Yeouido is an 8.3-sq-km (3.2-sq-mile), yam-shaped island on the Han River in southwestern Seoul. As the capital’s center of politics, finance, and media, Yeouido is a fast-paced, international district known as South Korea’s Wall Street. Not only does it have the National Assembly Building, the Korea Exchange stock market, and the headquarters of prominent media company Korea Broadcasting System, but also some of the city’s best shopping, sky-high views, and riverside parks.
For hundreds of years the island was considered agriculturally useless and uninhabitable since its sandy composition was prone to flooding and was not suitable for growing rice. It was during the Joseon Dynasty that the island was turned into a dedicated farm used to raise sheep and horses to provide fresh meat to the tables of the royal family.
In 1916, during the Japanese occupation of Korea, the empty space of Yeouido was turned into an airport. In 1958, after the Korean War, the Korean government repurposed the island into an air force base. When the base closed in 1971, president Park Chung-hee was determined to turn Yeouido into Seoul’s financial district on par with International Finance Centers such as Wall Street, London, or Hong Kong. Park started a flood control and urbanization project that transformed Yeouido into the city’s main hub of government, finance, and media. Upon completion of the gold-hued 63 Square building in 1985, it was the tallest skyscraper outside of North America (it’s still the world’s highest gold-clad structure). Many other skyscrapers are also located in Yeouido, including the International Finance Center Seoul, Parc 1 Tower, and the Federation of Korea Industries (FKI) Tower—all of which contain restaurants and hotels known for stunning panoramic views.
Yeouido is home to the headquarters of an array of global companies such as LG, KBS, and the Korea Exchange, meaning that many business travelers inevitably find themselves on the island. The business-driven travel to Yeouido makes it the location of major international luxury hotel brands which are worth a splurge if you’re a fan of upscale amenities like pools, spas, and executive lounges. Since most of these hotels are set in high-rises or skyscrapers they also have some of the best views of the Han River and Seoul skyline. Budget travelers, beware that Yeouido doesn’t have any B&Bs, hostels, or guesthouses, although there are a few independent mid-priced hotels.
Despite its business focus, Yeouido is not all work and no play. The compact island is encircled with parks that have walking trails and bike paths, it’s home to the city’s largest department store, and it’s got some of the best views in all of Seoul.
