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Urban oasis: Seoul's public water parks open this week

Urban oasis: Seoul's public water parks open this week

Korea Herald3 days ago

From adults-only pool at Yangjaecheon to kid-friendly water parks in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul offers urban escapes this summer
Multiple Seoul-based water parks and swimming pools are scheduled to open this week, allowing people to enjoy a refreshing break from the sweltering weather.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that the swimming pools and water parks in six Hangang Parks — Ttukseom, Yeouido, Jamwon, Jamsil, Yanghwa and Nanji Hangang Park — will be available starting from Friday to Aug. 31.
Water play areas offer a range of facilities to entertain summer vacationers, including the infinity pool, tanning zone, lazy river and more.
Though the water play areas in Mangwon and Gwanganru, in Seoul's Mapo-gu and Gangdong-gu districts, respectively, were opened last year, two will remain closed due to the ongoing construction.
According to the city government, the water parks, which attracted more than 310,000 visitors in 2024, will open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
However, in the event of severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, typhoons, or fine dust and ultrafine dust alerts, the water playgrounds will be shut down.
Visitors are strongly advised to check the weather forecast at Hangang Park's official website hangang.seoul.go.kr.
Admission fees vary by age, ranging from 1,000 won to 5,000 won, and children under the age of 6 can enter the water parks for free.
The city government stated that safety personnel and nursing assistants will be stationed at each facility to help prevent accidents. It will also monitor any vendors at the parks to ensure that prices are reasonable.
Individual district offices are also set to open their own popular summer escapes.
Seocho-gu in southern Seoul will be operating its iconic Yangjaecheon Swimming Pool on Saturday, three weeks earlier than its original schedule.
Though the water play area gained popularity among families for its child-friendly water attractions, Yangjaecheon Swimming Pool is set to open a new pool for adults this year.
The district office said that the swimming pool will take a 15-minute break every hour, with the first break at 10:45. The pools will also close for facility maintenance from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
While the admission is 3,000 won for children, it costs 5,000 won and 7,000 won for Seocho-gu-based teenagers and adults, respectively.
The swimming pool is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will run through Aug. 24.
Eunpyeong-gu, a district in northern Seoul, announced that it will be operating six child-friendly water parks, including Shinheung Children's Playground and Maebawi Children's Park.
Set to operate from July 5 through Aug. 17, the water play areas are open to children under the age of 13 from noon to 5 p.m. Those aged 7 or younger must be accompanied by a guardian to enter the water parks.
The district office added that the water playgrounds will be open on weekends until July 27, and will be open every day starting July 28.

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Erick strengthens into a Category 3 major hurricane
Erick strengthens into a Category 3 major hurricane

Korea Herald

time2 days ago

  • Korea Herald

Erick strengthens into a Category 3 major hurricane

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1 Hotel Melbourne is Now Open
1 Hotel Melbourne is Now Open

