Seoul's first indoor playground inside a hillside park nears completion — folding glass doors and panoramic windows blend the indoors with nature, while barrier-free paths and new parking improve access for all visitors
Dobong-gu in Seoul will complete construction of an indoor playground at Ssangmun Neighborhood Park next month, giving children a space to play freely year-round regardless of weather or other outdoor conditions.
The facility will be the first indoor playground in Seoul located inside a hillside park — a deliberate choice to set it apart from the growing number of conventional indoor playgrounds, which have become increasingly uniform in their offerings.
The structure features folding glass doors and floor-to-ceiling windows that open up wide views of the surrounding greenery, letting children enjoy nature while playing in a comfortable indoor setting. The design follows guidelines issued by the Seoul Metropolitan Government for indoor playgrounds within parks.
Inside, skylights and raised ceilings maximize natural light and create a sense of openness. Wooden wall finishes add to the nature-friendly atmosphere.
A wooden deck called "Bakkachieum Playground" — an outdoor connector space — will be installed around the building, seamlessly linking the indoor facility with the surrounding park and extending the overall play area.
Accessibility was also a priority. A barrier-free path paved with soil concrete has been laid nearby to allow easy passage for strollers, wheelchairs and others with limited mobility, blending naturally with the landscape. A 25-space parking lot has also been added for visitors arriving by vehicle.
The playground's location near existing facilities — including Dooly Infant Forest Experience Center and Haneul Infant Forest Experience Center — means families can combine visits and give children a broader range of nature-based play experiences.
Dobong-gu District Mayor Kim Dong-wook said he hopes the playground, as Seoul's first of its kind inside a hillside park, will become a place where children can run and play freely without worrying about the weather or safety. "We will continue to make the most of the park's outstanding natural environment as we work to make Dobong a great place to raise children," he said.
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