If you’re looking for eco-friendly and sustainable activities during your trip to Seoul, you’re in luck. The city has made significant efforts towards sustainability, offering a variety of green activities for visitors to enjoy. From exploring the city’s natural beauty to indulging in sustainable food, there are plenty of ways to experience Seoul while minimizing your environmental impact. In this section, we’ll introduce you to some of the top eco-friendly and sustainable activities available in Seoul.
Discover the city’s commitment to sustainability and find out how you can engage in green activities during your visit. Whether you’re passionate about nature conservation or interested in eco-tourism, there is something for everyone in Seoul. Let’s explore some of the city’s top eco-friendly offerings, so you can have a sustainable travel experience in Seoul.
Eco Tours in Seoul
Experience the natural beauty of Seoul while learning about eco-friendly initiatives on a variety of eco tours. From hiking in Bukhansan National Park to cycling along the Han River, there are plenty of options to enjoy the city’s green spaces.
One of the popular eco-tourism offerings is the “Seoul Nature Tour”. This tour takes visitors to various natural sites in Seoul, including Mt. Bukhansan, Namsan Park, and the Cheonggyecheon Stream. The Bukhansan hike is a challenging 6-hour trek, but the stunning views make it worth the effort.
If you prefer cycling, the “Han River Eco Park Bike Tour” is a great way to explore the city while being environmentally conscious. This tour takes visitors along the Han River, with stops at the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain and the Ttukseom Resort.
For those interested in a more cultural experience, the “Seoul Cultural and Green Tour” is a combination of a city and eco-tour. The tour provides visitors with an insight into both the traditional and modern aspects of Seoul while also visiting some of the city’s green spaces, such as the Seoul Forest and Namsan Park.
Whatever your preference, eco tours in Seoul are a great way to experience the city while being environmentally conscious.
Sustainable Sightseeing
Seoul is home to a variety of eco-friendly attractions and landmarks that promote sustainable living. By visiting these places, you can learn about the city’s environmental efforts while enjoying the natural scenery.
Seoul Forest
| Location | Hours | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Free |
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the Seoul Forest. This expansive park covers 1.16 million square meters and features a variety of habitats for native plants and animals. You can hike along the walking trails, relax by the ponds, or visit the butterfly garden. The park also hosts environmental education programs for visitors of all ages.
Skygarden on Seoullo 7017
| Location | Hours | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Jung-gu, Seoul | 24 hours | Free |
The Skygarden on Seoullo 7017 is a unique attraction that repurposes an old highway overpass into a pedestrian-friendly green space. The elevated walkway offers stunning views of the city and features over 24,000 plants and trees. You can stroll along the path and admire the greenery, or attend one of the many events and performances held on the Skygarden.
Green Transportation
Getting around Seoul can be an eco-friendly experience. The city offers a variety of sustainable travel options that can help you reduce your carbon footprint and explore the city’s sights and sounds.
The most extensive transportation network is the Seoul Subway system, which operates 24 hours a day. This system is not only convenient and efficient but also eco-friendly due to its low greenhouse gas emissions. Besides, all subway stations have accessible bike storage, allowing you to combine cycling with subway travel when exploring the city.
If you prefer cycling, Seoul offers a bike-sharing program, Ttareungyi, available for both locals and tourists alike. With more than 20 000 bikes scattered around the city, you can rent one with your smartphone and return it at any designated station economically.
For a more private ride, Seoul has been implementing eco-friendly taxis that use natural gas as fuel instead of gasoline. This transformation has significantly reduced air pollution. In addition, eco-friendly taxis are way cheaper than conventional ones, highlighting the city’s commitment to creating sustainable and affordable transport services.
If you enjoy car-sharing, Seoul has a program called “Green Car” that offers a fleet of eco-friendly vehicles powered by electricity and hydrogen fuel cells. You can rent one and drive your way around the city while keeping the environment in mind.
Sustainable Shopping
If you want to shop sustainably in Seoul, you’re in luck. The city has a thriving eco-conscious shopping scene, offering a range of stores that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices.
From eco-friendly fashion brands to zero-waste shops, you can find sustainable options for every aspect of your shopping needs. Below we’ve laid out some of the best eco-friendly stores to keep your shopping cart green:
| Store Name | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mannaja | Various locations | A vintage store that promotes recycling and upcycling unused clothing items. |
| Surplus Seoul | 20 Eoulmadang-ro 5-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul | A thrift store focusing on military-inspired clothing, promoting an alternative to fast fashion. |
| Re;CODE | 5-3 Hannam-daero 27-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul | Transforming the fashion industry through upcycling, recycling, and repair, Re;CODE sells second-hand and upcycled clothing. |
| CO:Z | 120-1 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul | CO:Z focuses on using sustainable materials and practices in designing their clothing and accessories. |
| Package Free Shop | 21 Seongsu 2-gil, Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul | A zero-waste shop selling eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to everyday products, from bamboo toothbrushes to reusable straws. |
Shopping at these stores not only helps reduce the impact of fast fashion on the environment but also supports businesses that prioritize sustainability and ethics. Take a step towards green shopping and check out these stores during your stay in Seoul!
Organic and Local Food
If you’re a foodie concerned about the sustainability and authenticity of your meals, Seoul has plenty of options for you. The city boasts a vibrant and innovative food scene, where you can indulge in organic and locally sourced cuisine.