Korea Herald

time2 days ago

  • Korea Herald

1 Hotel Melbourne is Now Open

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The architectural centerpiece of the project is the restored Goods Shed No. 5, Melbourne's last remaining heritage goods shed from the city's shipping heyday. The hotel is also designed to foster connection, creativity, and community, buzzing from day to night with chef-led dining, wellness experiences, and a dynamic lineup of Happenings—from sound baths and DJ sets to zero-waste cocktail workshops. "The opening of 1 Hotel Melbourne marks a powerful moment for our brand as we expand in the Asia Pacific region," says Barry Sternlicht, 1 Hotels Founder and Chairman of Starwood Hotels. "As we grow our global footprint, we're focused on markets that reflect our values—places where nature, culture, and innovation converge in meaningful ways. Melbourne is a city that not only understands the importance of sustainability, it celebrates it." "At 1 Hotels, we've always believed that true luxury is rooted in purpose, impact, and authentic experiences," said Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels. 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Here, nature isn't an escape from the city—it's a dialogue with it, creating an urban sanctuary that blurs the boundary between built and natural environments, with a deep and immersive sense of place. At the heart of the design is the site itself: the historic Seafarers wharf, in continuous use since 1855. Its centerpiece is the heritage-listed Goods Shed No. 5. Originally built in 1895, the shed was once a vital part of Melbourne's maritime economy, processing massive amounts of cargo before falling into disuse in the 1970s. More than 2,000 original elements have been salvaged, catalogued, and reincorporated, including bluestone pavers, steel trusses, timber doors, and window frames. The adjacent Malcolm Moore crane, a 1942 industrial relic and the last of its kind in Victoria, has been restored and repositioned as a sculptural tribute to the area's shipping past. 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In the evening, the energy shifts with full moon sound healing sessions, seasonal tastings, wine and cheese pairings, and cocktail events that spotlight local makers and ingredients. The calendar evolves with the seasons, from Wellness Month in August to Melbourne Fashion Week in October. Much of the programming is co-created with local talent—from chefs and herbalists to musicians and artists—ensuring a constantly evolving lineup that feels authentically Melbourne. It's all part of the brand's vision to make 1 Hotel Melbourne a true gathering place that's as welcoming to locals as it is to travelers. Wellness is woven into every element of the 1 Hotel Melbourne experience. At the heart of the offering is Bamford Wellness Spa, created in partnership with Carole Bamford, a pioneer in organic, sustainable, and holistic living. The spa offers a range of all-natural treatments, as well as a stunning wellness area with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and a Jacuzzi-style spa. Guests also have access to The Field House Gym, a state-of-the-art fitness center outfitted with cutting-edge equipment, personal trainers, and a variety of movement and mindfulness experiences including yoga and meditation. The gym features locally sourced timber, Troldtekt acoustic panels made from certified wood, and Danish cement—materials selected for durability, performance, and low environmental impact. Sustainability that Goes Beyond the Surface At 1 Hotel Melbourne, sustainability is the foundation that guides every aspect of the property—not just within operational systems, but with the guest experience. While the hotel is on track to achieve LEED Silver certification with efficient systems like a 50kW solar array and 50kl rainwater harvesting, what makes this property unique is how sustainability becomes experiential. Guided by nature, guests are immersed in greenery, texture, and tone that celebrate Melbourne and create an urban sanctuary where the city feels like an island retreat. Thoughtful details like shower timers and operable windows in 85% of the rooms make mindful living effortless, without compromise. The sustainable ethos continues outside. The adjacent Seafarers Rest Park offers 3,500 square meters of native-planted green space. Created in accordance with the Yarra River Protection Principles, the park enhances biodiversity and public access to the waterfront while honoring the site's maritime history. It's part of a broader vision to make the North Wharf precinct a more livable, walkable, and inclusive destination. 1 Hotel Melbourne also invites guests to explore the city mindfully: The property is just steps from iconic arts, culture, and sporting venues and has direct access to Melbourne's free tram line. For guests who want to explore by car, the Audi Electric Vehicle Experience takes them around in a complimentary fully electric Audi Q6 e-tron. A New Kind of Stay 1 Hotel Melbourne is built on the idea that where you stay should reflect how you want to live: with style and purpose. It's not just about checking in, it's about tuning in to the city, to nature, and to what truly matters. For more information, visit or follow @ ABOUT 1 HOTELS As a mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand inspired by nature, 1 Hotels cultivates the best of sustainable design and architecture, together with extraordinary comfort and an unrivaled level of service. With properties among some of the first to receive the prestigious MICHELIN Key distinction, 1 Hotels is inspired by a simple idea: those who travel the world should also care about it. It is, after all, 1 world. 1 Hotels launched in 2015 with the opening of exclusive properties in Miami's South Beach and Manhattan's Central Park, followed by Brooklyn, located on the East River in February 2017; West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard in June 2019; Sanya (China) in 2020; Toronto in 2021; San Francisco and Nashville in 2022; in 2023, the Hanalei Bay (Kauai) flagship property and Mayfair (London), the brand's first European property; and Seattle and Melbourne (Australia) in 2025. The brand is expanding with properties under development in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin (Texas), Copenhagen, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and San Miguel de Allende (Mexico). Additional information can be found at ABOUT STARWOOD HOTELS Starwood Hotels, an affiliate of global private investment firm Starwood Capital Group, is a sustainable hotel brand management company that operates 1 Hotels, a nature-inspired lifestyle brand that launched in 2015 with properties in South Beach (Miami) and Manhattan and now includes Brooklyn Bridge (New York City), West Hollywood (Los Angeles), Sanya (China), Toronto, San Francisco, Nashville, the Hanalei Bay (Kauai) flagship property, the brand's first European property in Mayfair (London), Seattle, and Melbourne (Australia), with projects in development in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin (Texas), Copenhagen, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and San Miguel de Allende (Mexico); Baccarat Hotels & Resorts, a luxury brand that made its debut in March 2015 with the opening of its flagship property in New York, with projects under development in Rome, Florence, Dubai, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Brickell (Miami), and Maldives; and Treehouse Hotels, which premiered in London in 2019 and now includes Manchester (UK) and Silicon Valley (California), with projects under development in Brickell (Miami), Adelaide (Australia), and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Leveraging its marketing, design, operational and technological expertise, Starwood Hotels is the force behind some of the most groundbreaking and dynamic hotel brands in the world. Additional information can be found at ABOUT RIVERLEE Riverlee is a Melbourne based, privately owned property group specializing in development and asset ownership and management across the commercial, residential, and retail sectors. Established in 1993, Riverlee is known for delivering visionary projects that lead the industry, both creatively and commercially, while always honoring the region's heritage, environment, and community.

