⛸️ Skate in the Heart of Seoul for Only $1! 'Seoul Plaza Ice Rink' Complete Guide
Hello to all my fellow travelers planning a trip to Korea! ❄️
Did you know you can enjoy a romantic ice skating session right in front of City Hall for just 1,000 KRW (approx. $0.75 USD)? It is one of the most iconic winter activities in Seoul.
Here is everything you need to know—from how to get there to where to eat nearby.
❄️ Quick Overview: Seoul Plaza Ice Rink
- Location: Seoul Plaza, Jung-gu (In front of Seoul City Hall)
- Season: Mid-December – Early February (Dates may vary by weather)
- Operated by: Seoul Metropolitan Government
- Key Features: Heart of downtown / Best value for money / Beginner-friendly
1. How to Get There (Location & Transport)📍
Located right in the center of the city, it’s incredibly easy to find.
- Subway (Recommended): Take Line 1 or 2 to City Hall Station. Go to Exit 5, and the rink will be right in front of you.
- Taxi: Simply tell the driver "Seoul-si-cheong" (Seoul City Hall) or "Seoul Gwang-jang" (Seoul Plaza).
- Bus: Numerous buses stop here. Get off at the "City Hall / Seoul Shinmun" stop. Many Blue, Green, and Red buses stop here. Use 'Google Maps' or 'Naver Map' for real-time routes.
2. Opening Hours & Price
Season: Open until February 8, 2026 (Subject to change based on weather).
Operating Hours:
Sun–Thu: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Fri, Sat & Holidays: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
🕒 Seoul Plaza Ice Rink Timetable
A. Sunday to Friday
There are 8 sessions per day during weekdays and Sundays.
• 1st Session: 10:00 – 11:00• 2nd Session: 11:30 – 12:30
• 3rd Session: 13:00 – 14:00
• 4th Session: 14:30 – 15:30
• 5th Session: 16:00 – 17:00
• 6th Session: 17:30 – 18:30
• 7th Session: 19:00 – 20:00
• 8th Session: 20:30 – 21:30
B. Saturdays & Public Holidays
Operating hours are extended to 9 sessions for nighttime skating.
• 1st – 8th Session: (Same as above)• 9th Session: 22:00 – 23:00 (Extra Hours)
💡 Quick Notes for You:
- Ice Maintenance: Each session lasts 1 hour, followed by a 30-minute break to clean the ice.
- Special Extension: On Dec 24th and Dec 31st, a 10th session is added from 23:30 to 12:30 AM!
- Weather Policy: Hours may change depending on weather or air quality conditions.
- Admission Fee: 1,000 KRW per session (1 hour).
- Included: Entrance fee, Ice skate rental, Helmet rental
- Note: Gloves are mandatory! (Bring your own or buy on-site).
This incredibly low price includes your skate rental and a helmet😲
3. ⛸️ Age & Size Requirements (Check before you go!)
- Age Limit: Open to those born in 2019 or earlier.
- ✔️ Born in 2019: Can skate.
- ❌ Born in 2020 or later: Not allowed to enter.
- Size Limit: Children with a foot size under 180mm are not allowed to skate (due to rental skate availability and safety).
4.🎟️ How to Book (Best for Foreigners)
There is a limit of 600 people per session, so if you're planning a weekend visit, reservation in advance is highly recommended.
A. Online Booking (Best for Planning):
- Where to book: You can reserve via the Official Website (seoulskate.kr) or Naver Booking.
- Booking Window: Reservations for the following week open every Monday at 10:00 AM (KST). Set an alarm if you want a specific time ⏰
- Slot Distribution: 300 tickets are available online, and the other 300 are saved for on-site walk-ins.
B. On-site Booking (For Spontaneous Trips):
- Kiosk Location: Tickets for all sessions of the day are sold at the on-site kiosks starting from 9:40 AM.
- Don't Give Up: Even if the online tickets are sold out, there is still hope with the 300 on-site tickets.
- Warning: On weekends, tickets for the entire afternoon often sell out by the morning. If you're going on a Saturday or Sunday, try to arrive at the booth as early as possible.
💡 Pro Tip for Weekend Visitors:
"If you're planning to skate on a weekend afternoon, here’s a secret strategy: Arrive around 10:00 AM to buy your on-site tickets in advance for a later session. Since the rink is right in the center of the city, you can spend your waiting time exploring nearby Myeong-dong or Gwanghwamun and then come back just in time for your turn!"
5. ✨ Real User Reviews: The Good & The Bad
- "The night view of Seoul's skyscrapers while skating is absolutely magical."
- "Unbeatable price. You can't find a better deal in the city!"
- "Very well-organized equipment rental system."
- "It gets very crowded, especially on weekend evenings. Watch out for little kids!"
- Air Quality Closure: The rink may close if fine dust levels are too high. Check the official website before you go.
- "The 1-hour session feels a bit short because it's so much fun."
6. 💡Essential Tips Before You Go
- Gloves are MANDATORY! 🧤: You cannot enter the ice without them for safety reasons. You can bring your own or buy a pair on-site for about 1,000 KRW.
- Use the Lockers: There are coin-operated lockers (500~1,000 KRW) to keep your bags safe.
- Wear Thick Socks: Rental skates can be a bit stiff, so thick socks will keep your feet comfortable and warm.
- Rink Facilities
- Main Rink: For adults and beginners. Handrails are available for support, and staff are always on-site.
- Kids' Rink: A dedicated space for children with safety guards. Parents can watch from the sidelines.
- Amenities: Rental Center & Changing area, Coin Lockers (Paid), First Aid Station, Snack Bar (Simple Korean street food)
7. 🍴 Snacks & Food Menu
- • Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes) — 4,500 KRW
- • Udon (Noodle Soup) — 6,000 KRW
- • Sausage — 4,500 KRW
- • Butter Garlic Fries — 4,500 KRW
- • Fishcake Skewers (3pcs) — 4,500 KRW
- • Sotteok Sotteok (Rice Cake & Sausage Skewer) — 5,000 KRW
- • Fried Chicken Skewers — 5,000 KRW
- • Hot Dog (Original / Cheese) — 3,500 KRW
- 🥤 Soft Drinks — 2,500 KRW | Bottled Water — 1,000 KRW
💡 Note: Food items served for dine-in are provided in multi-use containers.
8. 🍴Best Eats Nearby (Post-Skating Meal)
After working up an appetite, try these famous spots within walking distance:
- Manjok Ohyang Jokbal (City Hall Branch): A Michelin-listed spot famous for Jokbal (braised pig's trotters). It's incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Myeongdong Kyoja: A 10-minute walk away. Their warm Kalguksu (chopped noodles) and spicy garlic kimchi are legendary.
- Mugyodong Yujeong Nakji: If you want to try "K-Spicy," this is the place! Their spicy stir-fried octopus is a local favorite.
- Gwanghwamun Mijin: Perfect for a lighter meal like warm buckwheat noodles or pork cutlets.
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Have any questions? Leave a comment below, and I'll be happy to help! Enjoy your magical winter in Seoul! 🇰🇷⛸️
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