In western Seoul, the large island of Yeouido is found just along the Han River. The area is a bustling district that’s dotted with skyscrapers but long ago it was actually a largely uninhabited island. Today Yeouido is the headquarters of many Korean and global corporations and an important center for South Korea.

One of the most well-known buildings in Yeouido is the 63 Building. The shiny gold tower is one of Seoul’s most iconic buildings and it houses an observation deck, convention center, banquet hall, art gallery, and an aquarium (though the aquarium is currently closed for renovations until July of this year). There are also a number of shops within and a few restaurants with great views. Visitors can take advantage of the free hourly shuttle bus that operates between the 63 building and a number of subway lines around.

And as mentioned, Yeouido is home to the KBS broadcasting station and studio and entertainment fans can stop by for a glimpse of how radio and television broadcasting production is done in Korea. Stop by KBS ON, Korea’s first broadcasting exhibit hall and broadcasting museum where you can learn about the start of broadcast media in Korea and its transformation over the years. The interactive exhibits and state-of-the-art technology used makes it a popular attraction for locals and foreign visitors alike. Also at KBS you can catch some of the major live radio broadcasting in the see-through studios. If you happen to run into any of the KBS World Radio family, do say hello as well!

Besides business and broadcasting, Yeouido is also a politically important site as its home to the National Assembly Building where Korea’s lawmakers convene to debate and vote on laws. Official tours are offered by the National Assembly Visitor Center which takes visitors around within the building. Unfortunately, one must sign up for the tour in advance online and the tours are only offered in Korean so for foreign visitors they recommend you bring a local friend with you who can help translate. There are two courses offered which you can choose from or you can even choose both which takes approximately 2 hours in total.

For shoppers, you can check out the IFC Mall which features an array of global and local brands. In the same complex as the International Financial Center is the luxurious Conrad Hotel which, even if you’re not staying there as a guest, has some great dining and drinking options on the higher floors for some great views of the city. Though not on Yeouido itself, shoppers can also check out the Time Square Mall in nearby Yeongdeungpo which holds shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and more.

Last but not least, the Yeouido Hangang Park is one of the most popular and well-known of the Han River parks. Interestingly, the park was once an airfield until 1958 and then was a public square until 1999 when it was officially reborn as the popular ecological park. In addition to bike paths, basketball courts, and other public facilities, there are plenty of lawn space making it a popular park for families and friends to gather for picnics. Bike rental shops can be found in the area making it easy and inexpensive to bike around. You can also board the Hangang River Ferry Cruise from Yeouido for a scenic ride on the Han River. If you’re going to the eastern side of Jamsil between April and October, you may be able to catch the spectacular Banpo Rainbow Bridge Fountain show off the Banpo Bridge!

Naturally the warmer seasons draw the most crowds at Yeouido’s Han River Park, especially on weekends, but the park is particularly busy in spring and autumn too. In spring, the Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival takes place every year when the park is brimming with cherry blossoms and other spring flowers. In autumn, the annual Seoul International Fireworks Festival takes place where a massive fireworks show is put on by groups from all over the world.