Dongdaemun-gu officially opened its water sports experience and education center on May 1, giving young residents and the broader community a free venue to try paddleboarding and kayaking on Jungnangcheon, an urban stream running through the heart of Seoul. The facility sits beneath Ihwagyo Bridge at Imun Waterfront Park and will operate through Oct. 31.
Running May 1 through Oct. 31 beneath Ihwagyo Bridge at Imun Waterfront Park; free kayak and paddleboard sessions held four times daily, capped at 20 participants each
First established last year as the first of its kind on an inner-city stream in Seoul, the center drew strong interest from local residents eager to try water sports rarely accessible in an urban setting. This year, visitors have again been turning out in force since opening day, cementing the site's reputation as a new recreational landmark in the district.
Sessions run four times a day — twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon — with each session lasting 60 minutes. The facility closes every Monday for maintenance and safety inspections.
The program is open to children aged 8 and older, teenagers and all district residents at no charge. Each session is capped at 20 participants to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. Operating hours may be adjusted during summer heat waves or adverse weather conditions.
Residents can register through the Seoul Metropolitan Government's public service reservation website. Bookings for May are currently open, and reservations for June will begin May 20. Schools, welfare centers and other groups may contact the district office directly by phone to arrange reservations and coordinate scheduling.
"We hope the water sports center, which opened May 1, will give residents a refreshing boost of energy," said Kim Gi-hyeon, the acting district mayor. "We will do our utmost to maintain facility safety and smooth operations so that as many residents as possible can enjoy water sports safely and find joy in their everyday lives."
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