From charming cafes to high-end restaurants, many places in Seoul prioritize sustainability and ethical practices when it comes to food. With their primary focus on reducing food waste and the carbon footprint of meals they serve, venues like Balwoo Gongyang and Loving Hut offer delicious, nutritious plant-based meals that will leave you feeling satisfied and guilt-free.
For those who prefer a more cultural experience, Gwangjang Market is an excellent option. Opened in 1905, the market is the oldest in Seoul and features a range of sustainable options such as bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables) and jeon (savory pancakes), all made from locally sourced ingredients.
Organic Food Markets in Seoul
Seoul also has several organic food markets where you can buy fresh produce and other groceries. The most famous of these is the Seoul Farmers Market, which sells locally grown organic produce and fresh flowers on the weekends. Located at Yeouido Park, the market has been in operation since 2002 and has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
| Market Name | Location | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market | Various locations | Fridays and Saturdays, 6pm-11pm (March-Nov) |
| Seoul Farmers Market | Yeouido Park | Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-5pm |
| Yangjae Flower Market | Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu | Daily, 9am-7pm |
These markets support local farmers and reduce the carbon footprint of food production by avoiding long transportation distances.
In addition to these markets, Seoul has an increasing number of zero-waste stores like Daily Refill and Dr. Wells, which encourage customers to bring their own containers and offer bulk wholefoods and household items such as shampoo and body lotions, reducing plastic waste.
Supporting organic food markets and zero-waste stores not only helps promote more sustainable agriculture but also reduces single-use plastic consumption, thus making a small contribution to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Green Events and Festivals
While exploring Seoul, why not join one of the many eco-friendly events and festivals held throughout the year? These events promote sustainable practices and provide an enjoyable way to learn about environmental issues and sustainable living.
Eco Fun Festival
Join the Eco Fun Festival, held at Seoul Forest, to experience eco-friendly activities such as making natural soap, reusing old clothes, and creating art using recycled materials. There are also food trucks serving organic and vegetarian options, as well as live music performances.
Seoul Eco Film Festival
If you’re a film buff, make sure to check out the Seoul Eco Film Festival. This event focuses on films that address environmental issues and inspire viewers to take action towards sustainability. You’ll have the chance to watch documentaries, shorts, and features, as well as participate in seminars and discussions.
Eco-Marathon Asia
If you’re into physical activity, the Eco-Marathon Asia is an excellent choice. This race challenges runners to complete a full or half marathon while minimizing their carbon footprint. The race route is designed to showcase some of Seoul’s green spaces, such as Olympic Park and the Han River.
There are many more eco-friendly events and festivals in Seoul, so make sure to keep an eye out for them during your visit.
Nature Conservation Efforts
Seoul’s commitment to sustainability extends to its efforts to preserve and protect the city’s natural areas. The restoration of Cheonggyecheon Stream is one such project, which involved transforming a neglected waterway into a vibrant ecosystem that connects communities and improves water quality. The stream, which spans over 10 kilometers, now serves as a popular recreational space for locals and tourists alike.
Apart from the restoration of Cheonggyecheon Stream, the city has also implemented programs to create more urban parks and green spaces. Seoul Forest, for instance, is a 1.42 million-square-meter park that serves as a sanctuary for flora and fauna, while providing a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Additionally, Hangang Park, situated along the Han River, is a sprawling stretch of greenery that features walking paths, sports facilities, cafes, and picnic areas.
These initiatives showcase Seoul’s dedication to environmental sustainability and demonstrate how the city is promoting the importance of preserving the natural world.
Eco-friendly Accommodation
Seoul offers a range of eco-friendly accommodation options that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. Whether you’re looking for luxury eco hotels with green certifications or budget-friendly guesthouses that focus on reducing waste, you can find a place to stay that aligns with your values.
In addition to reducing their environmental impact, many of these accommodations also offer unique experiences, such as organic breakfasts, yoga classes, and eco-friendly amenities. You can relax knowing that you’re making a positive impact on the environment without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Examples of Sustainable Hotels and Guesthouses in Seoul:
| Hotel Name | Location | Green Initiatives |
|---|---|---|
| Lotte Hotel Seoul | Myeongdong | Green-certified hotel, energy-efficient lighting, water conservation measures, eco-friendly bath amenities |
| Hotel Thou Seoul | Hongdae | 100% solar-powered, eco-friendly cleaning products, composting and recycling programs, organic breakfasts |
| Yim’s House | Gangnam | Upcycled furniture, waste reduction measures, vegetarian breakfasts, eco-friendly toiletries |
| Kimchee Downtown Guesthouse | Jongno-gu | Bicycle rentals, paperless check-in, LED lighting, recycling program |
Tip: Make sure to research individual accommodations to find out about their specific green initiatives and sustainability practices before booking your stay.
Conclusion
Now that you know about the eco-friendly and sustainable activities in Seoul, it’s time to incorporate them into your travel plans. By doing so, you can have a more sustainable and conscious travel experience while supporting the city’s efforts towards sustainability.
From eco tours to sustainable shopping, Seoul offers plenty of environmentally friendly things to do, allowing you to have fun and learn about sustainable practices at the same time. Don’t forget to check out the city’s organic and local food scene and attend eco-conscious events and festivals to fully immerse yourself in the sustainable experiences Seoul has to offer.
By choosing eco-friendly accommodation and utilizing green transportation options, you can further reduce your carbon footprint during your stay. Let’s all do our part in promoting a more sustainable future, one trip at a time.
Experience Seoul in a sustainable way and create unforgettable memories while contributing to a greener planet. Book your trip now and indulge in the city’s sustainable experiences.
