The Seoul Plaza skating rink, located right in front of City Hall, is a fantastic winter destination, especially for families looking to enjoy the season. During the winter break, it's a perfect spot to take the kids, though my visit was with my younger sister, who doesn’t have children but certainly has a youthful spirit.

When we were kids, the ice rink at Seoul City Hall was a familiar sight on winter news broadcasts, often serving as a backdrop for reporters interviewing skaters. My sister had always wanted to skate there, so we finally made it happen.

We visited on January 1st, which happened to be both a holiday and a Sunday. Despite the occasion, the rink was open as usual, welcoming skaters of all ages. In front of City Hall, young children had a blast sledding down the snowbanks, because when there's snow, kids can turn any place into a playground.

If you're planning a visit, it's best to book your skating session and lessons online in advance. For details, check the website linked at the end of this post.

The rink isn’t just a place for winter sports, it’s also a cultural attraction that draws visitors to the heart of the city.

Admission is incredibly affordable at just 1,000 won per person. You can purchase tickets on-site at the kiosk or ticket office, but keep in mind that each time slot has a maximum capacity, so checking availability ahead of time is recommended.

Before hitting the ice, skaters must read the safety guidelines and swap their shoes for skates in the designated area.

The rink is open to skaters aged six and older, and helmets and gloves are required. Skates and helmets are provided for free, but you’ll need to bring your own gloves. If you forget them, you can rent a pair for 1,000 won.

The rink features two separate ice surfaces, one for children and another for adults. Parents can either join their little ones on the children's 30x20m rink or relax with a cup of coffee at the nearby café while watching from the sidelines. 

Younger kids, typically in lower elementary school grades, tend to learn on the children's rink, while older or more experienced skaters prefer the larger rink where they can glide alongside adults.

Skate rentals open 10 minutes before each session, so we spent some time watching others skate until my sister was allowed onto the ice at 4 pm. 

At 3:30, everyone was asked to exit for the ice resurfacing. In just 30 minutes, the electric ice resurfacer transformed the rink into a smooth, gleaming surface, ready for the next session.

As people stepped onto the ice, there was a moment of unsteady flailing, bodies moving in unexpected ways as they tried to find their balance. But that’s part of the fun!

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skater, everyone is welcome at this outdoor rink. After a few laps, even first-timers start to find their rhythm. It's a great experience not just for skaters but also for those watching from the sidelines. Couples on dates, families enjoying a day out, and sports enthusiasts of all ages gather here, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.

If you have kids at home looking for something exciting to do during winter break, bring them to Seoul Plaza Skating Rink. It's a perfect way to burn off energy and make wonderful winter memories.

 

Address : 110 Sejong-daero, Euljiro 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-70-7723-3000

Operation Hours : Friday-Saturday : 10:00 - 23:00, Sunday-Thursday : 10:00 -21:30 (Last entry 16:00. Monday & Tuesday closed)

Period : 21.Dec.2022 - 12.Feb.2023

Website : seoulskate.co.kr

 

Source : https://blog.naver.com/i1214/222974118411

Writer : i1214

Special thanks to i1214

 

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