Every winter, an ice skating rink is set up right outside of City Hall in Seoul. Skating at the Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink (서울광장 스케이트장) is one of the most anticipated activities of the season and rightfully so. Not only do you get to enjoy a winter sport right in the middle of the city, but it’ll only set you back 1,000 KRW per person (roughly 0.75 USD).
Ice skating times are divided into 1 hour slots, with the first slot being at 10:00 am and the last slot at 8:30 pm (10:00 pm on weekends). When you go the the ticket counter, you can pick your preferred time. However the weekends tend to be a bit busier, so you might have to wait an hour or two for the next available time slot. If you don’t prefer skating at night, we suggest getting there early to secure your spot.
How Much Does It Cost?
Each 1,000 KRW ticket will get you access to the skating rink as well as ice skates and helmet rental. You are also required to wear gloves (you will not be allowed on the ice without them). We always bring our own, but if you forget, you can purchase them on site for an additional 1,000 KRW.
Lockers are also available to store your belongings. They were a free service in previous years, but this year it will cost 1,000 KRW, so make sure to have some cash on you. To be honest, however, we saw plenty of people just setting their shoes aside on the locker room floors or under benches.
So, How Is It?
Now for the fun part! The plaza is actually divided into two rinks one for children and beginners complete with cute plastic ice skating aids and one for adults and advanced skaters (and me wishing I had a cute plastic ice skating aid). I don’t quite take to the ice like a penguin the way my husband does, but I do enjoy the overall ambience.
There are all levels of skaters on the ice, so don’t feel shy or embarrassed if you’re not very good at it. For the most part, my husband just drags me around the ice like a human husky. I swear someday I’ll get the hang of this… not this year, but maybe next year!
And after an hour of puttering around the ice, don’t forget to head to the snack tent to warm up with some delicious Korean snacks. We ALWAYS get tteokbokki, but there are a bunch of other fresh hot foods to choose from if spicy rice cakes aren’t your thing.
So, if you’re looking to experience life in Seoul like a local… this is definitely where you want to be. Ice skating in the center of Seoul surrounded by this concrete jungle is going to be an experience you’ll want to add to your itinerary.
Where is the Ice Skating Rink?
The ice skating rink is located right in front of Seoul city hall. The easiest way to get there is by subway to Seoul City Hall station on the number 1 and 2 lines. If you walk out exit no. 5, the skating rink will be directly on your left. You can’t miss it.
- 110, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
- 서울특별시 중구 세종대로 110
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