Once a golf course for the United States military, Yongsan Family Park has become an oasis and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The large park, which features wonderful wide open green spaces and trees, is situated right next to the National Museum of Korea just south of Mt. Namsan just off the banks of the Han River.
During the invasion of Korea by Japn during the Imjin War (1592–1598), the surrounding land was used as a base for the service corps. The area was once again used by the Japanese around 1882 at a military station for troops. When Japan surrendered after the second world war, the land was set aside as a garrison for the United States military. For almost 50 years, the land was used by the United States as a golf course and as a residential area.
In 1992, the land was handed over from foreign control back to Korea. Over the years it was converted into a park that now features winding walking paths that run past many beautiful trees, a peaceful small pond, athletic facilities, sculptures, wide open green spaces, and playgrounds for children.
At the center of Yongsan Family Park is Taegukgi (National Flag) Park. The park within a park is shaped like the Korean national flower, the rose of Sharon. It features the rose and 50 flags that wave in the wind for the purpose of evoking Korean patriotism after so many years of foreign invasion and intervention.
