Olympic Park Seoul: Best Photo Spots and Activities

Olympic Park Seoul is a massive cultural and recreational hub best known for the iconic Alone Tree and its world-class K-pop concert venues. To enjoy the park to its fullest, you should download Naver Map and secure a local eSIM, as Google Maps does not provide accurate walking directions in South Korea. Navigating this 1.4 million square meter space requires a steady data connection to find specific landmarks, check bus timings, and upload your high-resolution photos in real-time.## The Must-Visit Photo Spots in Olympic Park

Olympic Park (Oly-park to locals) was built for the 1988 Summer Olympics and has since evolved into Seoul's premier destination for photographers and nature lovers. The park is divided into several zones, including the Cultural Art Park, Leisure Sports Park, and Environmental Eco-Park.

The Alone Tree (Na-hol-lo-na-mu)

The most famous resident of the park is undoubtedly the Alone Tree. Standing solitary in the middle of a vast green meadow, this tree is a magnet for wedding photographers, Instagrammers, and K-drama scouts. To find it, you will need a reliable map app. Because the park is so large, wandering aimlessly can lead to hours of walking. Having a SeoulSIM data connection allows you to pinpoint the exact location on Naver Map so you can reach the meadow during the golden hour for the best lighting.

Rose Plaza and Wildflower Heaven

Depending on the season, the park transforms into a colorful tapestry. The Rose Plaza features hundreds of varieties of roses, usually peaking in June and October. Nearby, the Wildflower Heaven (Deul-kkot-ma-ru) offers stunning hillsides covered in poppies during the spring or yellow cosmos in the autumn. These areas are perfect for beauty tourists looking to capture the aesthetic of Seoul's floral seasons. If you are planning a full day of shooting, you might want to check out our Hannam-dong Shopping Guide: Best Boutiques and Cafes for outfit inspiration before you head out.

Why Google Maps Fails at Olympic Park

One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors to South Korea is that Google Maps is virtually unusable for navigation. Due to national security regulations regarding mapping data, Google cannot provide walking or driving directions. You might see the map, but the 'blue dot' will often lag, and the routing will simply not work.

To navigate Olympic Park effectively, you must use Naver Map or KakaoMap. These apps are optimized for Korea and provide real-time data on everything from the exact gate of the Olympic Park Station to the specific walking paths leading to the SOMA Museum of Art. These apps require a constant data connection to load high-resolution map tiles and live transit updates. Using a SeoulSIM eSIM ensures you have the 5G speeds needed to run these resource-heavy apps without a hitch.

Choosing the Right Connectivity for Your Trip

When visiting Seoul, Busan, or Jeju Island, you have three main choices for staying connected: international roaming, physical SIM cards from the airport, or a travel eSIM.

The Benefits of eSIM

Buying a SeoulSIM eSIM is significantly more convenient than queuing at Incheon International Airport after a long flight. You can see plans online and have your QR code delivered to your email instantly. This means you can have your data active the moment your plane touches the tarmac, allowing you to book a K-limousine bus or check the subway path to your hotel immediately.

Our plans utilize the networks of SKTelecom and LG Uplus, the two leading carriers in South Korea. This ensures you have 5G coverage not just in the middle of Seoul, but even in the more rural corners of Jeju or the coastal cliffs of Busan. Unlike international roaming, which often throttles your speed or charges exorbitant daily fees, a local eSIM gives you the same priority access as a local resident.

Plan Options for Every Traveler

Whether you are a heavy social media user or a light browser, there is a plan for you. SeoulSIM offers both Fixed and Daily plans:

• Fixed Plans: These range from 100MB to 50GB, valid for 7, 15, or 30 days. These are perfect for those who know exactly how much data they need for a week or a month.
• Daily Passes: These are ideal for foodies and K-pop fans who are constantly uploading videos. Options include 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, or 10GB per day. Once you hit the daily limit, you can still use data at a reduced speed until it resets at midnight.

All plans are data-only, meaning they do not come with a local phone number. However, you can still make and receive calls via WhatsApp, KakaoTalk, or FaceTime without any issues. If you run out of data, top-ups are easily available through the website.

Comparison: eSIM vs. Roaming vs. Pocket WiFi

Feature	SeoulSIM eSIM	Int'l Roaming	Pocket WiFi
Cost	Low / Local rates	Very High	Medium + Deposit
Convenience	Instant Digital	Automatic	Physical Pickup
Network	SKT / LG U+ (5G)	Throttled Partner	Local Carrier
Battery Life	No impact	No impact	Drains quickly
Hardware	None required	None required	Extra device to carry

How to Install and Activate Your eSIM

Before you purchase, make sure to check your phone's compatibility to ensure it supports eSIM technology. Most modern iPhones (XS and newer) and Samsung Galaxy S-series (S20 and newer) are compatible.

For iPhone Users:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Tap Add eSIM.
3. Select Use QR Code and scan the code sent to your email.
4. Label the new plan as 'Travel' or 'SeoulSIM'.
5. Set 'Cellular Data' to use the new eSIM, but keep your primary line for SMS if needed (ensure data roaming is OFF for your primary line to avoid charges).

For Android Users:

1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager.
2. Tap Add eSIM.
3. Scan the QR code.
4. Ensure the new eSIM is selected as the preferred SIM for mobile data.

For more detailed steps, you can read our guide on setting up your eSIM.

Beyond the Photos: Activities in Olympic Park

While the Alone Tree is the star, Olympic Park offers much more. For K-pop fans, the KSPO Dome (Olympic Gymnastics Arena) is a hallowed ground where legends like BTS, BLACKPINK, and EXO have performed. If you are attending a concert, having a 5G connection is vital for finding your gate and meeting up with friends in the massive crowds.

Art lovers should visit the SOMA Museum of Art and the Sculpture Park, which features over 200 works scattered across the grass. If you have time after exploring the park, it is just a short subway ride to the Jamsil area. Check out our Lotte World Tower Guide: Views from Seoul Sky to see the park from 555 meters above.

The bottom line

Olympic Park is a must-see for anyone visiting Seoul, but its sheer size makes digital preparation essential. By choosing to see plans from SeoulSIM before you arrive, you bypass the hassle of airport rentals and the high costs of roaming. With a 5G eSIM and Naver Map on your phone, you are ready to capture the perfect shot of the Alone Tree and navigate Seoul like a local pro.