Around Pyeongtaek: Best Free Splash Pads for Kids This Summer
We’ve hit that part of the summer... You can almost taste the beginning of the school year, but we’re still days (just a couple of weeks!) away from it… and somehow, we still need to entertain these kids. With rising temperatures, high humidity, and sudden heat wave warnings, keeping kids cool (and entertained!) can feel like a full-time job. Luckily, Korea has an underrated gem for families - splash pads.
Many splash pads are tucked into neighborhood parks across Korea—free, local, and fun.
These open-air water play areas pop up in parks and public spaces across the country during the summer months, and the best part? They’re completely free. Whether you're a local parent, stationed military family, or visiting traveler with young kids in tow, splash pads are an easy, low-stress way to cool off and enjoy the season without spending a dime.
What Are Splash Pads Like in Korea?
Cooling off at one of Pyeongtaek’s free splash pads—perfect for a summer afternoon with kids
Korean splash pads, known locally as “water playgrounds” (물놀이장), are typically operated by city districts or local governments. You’ll often find them in or near large parks, public plazas or near apartment complexes.
The Sinjang neighborhood splash pad!
Korean splash pads are not like the typical American splash pads that are characterized by concrete pads with spray fountains, ground jets and mini waterfalls. Instead, you’ll find playground equipment - slides, climbing structures and jungle gyms with sponge rubber flooring - that turn into water parks in July and August. Many are surrounded by shaded benches and picnic areas, making them an ideal half-day outing.
Why We Love Them
Moms can hang out here, too!
1. They’re Free and Easy to Access
No tickets, no reservations—just show up! They operate on a fixed schedule from early July to mid August, from noon–4:45pm. They’re closed on Monday for cleaning and there is a break time at the 00:45 of every hour they’re open.
2. They’re Perfect for All Ages
From toddlers splashing in shallow puddles to older kids running through water jets, there’s something for everyone. Even parents getting a little soaked themselves!
3. You Can Pack Light
No need for floaties or full swimsuits—just a rash guard, water shoes, a towel, and a change of clothes. Many facilities have changing areas and bathrooms nearby.
4. What To Wear
If you’re not comfortable showing up in a bathing suit, no worries! In fact, I regularly show up in tennis skirts, athletic shorts and tank tops that feel okay getting wet. Things that dry quickly and don’t get weighed down. You’ll see Korean parents in full rash guard sets and some in their street clothes. There doesn’t seem to be many rules regarding what adults are wearing, just keep in mind that if you are playing with your kids, you’re bound to get somewhat wet!
Those brown tents are the changing rooms at the splash pad.
Pro Tips for Visiting Korean Splash Pads
My favorite portable chair and pool bag under one of the shaded areas. Bathrooms in the background.
Bring a waterproof mat or a chair to sit on (especially for drying off or picnicking).
Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off - some pads can be slippery or hot from the sun and you’ll constantly be taking them on and off as you walk from the splash pad to your seating area.
Best hours: From what I’ve seen, 12:00-12:45 and 4:00-4:45 are the least busy and the coolest parts of the day.
Snacks and drinks are welcome - just not in the splash pad area. It’s not uncommon to see families snacking/eating during the break times.
Don’t forget sunscreen!
Some of the Splash Pads We’ve Visited
1. Buraksan Splash Pad
No surprise that this should be my #1 - it’s the closest one to our apartment and a place that we frequent throughout the year. Things we love about this one: HUGE parking lot, several other playgrounds up the hill, and somehow the mountain backdrop keeps the area just a bit cooler than those playgrounds completely surrounded by concrete. It’s also usually pretty empty and quiet! Bonus: it’s near Prefer so you can grab coffee and treats before or after your time here!
Naver pin here: https://naver.me/GxkF3iZd
2. The Sinjang Neighborhood / SED Train Park Splash Pad
If you live ON Osan Air Base, this is then closest splash pad for you! Located near the Train Park and PIEF building, you can walk straight through the SED to the train tracks, turn left and walk until you see it across the street. This one has the largest playset of all the splash pads we’ve visited. It is also one that has the most spraying water meaning that it’s hard to find a spot along the splash pad edge where you WON’T get wet as a bystander.
Naver pin here: https://naver.me/FJb8gYv0
3. Baemi Park
We recently met friends here and had a blast! It’s near Lotte Mart and there are tons of cafes on the street to grab food or a drink. If you’re looking for a spot that has a lot to do nearby, this is a great choice. Street parking is hard to come by (it was jam packed!) but there is a parking garage underneath the park. It was easy to find and for our 3 hours here, it cost 5,000₩. I will say, it is the hottest of the splash pads that we’ve been to and even though there was a ton of seating surrounding the splash pad, the ground covering still felt like lava.
Naver pin here: https://naver.me/FG7IPF8m
4. List of local splash pads
Here is the list of splash pads around Pyeongtaek with neighborhoods and addresses listed. Check to see which one is closest to you! This information can also be found on this Naver blog!
Important Information
Korean splash pad schedule sign with seasonal operation dates and opening hours.
We’re currently in the second phase of their hours for the summertime which runs from July 22nd through August 17th. Splash pads are open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Monday.
They will be open on Saturday, August 23rd, Sunday, August 24th, Saturday, August 30th and Sunday, August 31st. After that, they’ll be closed for the season.
They operate from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (45 min operation / 15 min break at 00:45 of each hour). Keep in mind, the splash pads may also be closed due to inclement weather, although I’ve seen them remain open for light to mid-rain.
Typically, the splash pads are for children in elementary school or younger only (middle school students and older not permitted) - although I’ve never seen anyone turned away. Children under 7 must be accompanied by a guardian. No pets allowed, no food, tubes, water guns, or toys permitted.
Each splash pad seems to have the same regular lifeguards, which in turn leads to different rules being enforced heavier at different splash pads. For instance, this year the Buraksan lifeguards told us no goggles even though we wore them there last summer and I’ve seen kids wearing them at other splash pads this year. One lifeguard also told my daughter that since she didn’t have a hat on, she needed to have her hair in a ponytail, never mind that kids with hats on had their hair down.
The Sinjang lifeguards told us to leave our shoes at the splash pads edge and if we walked barefoot on the concrete, we weren’t allowed back in the splash pad water.
Unlike korean water parks, there does seem to be a bit more freedom when it comes to what you’re allowed to wear here, too. At water parks you’ll typically need to wear water shoes, life jackets and swim caps. None of that is necessary, and even water shoes have been discouraged this summer.
Millie running around the splash pad!
Whether you’re trying to survive a heat wave or just need a fun, low-key way to get out of the house, Korea’s splash pads are a hidden summer lifesaver. Pack a snack, grab your water shoes, and go make a splash.
We pretty much stick close to home so we’ve only checked out 3 splash pads, but as we venture out and try new splash pads, I’ll update with our reviews!
