The Olympic Park in Seoul

The sun was out, unusually warm for March—22 degrees Celsius—a striking contrast to the snowfall and freezing temperatures just days before. Instinctively drawn to nature on such a beautiful day, my family and I decided to escape the towering skyscrapers and head to Olympic Park.

A legacy of the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Olympic Park is a vibrant space where fitness enthusiasts, art lovers, and those seeking a break from city life come together. Children play badminton and basketball, groups of friends sprawl on picnic blankets, and people leisurely stroll, soaking in the park’s serene atmosphere.

We entered the park through one of its most intriguing landmarks—the colossal Thumb sculpture, an eye-catching piece that immediately invites contemplation. This work, titled Le Pouce (French for "The Thumb"), was created by French artist César Baldaccini and stands as a tribute to human achievement in both sports and the arts. Its exaggerated size transforms an ordinary body part into a monumental statement, prompting reflection on the significance of small yet powerful gestures—like a thumbs-up for victory or approval.

As I stood before it, I couldn’t help but think about the perseverance, dedication, and resilience that athletes endure in their pursuit of excellence. It served as a powerful reminder that success is not solely about winning but about the journey, the effort, and the small milestones along the way.

Olympic Park preserves a rich legacy of sports and culture through its historic stadiums and facilities. The Olympic Swimming Pool, Basketball Stadium, and Handball Arena remain active, while the Olympic Fencing Gymnasium, once the stage for intense fencing battles, continues to host sporting events and concerts. Woori Art Hall, originally part of the fencing venue, has since transformed into a space for performing arts.

As I walked through Woori Art Hall, I couldn’t help but feel a pull to step inside the theatre and see a show. I’ve always loved the magic of live performances—whether watching a production in London’s West End or seeing my daughters’ dance performances. There’s something so captivating about the energy of a live stage, and I found myself wondering what shows might unfold here.

Beyond Woori Art Hall, the Olympic Weightlifting Gymnasium, where athletes once pushed the limits of human strength, stands as a tribute to the Games, while the Velodrome, once home to thrilling cycling races, has since evolved for new purposes. Each venue serves as a testament to the park’s enduring role as a hub for sports, fitness, and entertainment.

After taking in the rich history and significance of these venues, we chose to explore the park in a more immersive way. A scenic ride on a paddle bike allowed us to experience its vast landscape before eventually making our way toward the main entrance at the World Peace Gate. Designed by architect Kim Chung-up, this imposing structure is a vibrant symbol of peace and harmony, key themes of the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Beneath its soaring arches lies A Painting of Four Spirits, a mural depicting four guardian spirits watching over the gate—a phoenix, turtle, tiger, and dragon—ascending toward the heavens, representing the strength and resilience of the Korean people. The blue and red colours symbolize Um and Yang, an oriental concept representing the universe and creativity.

Beneath the gate, an eternal flame burns alongside a declaration of peace, calling for world harmony and happiness for all people, regardless of ideology, race, or religion.

Surrounding the gate is a semicircle of flags representing the 159 countries that participated in the 1988 Olympics, including Great Britain and the former Czechoslovakia, creating a striking visual representation of international cooperation. As I pedalled through, I could hear the pride of the flags rustling in the wind—a reminder of how sport unites people across borders.

"Today, that same spirit of global connection thrives in a different way—through music—as the park becomes a vibrant hub for K-pop. As concertgoers gather in their stylish black-and-white outfits for the ATEEZ concert, I can’t help but feel a longing to be part of the excitement—to step inside KSPO Dome (formerly the Olympic Gymnastics Arena) and experience the K-pop mania first-hand. I realise this is just the beginning of my journey into Korea’s dynamic music culture. Now that I live here, I can’t wait to fully immerse myself in this K-pop phenomenon.

Olympic Park has it all—a venue for the arts, a space where history, culture, and modern life intertwine. Whether you're here for a concert, a quiet afternoon in nature, or to celebrate the legacy of the Games, the park offers something for everyone. As the seasons change, I look forward to experiencing it in new ways—perhaps even returning when the dry winter air gives way to lush greenery or when the energy of a summer concert fills the night sky.

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© 2025 Lefitko. All Rights Reserved. Article written by Lenka Morgan-Warren