As winter deepens, the ice rinks in the city become even more vibrant. With outdoor rinks opening up in the heart of Seoul, you can enjoy skating without traveling far, making winter outings more appealing. With short travel distances, affordable costs, and different atmospheres at each location, urban ice rinks are a great winter playground to visit not only on weekends but also on weekday evenings. This winter, we explore two outdoor ice rinks in downtown Seoul that are more than enough without going far.
Seoul Plaza Ice Rink, 1 Hour for 1000 Won: The Ultimate Value
The Seoul Plaza Ice Rink is the first outdoor ice rink that comes to mind when winter begins in Seoul. Located in front of the Seoul City Hall, it boasts excellent subway accessibility, and the symbolic usage fee of 1000 won for one hour keeps visitors coming back every winter. Skate and helmet rentals are included, so there’s no burden of equipment, but gloves are a must to bring personally. The entry barrier is low for those trying skating for the first time.
During the day, many families visit with children, and as the sun sets, the lights turn on, completely changing the atmosphere. Skating against the backdrop of the city skyline among the buildings is a unique advantage of Seoul Plaza. The colder the weather, the more stable the ice conditions are, making it a great time to experience the ‘hard ice quality’ unique to outdoor rinks.
However, due to its popularity, you must be prepared for waiting times and early closures. Online reservations and on-site entry are available, but on weekends and during evening hours, spots fill up quickly, so checking the reservation schedule before visiting is essential. It’s truly the ‘basic course of winter in Seoul’ that combines affordable prices and urban accessibility.
Banyan Tree Oasis Ice Rink, Premium Skating with a Namsan View
The Oasis Ice Rink at Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul is an outdoor skating rink where you can experience a completely different kind of winter in the city. Set against the backdrop of Namsan, the rink combines lighting and scenery, making it a place where the ‘atmosphere’ is remembered more than the skating itself. It’s also known as a great spot for photos, making it a hot topic on social media every winter season.
Even if you’re not a hotel guest, general access is available, making it a highly usable option for winter dates with a partner or friends. Unlike crowded public rinks, you can enjoy skating in a relatively spacious and organized environment, which is the biggest differentiator.
However, the usage fees and operating hours may vary depending on the date and seasonal programs. While the price is generally higher than public rinks, the satisfaction gained from the space and atmosphere is definitely worth it. It’s a suitable choice when you want to spend a ‘special day’ rather than just an ordinary winter outing.
