Marronnier Park is a park located in the Daehangno district of Seoul named after the large marronnier (chestnut tree) growing in the center of the park. The Marronnier tree originates from Italy and France in the Mediterranean where in the spring, red and white flowers can be seen blooming.
The district of Daehangno, also known as College Street, is a popular place for cultural events, exhibitions, and musical performances. Many of these events occur at Marronnier Park, especially on the warm afternoons in the summer and on weekends when you can find the area most alive and buzzing with activity.
The park, located just outside of exit 2 of Hyehwa Station, is also one of the venues for the Seoul Performing Arts Festival.
Seoul National University was once located here. In the 1970s, the university was relocated and the area was redeveloped. A miniature replica of the university can be found near the center of the park. The replica gives visitors an idea of what the area looked like before the university was moved.
Many small cafes and theaters moved creating a cultural zone popular with youths. Many of these youths can be found at Marronnier Park relaxing, studying, playing sports, practicing on their guitar, or hanging out and talking with friends.
Though small, Marronnier Park is a great place to spend the evening before heading over to the theaters, restaurants, and nightlife of Daehangno. Just take a seat at one of the many benches and enjoy the people watching, performers, and the natural beauty and scenery of the park.
Almost all of the amateur performers who set up here every weekend have aspirations to become famous one day. The road to stardom starts at Marronnier Park, or so they hope.
Many of these performers include musicians, dancers, comedians, magicians, and even mimes who often set up and perform on the open air stage. If you are looking for a spot to catch a unique and free outdoor performance, then this is the spot.
