This summer, Mapo-gu will transform into a water park for children at locations across the district.
The "2026 Mapo Children's Water Playground," organized and hosted by the Mapo-gu Sports Council, opens July 25 and runs through Aug. 16.
The event was designed to fill the gap in children's physical activities during summer, giving families a chance to beat the heat together through safe outdoor exercise and refreshing water play for a healthy summer vacation.
Six sites will host the water playgrounds: Mapo-gu Citizens' Plaza, the plaza in front of Exit 6 of Hongik University Station, Hapjeong-dong Rest Area, Mapo Saevit Culture Forest, Mapo Arts Center Plaza and Dohwa Small Park.
Each site will feature inflatable pools, water slides and changing rooms, along with shade structures and parasols for resting after play.
The playgrounds are open to children 13 and under at no charge, with no advance registration required — entry is on a first-come, first-served basis on site. Children 7 and under must be accompanied by a guardian.
Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The facilities will close for inspection from 1 to 2 p.m. each day, and each hour of operation will be followed by a 10-minute break to ensure a safe and comfortable environment. The playgrounds will be closed every Monday for regular maintenance.
At least four lifeguards will be stationed at each site, and first-aid supplies and a medical support booth will be on hand to ensure children can enjoy the water safely.
For more information about the Mapo Children's Water Playground, contact the Mapo-gu Sports Council.
"I hope children can run around and cool off close to home this hot summer, and create precious memories with their families," Mapo-gu district mayor Yoo Dong-gyun said. "I look forward to the continued expansion of an environment where Mapo's children can enjoy a variety of physical activities in their daily lives and grow up healthy."
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