How to Get to Yongsan Park (US Base) from Itaewon: The 2025 Local’s Guide [Bus vs. Taxi]

How to Get to Yongsan Park: Why Google Maps Fails & The Real Route to the Red Brick Houses

Listen to me carefully: Do not type “Yongsan Park” into Google Maps and hit walk.

If you do, you will end up at the National Museum of Korea or the War Memorial. While those are great, they are not where the trendy, red-brick American housing photo spots are. You are looking for the “Yongsan Park Partial Open Site” (용산공원 부분개방부지), which is actually near Seobinggo Station, not Yongsan Station.

I’m your local insider (“Hyung”), and I see tourists making this mistake every single day. The entrance is tricky to find if you don’t read Korean.

In this guide, I’m going to show you exactly how to get from the chaotic energy of Itaewon to the chill, retro vibes of the American Base without getting lost, sweating through your shirt, or fighting with a taxi driver.

⚠️ Critical Prerequisite: To survive in Seoul, you need Naver Map (Korea’s Google Maps) and an internet connection. Google Maps is outdated here.

• Need Data? Don’t roam. [Insert Affiliate Link for eSIM – e.g., Airalo/Klook] – Get unlimited data for under $10.

• Need a Ride? Grab a T-Money Card at any convenience store (CU/GS25) or [Insert Affiliate Link for Pre-loaded T-Money Card].

The “Cheat Sheet” Summary

In a rush? Here is the breakdown.

📍 Important: You Are Going to “Seobinggo,” Not “Yongsan”

Before we move, copy this Korean text. You will need to paste this into Naver Map or Kakao T.

• Destination Name: Yongsan Park Partial Open Site

• Korean Name: 용산공원 부분개방부지

• Specific Landmark: Seobinggo Station Exit 1 (서빙고역 1번 출구)

Option 1: The Taxi (Fastest & Easiest)

If there are more than two of you, just take a taxi. It will cost about the same as three bus tickets and saves you the hassle.

How to hail a ride:

1. Use the App: Uber works in Seoul (it calls a local taxi). Or download Kakao T (no Korean number needed for the “General Taxi” pay-to-driver option).

2. Street Hail: Look for a taxi with a red “Empty” (빈차) light.

The “Show This to Driver” Card

Most drivers are older and might not speak English. Show them this screen:

기사님, 안녕하세요!

“용산공원 부분개방부지” (미군기지 장교숙소)로 가주세요.

서빙고역 1번 출구 쪽에서 내려주시면 됩니다.

(Hello Driver! Please take me to the Yongsan Park Partial Open Site (US Officer Housing). Please drop me off near Seobinggo Station Exit 1.)

• Cost: ~6,000 KRW ($4.50 USD)

• Time: 10 Minutes (Traffic dependent)

Option 2: The Bus (The Local Way)

This is how I usually go. It’s cheap, clean, and the bus system in Seoul is world-class.

Step 1: Find the Bus Stop

Go to Itaewon Station Exit 4. Walk straight for about 30 seconds. You will see the bus stop directly in front of the Hamilton Hotel.

• Bus Stop Name: Hamilton Hotel (해밀턴호텔)

• Stop ID: 03-190

Step 2: Catch the Right Bus

Look for the Blue Bus 400 or the Blue Bus 110B.

• Pro Tip: In Korea, you must tap your T-Money card when you get ON and when you get OFF to get transfer discounts.

Step 3: The Ride & Drop-off

Ride for about 5 stops (approx. 10-12 mins).

Get off at: Seobinggo-dong (서빙고동).

• Visual Cue: You will pass the river/bridge area. When you get off, you will see a large apartment complex on one side and a red brick wall on the other.

Step 4: The 3-Minute Walk

After getting off the bus:

1. Walk straight in the same direction the bus was going for about 50 meters.

2. Turn Right at the crosswalk towards the station/park.

3. You will see a gate with a sign saying “Yongsan Park Partial Open Site.”

Option 3: Walking (The “Vibe Check” Route)

Only do this if the weather is perfect (Spring/Autumn). Do not do this in July/August.

If you want to explore the Itaewon Antique Furniture Street on the way:

1. Start at Itaewon Station Exit 4.

2. Walk down the road towards the “Antique Furniture Street” (Bogwang-ro).

3. Walk all the way to the end until you hit the Han River side (it’s downhill).

4. Turn Right and walk towards Seobinggo Station.

Warning: It is not a scenic river walk; it’s mostly a roadside walk. I highly recommend the bus instead.

📸 Inside the Park: What to Expect

Once you enter, you are technically on former US soil. This area used to be housing for US military officers. The vibe is distinctively “1980s American Suburbia.”

The “Must-Take” Photos:

1. The Red Brick Road: The main street lined with plane trees.

2. Bus Stop 5520: There is a fake/prop bus stop that looks totally retro.

3. The English Signs: Speed limit signs and “Keep off the grass” signs in English fonts that don’t exist elsewhere in Korea.

Local Etiquette (The “Noon Rush”):

• The Line: There will be a line for the famous photo spots on weekends. Koreans are very orderly. Do not cut.

• Timing: Go on a Tuesday morning or Weekday around 3 PM for the best “Golden Hour” light and fewer crowds.

• Closed Mondays: The park is CLOSED on Mondays. If Monday is a holiday, it closes Tuesday. Check before you go!

Park Details:

• Admission: Free!

• Hours: 09:00 – 18:00 (Last entry 17:00).

🍜 Hungry? Where to Eat After

Since you are near Seobinggo, there isn’t much food right at the park. You have two options:

1. Head back to Itaewon: Hop on the same bus (opposite side) or taxi back to Itaewon for burgers or K-BBQ.

2. Go to Ichon-dong (Little Tokyo): Walk or taxi 5 mins west to Ichon-dong. It’s famous for authentic Japanese food.

   • Search on Naver Map: “Dongbinggo” (Famous for Red Bean Shaved Ice – Patbingsu).

KoreaPlus-Lifes

Hi, I’m [jeybee]. As a long-time resident of Seoul, I’m passionate about uncovering the authentic, everyday magic of Korea. This blog is my way of sharing my favorite spots, tips, and cultural insights with you, beyond the usual tourist traps.