Olympic Park Station

Olympic Park Station Seoul: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Olympic Park Station in Seoul is the gateway to Olympic Park, one of South Korea’s most celebrated urban green spaces. Built for the 1988 Summer Olympics, Olympic Park spans 1.45 million square meters and embodies a unique blend of Korea’s ancient heritage and modern achievements. Here, visitors can explore remnants of the Baekje-era Mongchontoseong Fortress, enjoy world-class sports and cultural events, and relax in beautifully landscaped gardens. Olympic Park Station, an interchange on Seoul Subway Lines 5 and 9, provides seamless access to this vibrant destination, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and families alike (The Seoul Guide, Visit Seoul, Seoul Metro).

Early Foundations: The Baekje Era and Mongchontoseong Fortress
The Vision for Olympic Park: From Bid to Blueprint
The 1986 Asian Games and 1988 Seoul Olympics
Olympic Park Station: Access and Development
- Accessibility and Directions
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Architectural and Symbolic Highlights
- World Peace Gate
- Heritage and Modernity
Nearby Attractions and Amenities
Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Legacy and Continuing Significance
Summary & Final Recommendations
Official Sources and Further Reading

Early Foundations: The Baekje Era and Mongchontoseong Fortress

The grounds of Olympic Park are steeped in history, dating back to the Baekje period (18 BCE–660 CE). The Mongchontoseong Fortress—an earthen rampart built for defense—once stood here, and sections of its mud wall and the Mongchonhaeja lake have been preserved within the park (VisitKorea; The Seoul Guide). The History Experience Zone enables visitors to explore these archaeological treasures, complemented by informative signage and reconstructed walls (KoreaToDo).

The Vision for Olympic Park: From Bid to Blueprint

In the early 1980s, as part of its successful bid for the 1988 Summer Olympics, South Korea transformed this historic site into a world-class sports and recreational complex (KoreaTripAdvisor). Construction began in 1984, with a vision to blend historical heritage with modern design. The result: a sprawling park that integrates stadiums, gardens, museums, and archaeological sites, all interconnected by scenic pathways (Wikipedia).

The 1986 Asian Games and 1988 Seoul Olympics

Olympic Park first came to life during the 1986 Asian Games, setting the stage for the 1988 Summer Olympics. The 1988 Games were a milestone event, uniting athletes from 160 nations during the Cold War and symbolizing peace and cooperation. The iconic World Peace Gate was built to embody this spirit (Audiala, The Seoul Guide). The park and its station helped propel Seoul onto the world stage, highlighting the city’s rapid modernization.

Olympic Park Station: Access and Development

Olympic Park Station opened on Line 5 in March 1996 and became an interchange with Line 9 in December 2018, greatly improving access to southeastern Seoul and the park itself (Wikipedia, Namu Wiki). The station has been modernized to accommodate increasing passenger numbers and is a model for accessibility and convenience (Seoul Metropolitan Government).

Accessibility and Directions

Barrier-free access with elevators, escalators, and tactile paving
Exits 3 and 4 lead directly to the main and secondary park entrances
Transfer options: Lines 5 (purple) and 9 (gold)
Clear bilingual signage helps guide non-Korean speakers
From Incheon Airport: Take AREX to Gimpo Airport, transfer to Line 9
From central Seoul: Line 5 or 9 to Olympic Park Station; Line 8 to Mongchontoseong Station for the east entrance

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Olympic Park Grounds: Open daily, 5:00 AM–10:00 PM. Free entry.
Museums (e.g., Seoul Baekje Museum, Olympic Museum, SOMA): Typically Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Mondays. Modest admission fees; discounts for students and seniors.
Sports Facilities & Rentals: Fees apply for venues and pedal boats on Mongchon Lake. Check the official website for up-to-date details and event closures.

Architectural and Symbolic Highlights

World Peace Gate

Near the southern entrance, the World Peace Gate is a monumental landmark designed by Kim Chung-up in 1988. Its murals depict the phoenix, turtle, tiger, and dragon—symbols of strength and freedom (Wikipedia; The Seoul Guide).

Heritage and Modernity

The park integrates ancient relics like Mongchontoseong Fortress with modern venues and public art. The Rose Plaza boasts spring blossoms, while over 200 outdoor sculptures create a vibrant atmosphere (Audiala; Creatrip).

Main Zones and Top Attractions

Peace Square: Home to the World Peace Gate and Olympic Flame
Cultural Art Park: Features SOMA Museum of Art and an extensive sculpture garden
Sports Facilities Zone: Includes the KSPO Dome (Olympic Gymnastics Arena), swimming pool, and tennis courts
Eco Park & Wildflower Maru: Renowned for wildflowers, especially rapeseed and cosmos in spring and autumn
Rose Garden: Over 20,000 rose bushes; Seoul Rose Festival in late May–June
Lake and Waterside Zone: Mongchon Lake with pedal boats, walking, and cycling paths
Mongchontoseong Fortress Zone: Baekje-era fortifications and panoramic trails

Nearby Attractions and Amenities

Cafes, restaurants, and convenience stores within and around the park
Coin-operated lockers and clean restrooms
Guided tours (seasonal, check official site)
Lotte World Tower & Mall: A short subway ride for shopping and city views (Lotte World Tower)
Seokchon Lake: Famous for cherry blossoms, accessible via Jamsil Station (Line 2)

Travel Tips

Best times to visit: Spring (cherry blossoms, rose festival) and autumn (foliage)
Public transport: Recommended—parking is limited
Photography: Top spots include World Peace Gate, Rose Plaza, and Mongchontoseong trails
Accessibility: Wheelchair/stroller-friendly paths and restrooms
Safety: Regular patrols, CCTV, and well-lit grounds
Etiquette: Keep noise down, leash pets, and do not pick flowers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is entry to Olympic Park free?
A: Yes, entry is free. Museums, SOMA, and boat rentals may charge fees.

Q: What are the operating hours?
A: Park: 5:00 AM–10:00 PM daily. Museums: usually 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (closed Mondays).

Q: Is the station accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, with elevators, ramps, and barrier-free restrooms.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Offered seasonally in English and Korean; check the official website.

Q: How do I reach the park from downtown Seoul?
A: Lines 5 or 9 to Olympic Park Station or Line 8 to Mongchontoseong Station.

Legacy and Continuing Significance

Olympic Park and Olympic Park Station continue to serve as vibrant centers for recreation, culture, and community events. The stadiums host sports, concerts, and festivals, while museums and archaeological sites preserve Korea’s stories from antiquity to the modern era (KoreaTripAdvisor; The Seoul Guide). The park remains a vital urban oasis for millions each year (VisitKorea).

Summary & Final Recommendations

Olympic Park and Olympic Park Station offer a harmonious blend of Seoul’s history and modern culture. With free park access and convenient subway connections, visitors can enjoy archaeological sites, sports venues, gardens, and public art. Check official resources for event schedules and updated information. Enhance your trip by visiting nearby attractions such as Lotte World Tower and Seokchon Lake. For real-time updates and insider tips, download the Audiala app.