Outdoor Swimming Pools Near Seoul

Summer is here and its getting hotter and hotter.  On the weekends, I’d like to be at a pool.  I’ve been looking online, trying to find outdoor pools in the Gyeonggi-do area.  This is what I’ve found so far.  Does anyone know of other options?

Carribean Bay
An indoor and outdoor swimming pool located in Everland based on the Central American Carribean Sea of the 17th century. It has an artificial beach and several water attractions. There are also two cafes where you can eat and drink. It is open all year and you don’t have to bring money inside the pool area because all purchases can be made with a barcode hand-ring which you receive upon entry. More information on Carribean Bay and how to get there by public transportation.

• If anyone gets a chance to go to Ocean World in Gangwon-do, don’t hesitate to go.  It’s similar to Carribean Bay, has been open one year, and is lots of FUN!

Lotte World Swimming Pool
Within the sports facilities, Lotte World offers a mega-size swimming pool with lots of other attractions. The swimming pool itself is located under a clear glass dome which makes you feel being outside. They also provide a sauna and a King Cobra Slide. It is open all year round but the prices vary for low season and high season. If you like to swim, take a sauna and use the slide it is better to buy a so called “Free Pass” which gives acces to these facilities without paying upon entry. You can also buy a combined ticket for swimming pool and sauna.
Lotte World Swimming Pool information.

Hangang Parks
Along the banks of the “Han River”, which flows through Seoul, are 13 parks with all kinds of outdoor facilities. The parks are named after the districts they are in and in the following districts you can find large-sized outdoor swimming pools: Mangwon, Yeoido, Ichon, Jamwon, Ttukseom, Jamsil and Gwangnaru. Open hours: 9:00 am. – 8:00 pm. On particularly hot night, the pools stay open until 10pm.  Fees: children (4-12 years) 3,000 won, teenagers (13-18 years) 4,000 won and adults 5,000 won. Parking is available but the charges vary from park to park. For information call: 02-3780-0777

• I blogged about about the Yeoido Pool last year.
• How to get there by public transportation.
• Get there early!  The Yeoido pool has a capacity of 3,400, so image trying to find space to set out your towel.

The Sheraton Walker Hill opens its outdoor pool to non-members during the summer. For more info call 02-453-0121.

• I called the hotel and the person who answered didn’t speak much English.  The only information I got was that it cost 60,000 won for adults to use the outdoor pool.  There was also a “gold membership” option for 85,000 won.  She didn’t say if this included a buffet lunch, which I’ve sometimes heard rumors about.

Hotel Seoul Kyoyuk Munhwa Hoekwan

Furnished with the exciting Wave pool, High-slides and various kinds of Adult pools, separate Children pools and Running water pools, it is Korea’s biggest outdoor pool which will cool the steaming summer heat right down.

Open season: June 26th ~ August 22nd

Open hours

- 09:30~17:30 (Weekdays) / - 08:30~17:30 (Weekends and July 17th ~ August 15th)

Open hours

- tel) 82-2-526-9641 - email) sports@mail.temf.co.kr

• This doesn’t look bad, especially since there are lounge chairs, lots of room, and located in Yangjae, closer to where I live.  I can’t tell where this is, in relation to the Yangjae Costco.  Now, I’ve got to find out how much this place costs.

Hamilton Hotel Swimming Pool

• This hotel is located in Itaewon.  I heard this place is more of a pool party atmosphere – young people drinking and sunbathing, trying not to get caught checking each other out.  Get there early if you want a lounge chair.

• Open from May 24th to early September
• Hours: 10:00 – 6:00 pm
• Rates:  Weekday: 12,000 won; Weekend and holidays: 15,000 won
• Optional:  Locker: 1000 won, Towel: 2000 won, Lounge chair: 10,000 won
• Telephone inquiries: 82-2-6393-1247