There’s a meme going around in Korea right now: “How long will this nice weather last? In a month or two, the ice age comes.” Autumn in Seoul is beautiful, but it’s short, and winter hits hard. So when the weather is this good, Koreans head outside. I’m Korean Unni, and today I’m taking you on my favorite autumn plan: a Han River ramyun picnic.
Why Koreans Rush Outside in Autumn
Seoul’s autumn is the season of cool air, blue skies, and autumn leaves, called danpung (단풍). The problem is that it doesn’t last long. Summer is hot and humid, and winter can get very cold, so the comfortable days in between feel precious.
That’s where the joke comes from. People call the coming winter the ice age, or binghagi (빙하기), and say you have to enjoy the park before it arrives. It’s a funny way of saying what every Korean feels in October: go outside now, while you still can. If you’re planning a trip around the seasons, my guide to the best time to visit Korea by season breaks down what each one is like.
My Favorite Spot: Ttukseom Hangang Park
The Han River runs right through Seoul, and there are many riverside parks along it. My favorite is Ttukseom Hangang Park (뚝섬한강공원). The best part is how easy it is to get there: the park is right outside Jayang Station (자양역). You step out of the station and you’re basically at the river.
Han River parks have wide lawns, walking and bike paths, and plenty of space to lay out a mat. On a nice autumn day, you’ll see families, couples, and groups of friends all doing the same thing: sitting by the water and eating.
What I Picked Up at the Convenience Store
A Han River picnic doesn’t need much planning. You just stop by a convenience store. Here’s what I got:
- Shin Ramyun (신라면), one of Korea’s best-known spicy instant noodles
- An egg, to add to the ramyun
- An ice cup, a plastic cup filled with ice that Koreans buy to pour drinks into
- A blue lemonade pouch, a drink in a soft pouch that you pour over the ice
The ice cup and pouch drink combo is a very Korean convenience store habit. You buy them separately, pour the drink over the ice, and you have a cold drink in seconds. If you want more ideas, here are my Korean convenience store snacks worth trying.
What Is Han River Ramyun?
Hangang ramyeon (한강라면) simply means ramyun eaten at the Han River. Convenience stores near the river are known for letting you cook instant ramyun right there, so you can carry a hot bowl out to the grass. Eating steaming, spicy noodles outside on a cool day, with the river in front of you, is the whole point.
It’s not fancy food, but ask any Korean and they’ll tell you it tastes better by the river. Han River ramyun has become one of those small, everyday things that feels like Seoul.
Setting Up the Picnic
Once I had my food, I set up my picnic mat, called a dotjari (돗자리), under the autumn leaves. Then it was just ramyun, a cold drink, and the view. That’s it. That’s a real Korean picnic.
Tips for Your Own Han River Picnic
- Bring a mat. Koreans almost always sit on a dotjari. A light one is easy to carry.
- Go on a weekday or earlier in the day if you want more space. Nice weekends get busy.
- Take your trash with you. Clean up your spot and use the proper bins before you leave.
- Bring a layer. Autumn evenings by the river can get chilly fast.
- Use a T-money card to get there by subway. Here’s my T-money card guide.
- Ride along the river. The Han River paths are great for cycling. See my Seoul Bike (Ttareungi) guide.
- Check before you go. Store services, prices, and opening hours can change, so don’t be surprised if things differ a little from what I describe.
Han River Ramyun FAQ
What is Han River ramyun?
Han River ramyun (한강라면, hangang ramyeon) is instant ramyun eaten at one of the parks along the Han River in Seoul. People buy it at a nearby convenience store and eat it outside, picnic style.
How do I get to Ttukseom Hangang Park?
Take the subway to Jayang Station. The park is right outside the station, so it’s one of the easiest Han River parks to reach.
What is an ice cup in Korea?
An ice cup is a plastic cup filled with ice, sold at Korean convenience stores. You buy a pouch drink or other beverage and pour it over the ice.
What does the “ice age” meme mean in Korea?
It’s a joke about how short Korean autumn is. People say the nice weather won’t last and the “ice age” (winter) is coming soon, so you should enjoy the outdoors while you can.
When is the best time for a Han River picnic?
Spring and autumn are the most popular seasons because the weather is mild. Autumn is especially nice with the changing leaves.
Where do you go when the weather is nice? Tell me in the comments, and follow along for more everyday Korea.
