SEOUL, Jun. 20 (Korea Bizwire) – The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on June 19 the opening and pilot operation of the Seoul Water Sports Center, Seoul’s largest public marina, located in the Nanji Hangang Park.
The center is part of the Great Han River Project and the Comprehensive Plan for Revitalizing Han River Water Activities, aiming to provide citizens with opportunities to enjoy personal water sports on the Han River without having to travel outside the city.
Situated near the Nanji Campground and downstream of the World Cup Bridge, the waterfront complex features a floating mooring area, an onshore mooring area, a support center, and a floating breakwater.
The floating mooring area can accommodate 69 motorized water leisure vessels, such as yachts and boats, based on a 21-foot standard. The nearby onshore mooring area can store 86 water sports vehicles and vessels of the same size.
With a total capacity of 155 vessels, the center is expected to alleviate the shortage of mooring facilities on the Han River, as existing private marinas can only accommodate around 130 vessels, far less than the over 3,000 vessels registered in Seoul.
The support center offers educational programs and hands-on experiences for water sports activities like kayaking and canoeing. Spanning 1,227 square meters across two floors, the center features classrooms, changing rooms, shower facilities, and a rest area on the first floor, with a recreational space on the second floor that offers views of the Han River’s stunning sunsets.
The Seoul Water Sports Center (Image courtesy of Seoul city)
The floating breakwater, measuring 90 meters long and 3.9 meters wide, serves as an outer protective structure against strong currents and winds during floods or typhoons, encircling the water mooring area.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon was expected to attend the center’s opening ceremony, inspecting the facilities prior to their official operation.
The city plans to conduct a pilot run for about a month to refine the facilities and programs before the official opening in August.
“With the opening of the Seoul Water Sports Center, the Han River will emerge as the center of water sports and a renowned leisure destination in South Korea,” said Oh. “Through this center, we will create a ‘Great Han River’ and revitalize water activities, showcasing Seoul’s true charm to domestic and international tourists visiting the Han River.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
