Beach sand in Gwanghwamun: Seoul brings the seaside to the city center

The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Foundation will host "2026 Seoul Summer Beach" at Gwanghwamun Square and Sejongno Park from July 20 to Aug. 9, a 21-day run. Now in its fourth year, the festival drew about 1.46 million visitors last year and has become one of Seoul's signature summer events. This year, organizers are significantly expanding the water-play facilities, sandy beach area and food zone to give residents and tourists an urban getaway.

Running under the slogan "Wave Summer, Play Seoul," the festival will extend its footprint from Gwanghwamun Square into the adjacent Sejongno Park. The two organizations plan to transform downtown Seoul — framed by a skyline of office towers — into a cool summer retreat, with water activities and relaxation spaces. Admission is free and open to all.

The event is divided into three zones. The Water Wave Zone will feature a large pool, an 8-meter-high water slide and water bucket installations, creating the unusual sight of families splashing around in the middle of Gwanghwamun Square, surrounded by high-rise buildings.

The Play Wave Zone will host partner collaboration booths and a small-business flea market, anchored by "Sand Ajito" — a dome-shaped sand playground 12 meters in diameter. About 20 tons of sand sourced from five coastal regions — Yangyang, Ganghwa, Daecheon, Busan and Gunsan — will be used to recreate the feel of beaches from across the country. Access will be managed through an advance reservation system; booking schedules and details will be announced gradually through the official social media channels.

New this year, the Play Market Zone will bring in food trucks to add to the festival atmosphere and let visitors grab a meal without leaving the venue.

"Water play and sand play in the heart of the city is a special summer scene you can only find in Seoul," said Gil Gi-yeon, chief executive of the Seoul Tourism Foundation. "With the expanded scale and content this year, we hope to give both residents and tourists an even richer and more memorable summer."

The event schedule, program details and operational information will be released gradually through the official Instagram account, with real-time on-site guidance provided throughout the festival.