Seoul Day Trip: The Ultimate Guide to Misari Speedboat Park & Double-Layered Blossoms

For the past couple of weeks, my social media DMs have been overflowing. The recurring theme? Travelers arriving in Seoul with a bit of a heavy heart, asking where they can still find those iconic cherry blossom spots. I hate being the bearer of “bad” news, but it’s mid-April, and those delicate, pale Yoshino cherry blossoms have pretty much made their final bow for the year.

However, don’t pack away your cameras just yet! I’ve been encouraging all my “late” visitors to look for a different kind of magic. It is officially time for the Gyup-beotkkot (겹벚꽃)—or Double-Layered Cherry Blossoms—to take center stage. They are fluffier, heartier, and boast a much deeper, romantic pink hue.

If you missed the white blossoms in the city, I have the perfect spoiler alert destination for you. While this location isn’t technically inside Seoul, it’s incredibly easy to reach via public transport and offers a floral spectacle that arguably rivals the main season. Welcome to Misari Regatta Park.

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About Misari Regatta Park

Located in Hanam City, Misari Regatta Park (미사리 조정경기장)—also known as Misari Speedboat Park—is a sprawling green oasis with a fascinating sporting pedigree. Originally constructed to host the rowing and canoeing competitions for the 1986 Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics, the park was built around a massive, shimmering 2km-long artificial lake.

After its glory days of Olympic gold, the park transitioned into a public space in May 1995. Today, it serves as a beloved recreational escape where the echoes of competitive rowing have been replaced by the laughter of families and the quiet rustle of wind through the trees. It’s a place where history and nature coexist, offering a sense of scale and openness that is hard to find within the dense urban fabric of Seoul.

Why Misari is a Springtime Dream

The star of the show at Misari isn’t just the water; it’s the spectacular road that runs alongside the Rowing Canoe Race Course. On one side of this lengthy track lies a path lined with fully grown, mature double cherry blossom trees.

This isn’t just a small cluster of trees; we are talking about a 2km-long corridor of pink. Because these trees are “Double-Layered,” each blossom looks like a miniature peony or a tiny, ruffled pom-pom. When they are in full bloom, the branches bow under the weight of the flowers, creating a heavy, floral canopy that feels much more lush and “extravagant” than the standard cherry blossoms we see in early April.

A Photographer’s Playground

For those who live behind a lens, Misari Regatta Park is a literal dreamscape. The long, narrow road flanked by these “baby-doll-pink clouds” offers endless perspective shots.

Creative Framing: Position your camera between the low-hanging, fluffy pink branches to create a soft, out-of-focus floral frame for your subjects.

The Picnic Aesthetic: From a distance, the people picnicking underneath the trees look as though they are sitting under giant, natural pink beach umbrellas.

The Color Contrast: The deep pink of the Gyup-beotkkot pops brilliantly against the blue of the regatta water and the green of the spring grass. Whether you’re shooting professional portraits or just upgrading your Instagram feed, the sheer volume of pink here is unparalleled.

When to See the Peak

Generally, you can spot the Gyup-beotkkot in Korea as soon as the delicate white versions disappear.

Typical Window: First blooms usually appear around mid-April, with the peak falling in the third or fourth week of April.

The Evidence: My own visits prove how forgiving this season can be. Seven years ago, I visited as late as April 28th, and the blossoms were still stunning. Today, April 16th, the trees are at about 60% bloom, meaning the best is yet to come!

One of the best things about the double-layered variety is its durability. Once they reach their peak, the petals tend to stick around for a week or two, provided there isn’t a massive rainstorm or a heavy gale to knock them down.

How to Get There from Seoul

Getting to Misari Regatta Park is a breeze, even for those who aren’t familiar with Hanam:

Subway: Take Seoul Subway Line 5 to Misa Station (미사역).
Exit: Head to Exit 5.
Bus: Hop on Bus Number 112-5 at the nearby stop (Stop ID: 28530).
Arrival: After just three stops, get off at the Speedboat Park Rear Gate (미사동.미사경정공원후문) (Stop ID: 28201). You’ll be right at the entrance of your springtime adventure.

Pro Tips for Your Visit

To make sure your trip is more “fairy tale” and less “fiasco,” keep these tips in mind:

Watch Your Step: The road is a narrow two-lane street with limited sidewalk space. You will likely find yourself walking on the grass directly under the trees. While it sounds dreamy, these sections can be quite dusty or muddy. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes that you don’t mind getting a little dirty!
Dust Management: The parking spaces along the flower path are dirt grounds. When cars pull in or out, they often kick up dusty whirlwinds. If you’re sensitive to dust, I highly recommend bringing a facial mask.
Picnic Strategy: Avoid setting up your picnic blanket right next to the parking zones to stay away from the dust. Instead, look for the lush green patches further down the path.
The Early Bird: Misari is a local favorite. If you want to snag the most “aesthetic” spot under a tree, arrive early—especially on weekends!

Final Verdict

If you feel like you’ve “missed” spring in Korea because the white petals have fallen, think again. Misari Regatta Park is proof that nature always has an encore. The double-layered cherry blossoms are bolder, brighter, and stay around longer, offering a completely different vibe than the early April season.

It’s a place for long walks, dreamy photoshoots, and slow afternoons. So, grab your picnic mat, charge your camera, and take that short trip to Hanam. You won’t regret choosing the “pinker” path!

Access Map to the Gyup-beotkkot Road

Quick Info About Misari Regatta Park

Address: 경기 하남시 미사대로 505
Naver Map: Link
Parking: Available (very spacious parking areas)

Parking Fee: 
small cars|2000 to 4000 KW, 
Large vehicles | up to 10000 KW

Interested in a related tour package?

Spring Special: Seoul King Cherry Blossom 1 Day Tour

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