy, access with ease, and stay with meaning—these are the values reflected in public design strategies.
In fact, Seongsu 1 Play Park was created with community input through a public briefing held on August 5, 2024.
Design that listens to the people? That’s how you build trust.
It had been a while since I last worked up a sweat running up and down hills.
It was a fulfilling and refreshing day.
I truly hope more of these beloved spaces continue to emerge across Seoul.
Also, don’t miss the 2025 Seoul Design International Forum, taking place on Friday, September 19 at the 8th floor Multipurpose Hall of Seoul City Hall.
This forum will explore how design creates value for cities, making it a must-attend event for anyone interested in public design.
Even if you’re simply curious about design, this is the perfect chance to learn about its impact and potential for collaboration.
For more details about the 2025 Seoul Design International Forum, check out the official website!
You’ll also find posts from other supporters introducing various public design sites across the city.
Official Website (www.sdif.org)
Instagram (@sdiforum2025)
Space, Inclusion, Contribution, Recovery, and Sustainable Design
Let’s support these five guiding principles as the backbone of Seoul’s future. We look forward to your interest and participation!
