Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
World Cup Park is an expansive park complex located in the Mapo District of Seoul, South Korea, developed to commemorate and celebrate the 2002 FIFA World Cup held in Korea and Japan. It was created on a rehabilitated landfill site along the northern bank of the Han River, turning an environmental challenge into a premier urban green space. The park is composed of five distinct sections: Pyeonghwa (Peace) Park, Nanjicheon Park, Haneul (Sky) Park, Noeul (Sunset) Park, and Hangang Riverside Park, each offering unique landscapes and experiences. With its varied terrain including hills, wetlands, and meadows, the park supports a range of flora and fauna, providing notable ecological diversity in an urban setting. Visitors enjoy extensive walking and cycling paths, expansive open spaces for picnics and events, and striking views of the Han River and Seoul's skyline. The highlight, Haneul Park, sits atop a hill and offers panoramic vistas accessible via a long staircase lined with native grasses and wildflowers. The park represents a model of urban environmental rejuvenation and public recreation, making it a beloved spot for locals and tourists to escape city bustle, engage in outdoor activities, and appreciate nature in the heart of Seoul.