Urban oasis: Seoul's public water parks open this week
Urban oasis: Seoul's public water parks open this week

Korea Herald

time3 days ago

  • Korea Herald

Urban oasis: Seoul's public water parks open this week

From adults-only pool at Yangjaecheon to kid-friendly water parks in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul offers urban escapes this summer Multiple Seoul-based water parks and swimming pools are scheduled to open this week, allowing people to enjoy a refreshing break from the sweltering weather. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that the swimming pools and water parks in six Hangang Parks — Ttukseom, Yeouido, Jamwon, Jamsil, Yanghwa and Nanji Hangang Park — will be available starting from Friday to Aug. 31. Water play areas offer a range of facilities to entertain summer vacationers, including the infinity pool, tanning zone, lazy river and more. Though the water play areas in Mangwon and Gwanganru, in Seoul's Mapo-gu and Gangdong-gu districts, respectively, were opened last year, two will remain closed due to the ongoing construction. According to the city government, the water parks, which attracted more than 310,000 visitors in 2024, will open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, in the event of severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, typhoons, or fine dust and ultrafine dust alerts, the water playgrounds will be shut down. Visitors are strongly advised to check the weather forecast at Hangang Park's official website Admission fees vary by age, ranging from 1,000 won to 5,000 won, and children under the age of 6 can enter the water parks for free. The city government stated that safety personnel and nursing assistants will be stationed at each facility to help prevent accidents. It will also monitor any vendors at the parks to ensure that prices are reasonable. Individual district offices are also set to open their own popular summer escapes. Seocho-gu in southern Seoul will be operating its iconic Yangjaecheon Swimming Pool on Saturday, three weeks earlier than its original schedule. Though the water play area gained popularity among families for its child-friendly water attractions, Yangjaecheon Swimming Pool is set to open a new pool for adults this year. The district office said that the swimming pool will take a 15-minute break every hour, with the first break at 10:45. The pools will also close for facility maintenance from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. While the admission is 3,000 won for children, it costs 5,000 won and 7,000 won for Seocho-gu-based teenagers and adults, respectively. The swimming pool is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will run through Aug. 24. Eunpyeong-gu, a district in northern Seoul, announced that it will be operating six child-friendly water parks, including Shinheung Children's Playground and Maebawi Children's Park. Set to operate from July 5 through Aug. 17, the water play areas are open to children under the age of 13 from noon to 5 p.m. Those aged 7 or younger must be accompanied by a guardian to enter the water parks. The district office added that the water playgrounds will be open on weekends until July 27, and will be open every day starting July 28.

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