Open July 16 through Aug. 16 at Nowon Train Village — free admission for Nowon-gu residents
Features a 50-meter air-bounce water slide, a lazy river, age-specific pools and more
Seoul's Nowon-gu, led by District Mayor Seo Jun-o, will operate the "2026 Kuljam Water Park" at Hwarangdae Rail Park from July 16 through Aug. 16.
This year the water park moves from its previous location at Seoul National University of Science and Technology's athletic field to the Nowon Train Village area (622 Hwarang-ro) inside Hwarangdae Rail Park. Visitors can enjoy the water park alongside the rail park's wide range of cultural and hands-on attractions.
Hwarangdae Rail Park has been selected twice consecutively for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's "Local 100 of Korea" program. Built around a decommissioned section of the Gyeongchun Line and its historic station, the train-themed park features the Nowon District Train Village's Swiss and Italian pavilions, a café called "Landscape with a Train," and a distinctive restaurant, Express Nowon by Mirage, among other leisure and experience spaces.
This year's water facilities have also been upgraded. The water slide, which carried an admission charge last year, is now free for all visitors. It has been rebuilt as a 50-meter air-bounce slide with improved safety and ease of use.
A new climbing pool has been added to boost physical activity and play for children. The park also offers separate pools for adults, teenagers and young children, a lazy river, an air slide and a spinning water tube ride, ensuring fun for all ages.
Rest areas have been expanded as well, with Mongolian-style tents, wooden platforms, parasols and cooling zones so visitors can relax comfortably. On weekends, the park plans to run family-friendly participatory programs including water games and a bubble pool.
The district is also taking thorough steps to ensure a safe swimming environment. Certified lifeguards will be stationed at every pool and play facility, and artificial turf and waterproof sheeting will be laid to prevent slipping. Water-quality test results will be posted every two hours for strict monitoring.
The park operates from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Facilities run for 45 minutes each hour, followed by a 15-minute inspection break, and close entirely from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and maintenance. The park is closed every Monday. Nowon-gu residents enter free upon showing identification; residents of other districts pay 2,000 won, and children under 36 months enter free. Some amenity facilities are available at cost.
For visitors arriving by car, the district will operate the rail park's own parking lot as well as a temporary lot in front of the Seungni-gwan building inside Taereung Athletes' Village. Parking space is limited, however, so the district encourages visitors to use public transportation.
On July 20 — a regular closure day — the district will host a special event for families with disabilities. The district holds various disability-inclusive invitation events each year to give people with disabilities greater access to local facilities and cultural experiences.
Organized with the Nowon-gu Federation of Persons with Disabilities, the event will welcome residents with disabilities, their families and personal care assistants. The district plans to ensure that families with disabilities can enjoy their leisure time comfortably and safely. Participants will receive free access to the water slide and paid rest shelters, as well as coupons for the snack bar and equipment rental. Tubes, life jackets and other water gear will be available to rent at a discounted price.
"I hope the Kuljam Water Park, now in its new home at Hwarangdae Rail Park, will give many people cool and memorable summer experiences," District Mayor Seo said. "We will do our best in operations and facility management so that everyone — regardless of age or gender — can enjoy it safely and happily close to home."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
