Nodeul Island, an island in the middle of Hangang River has been given a fresh lease of life... after being practically abandoned for 50 years due to a series of failed development projects.<br />Kan Hyeong-woo reports.<br />Sitting in the heart of Seoul's Hangang River,... Nodeul Island is poised to reestablish itself as a popular destination after major renovations have been made to transform the island into a multi-complex.<br />Since its construction in 1917,... the man-made island served as a popular spot for family picnics until the 1960s, but its popularity waned over the years as multiple development projects tried and failed to reinvent the island.<br />Now, under the theme of 'getaway from everyday life'...Nodeul Island is ready to make a comeback.<br />"This 3-thousand square-meter green space can be used as an outdoor concert venue or a picnic place with a clear view of Seoul’s Hangang River.<br />Aside from being able to soak in stunning river views, there are numerous facilities including a bookstore, a lounge bar and a plant atelier, for visitors to enjoy.<br />"This place feels somewhat refined. I don't know if there are many people coming here, but I think it's a good place to chill out. It's very city-like."<br />"We used to only be able to walk around the park over there, but now it's nice to have more places to check out. We also like that it's turned into a place where people can actually come to instead of just looking at the island from afar."<br />Although visitors cannot park there, 14 different buses stop in the middle of the Hangang Bridge that's directly connected to the island.<br />The specific bus numbers are posted on Nodeul Island's website.<br />Most of the island's facilities are open from 11 AM to 10 PM from Tuesday through Sunday... with viewing areas on the roof and in the park open 24/7.<br />Kan Hyeong-woo, Arirang News.<br />
