Seonam Dam Park

By Fin Madden

As the city constantly expands existing parks and creates new parks, one of the largest in the city, and least known, is Seonam Dam Park in Daundong. I was sitting in a friend's house one day, looking at a new pagoda on top of a hill behind Yaum Homeplus. I asked if he knew what it was, and he didn't, so I set off in pursuit. Instead of a pagoda, I discovered a massive lake park.

I was surprised. The park was finished, the trees were planted but I hadn't heard a single word about the park for anybody. The park has 4km of walking trails around the beautiful lake, with a children's area, and new soccer field under cosntruction.

The lake takes a little under a hour to walk around, with picnic spots and ample rest areas. Because it is also a resevoir, there is no swimming allowed. It was built by the Korean Water Corporation, much like Ulsan Grand Park was built by SK. The level of corporate responsibility is impressive to say the least.

To get there: From Yaum Homeplus drive towards Jangsangpo and SK complex, there will be a large Y intersection after a few hundred meters, the left branch will take you to KBS and Lotte Department Store, instead, continue straight for about 50 meters, then follow the road to your right.

Keep and eye out for the Kwater signs, as the park is only posted in Korean. The Korean name is "Seon-nam-dam-gong-won".