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It’s only about an hour’s drive from downtown Seoul. Slip out of the concrete maze, and a vast, unobstructed ribbon of water greets you the moment you open the car door.
Now that the weather’s warming up, long lines of cars show up every weekend — welcome to Dumulmeori in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province.
Close enough for a quick escape but far enough to feel a world away, the scenery that unfolds when you step out of your car has made this spot a top pick for weekend drives.
One hour from Seoul — open your car door and the view unfolds
As its name implies, Dumulmeori is where the Namhan and Bukhan rivers meet and the main stream of the Han River begins.
It’s an easy hit from central Seoul — roughly 50 to 70 minutes — which makes it an appealing choice for drivers who want a low-effort weekend escape.
Park in a nearby public lot and walk about 10 minutes; then you’ll arrive at a wide riverbank with completely open views.
In May, the trees along the riverbank burst into fresh green, giving the whole scene a crisp, restorative feel. Get there at dawn and the mist rising off the water turns the landscape into something that looks straight out of an ink-wash painting.
Walking the riverside trail, you’ll spot a massive, centuries-old zelkova tree — a social media magnet where visitors line up to take what they hope will be their best shot.
Its symbolic status as the place where the Han River truly begins adds an emotional layer, turning a simple outing into something more resonant.
It’s not just popular with local visitors. A UN-affiliated organization recently named the area a top tourist village, recognizing it as a world-class spot for relaxation.
Chosen as the site for the 2026 Gyeonggi Garden Culture Expo, Dumulmeori has seen municipal investment and promotion, drawing everyone from young people hunting for picture-perfect backdrops to families wanting a peaceful riverside stroll.
Avoid parking stress: your departure time matters
It’s a dreamy destination — until you face the weekend traffic and a serious parking crunch.
Route 6, the main artery to Yangpyeong, typically starts to clog up around 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays as day-trippers head out.
The hassle doesn’t stop when you arrive. The parking lot inside Dumulmeori has narrow entryways and attracts waves of cars all at once, so on weekend afternoons it’s common to spend tens of minutes just trying to get in.
To cut parking stress and preserve fuel economy, aim to leave early — around 8 a.m. — so you can savor the misty morning. Once the crowds roll in, move over to the nearby Bukhangang café strip for a relaxed riverside view.
If getting into the inner lot looks unlikely, skip the squeeze and park at the nearby Gyodong public lot or the Semiwon lot, then walk in — your sanity will thank you.
The walking path from Semiwon across the ferry bridge into Dumulmeori is well maintained, so it’s often a much better use of your time than idling in a traffic jam.
If you’re hunting for a satisfying weekend drive near the Seoul metro area, Yangpyeong’s spring greenery is a great option. Just map out your departure time and parking plan before you hit navigation.
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