Outdoor ice skating in Seoul is a winter-season activity, not a year-round attraction. The best-known public rink is set up at Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall. A second option is the outdoor rink at Grand Hyatt Seoul, a hotel on the slopes of Namsan. Dates, ticket arrangements and access can change each winter, so plan around the current season rather than an old travel post.
Seoul Plaza: the central, budget-friendly choice
Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink is an open-air rink in the middle of the city, with City Hall’s glass-and-stone building behind it. It is convenient if you are staying in Myeongdong, Euljiro or Jongno, and easy to combine with a walk past Deoksugung Palace. The closest subway stop is City Hall on Lines 1 and 2; follow signs for City Hall or Seoul Plaza and cross to the open square.
The rink usually operates for a limited winter season, and its layout and session arrangements are announced each year. It is one of the cheapest outings in the city: in the 2025-26 season an hour-long session cost about ₩1,000, with skates and a helmet included, a price the city has kept for many years. Confirm the fee for the current season before you go. Gloves are commonly required on the ice, so bring a pair or buy inexpensive ones at a nearby convenience store. Wear warm socks, and arrive early if you need time to rent skates or get comfortable.
For current dates and booking details, check the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s official website; you can also check current details on Naver Map. If online reservations are offered, follow the rink’s own booking instructions rather than assuming that a third-party listing is up to date. A session can feel short if you spend too much of it in a queue, especially on a weekend or holiday.
Grand Hyatt Seoul: a Namsan setting
The Grand Hyatt Seoul has a seasonal outdoor ice rink on its hotel grounds in Yongsan-gu. Its setting among the trees on Namsan feels very different from the busy plaza downtown, and it can make a memorable evening outing. This is a hotel venue rather than a city-run public facility, so expect a higher price than at Seoul Plaza and check whether non-hotel visitors can book for the dates you want. Packages, rental terms and access can vary by season.
The nearest subway station is Hangangjin on Line 6, but the hotel is uphill from the station. In cold weather, especially with children or skate bags, a taxi is often more comfortable than walking the slope. Show the driver Grand Hyatt Seoul or the Korean name 그랜드 하얏트 서울. Before setting out, confirm the rink’s season, ticket price and entry rules on the hotel’s official website. Do not assume that a hotel room reservation is needed—or that it is not; check the current policy.
What to wear and bring
Seoul winters can be windy, and an outdoor rink feels colder than the temperature suggests because you are standing on ice. Wear layers, a warm coat, gloves, and socks that cover your ankles. Gloves help protect your hands if you fall and may be required by rink rules. A hat or ear warmer is useful for children. Avoid very thick socks that make rental skates painfully tight; a snug fit gives you better control.
Pack a small bag for your shoes and valuables, and check whether the venue has lockers before arriving. If you are new to skating, use the rink barrier for balance and take a few slow laps before trying to skate faster. Keep phones and cameras secure rather than holding them while moving. Follow staff instructions about skating direction and stopping areas.
Make a day of it near City Hall
Seoul Plaza works well as one stop on a central Seoul itinerary. After skating, warm up with soup or noodles around Euljiro, or head toward Myeongdong for snacks such as hotteok, a sweet filled pancake. Deoksugung Palace is just across the road from the plaza; the stone-wall path nearby is a pleasant short walk, though it can be slippery after snow. If you want to visit the palace, check its separate admission and closing information before you go.
For a simple food stop, look for a restaurant serving kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) or mandu (dumplings). These familiar Korean menu words are useful when you are choosing a warm meal after skating. City Hall and Myeongdong also have convenience stores where you can pick up hand warmers, called 핫팩 (hat-paek), and extra gloves.
If the outdoor rink is closed
Outdoor rinks appear only during the cold-weather season, so a mild winter day or an early or late trip may not line up with the opening dates. For an indoor alternative, Lotte World Ice Rink is inside the Lotte World complex in Jamsil, near Jamsil Station on Lines 2 and 8. It is not an outdoor rink, but it gives you a skating option when the seasonal plazas are unavailable. Check its current admission and rental information separately, and remember that the rink is part of a busy shopping and entertainment area.
For the easiest outdoor outing, choose Seoul Plaza for central access and a public-rink feel. Pick Grand Hyatt Seoul for its Namsan setting, after checking visitor access and cost. In either case, confirm the season before travelling, bring gloves, and leave extra time for winter transport and skate rental.
FAQ
When does the Seoul Plaza ice rink open?
It is a winter-only rink. In recent years it has opened in the second half of December and closed in February, but the dates are announced each autumn by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, so check before you plan a day around it.
Do I need to bring my own skates?
No. Rental skates come with a Seoul Plaza ticket, and hotel rinks rent them too. Bring gloves and warm socks; thin cotton gloves from a convenience store are enough.
Is ice skating in Seoul suitable for children?
Yes. Seoul Plaza is busy with families at weekends, and children can hold the barrier while they find their feet. Go on a weekday morning if you want more space, and dress them in layers with a hat.
