Imagine mountains of garbage. Yes here at Nanji Hangang Park. It was once a landfill. Can you believe it? Today Nanji Hangang Park is a nature-rich paradise. It is a testament to Seoul’s transformation.
Nanji Hangang Park sits on Seoul’s western border. It is on the north banks of the Han River. The park is part of the Mapo District. For centuries Nanji Island was a remote honeymoon spot. It was filled with blooming orchids. Seoul recognized the island’s isolation. It became a place for delinquent youths. They were given a special city-within-a-city status.
Later in 1978 Seoul chose Nanji Island as a landfill. At its peak 3000 garbage trucks emptied waste here daily. This created two 90-meter-tall hills. They were made of 92 million tons of waste. Nanji became synonymous with filth.
But in 1993 the Nanji Landfill closed. In 1996 Korea and Japan were selected to host the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Korea needed to tidy up. Seoul’s higher-ups placed the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Nanji Island. Workers wrapped the garbage hills in thick lining. They built parks on top and around the sides.
Today Nanji Hangang Park offers many activities. You can find campgrounds, a riverside pool and bike lanes. The Mirror Fountain emits rainbow-like light with each spray. You can also enjoy water sports on the Hangang River. These include motorboating, water skiing and wakeboarding.
The park also features the Nanji Ecological Wetland Garden. This is a thriving habitat for plants and animals. You might spot herons, frogs or even raccoons. The Nanji Camping Site is very popular. It has barbecue pits and campfire spots.
Nanji Hangang Park is more than just a park. It is a symbol of renewal. It shows how a place of waste can become a place of beauty. Next time you are in Seoul take some time to appreciate this amazing transformation.