[2025 Seoul Attraction] Travel Guide for Oil Tank Culture Park (Updated Jul)

#2024TravelReview "If you like to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and yearn for a place with a retro industrial feel but full of modern art atmosphere, then Seoul's #CulturalReserveBase is definitely one of your must-visit lists! The Cultural Reserve Base in Mapo District, Seoul, is a park that transformed an abandoned oil reserve base into an environmentally friendly complex cultural space. It’s hard to imagine that Seoul actually hides such a mysterious and design-filled place. The base was built in 1973 and was originally used to store emergency oil. However, it was closed due to security concerns in preparation for the 2002 World Cup. The oil storage tanks are scattered across six exhibition areas in the park. Among them, I particularly recommend the T1 Glass Pavilion, T4 Complex Cultural Space and T6 Information Exchange Center. The contrast between the volume of the oil tank and its size in the space is really amazing. Very good for taking photos too. There is also an open square in the park, where events and performances are held from time to time. The area here is very large so there are relatively few tourists and it is very comfortable to walk around. In addition to being a very special experience, you can also see Seoul's efforts in urban regeneration and environmental protection. I highly recommend it to friends who have been to Seoul many times. It's really beautiful! 🈯️ Six oil storage tank spaces (each space has its own style and use) • T1 Glass Pavilion: The transparent glass design allows natural light to fill the entire space, making it a must-see place for taking photos and checking in. • T2 Performance Hall: An outdoor stage plus an underground performance space, where many local music performances and events in Seoul are held. • T3 Original Oil Tank: Walking into the oil tank that retains its original appearance, you will feel the weight of history and the magnificence of the architecture. • T4 Complex Cultural Space: The design is full of creativity. The holes in the ceiling allow natural light to penetrate, creating a surprise like walking into an art installation. • T5 Story Museum: This is like a small museum, exhibiting historical stories from the past 40 years, which is worth savoring slowly. • T6 Information Exchange Center: Transformed from waste materials, it houses a cafe and meeting rooms. When you are tired of walking around, come and have a cup of coffee and sit down to feel the charm of this mysterious oil tank. ✅ Cultural Reserve Base (Oil Tank Culture Park) 📍 Address: 87, Jangsan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul ⏰ Opening hours: • Park: Open 24 hours • Oil storage tanks (T1-T6): 10:00~18:00 • T6 Cafe: 10:00~19:00 (Closed on Mondays) 🚇 Transportation: It is about 790 meters away from Exit 2 of World Cup Stadium Station (Chengshan) on Metro Line 6 and can be reached in about 14 minutes on foot. #Cultural Reserve Base #OilTankCulturePark #Seoul Travel #Mapo District #Industrial Style Aesthetics #Hidden Seoul Attractions #Travel Check-in #Korean Architecture #Industrial Style #Must-visit Seoul #SeoulTravel #ArtAndNature #TravelPhotography #KoreaArchitecture

#summervacay For travelers seeking **deep cuts in Seoul’s history**, these three lesser-known sites offer powerful stories—from **colonial resistance** to **oil shock survival** and **British royal connections**. All have **English-friendly tours** (free at two!) and unexpected twists. --- ### **1. Seodaemun Prison History Hall (서대문형무소역사관)** **📍 *Why Go?*** Built in **1908** by Japanese colonizers to imprison Korean independence activists (like **Yu Gwan-sun**), this haunting site is now a museum showcasing **colonial oppression** and **resilience**. **🎯 Highlights:** ✅ **Original Prison Cells**: See where activists were tortured. ✅ **Execution Room & Tunnel**: Chilling reminders of the fight for freedom. ✅ **Free English Tour**: Daily at **11 AM & 2 PM** (check website for updates). **📌 Tips:** - **Nearby**: Combine with **Independence Gate** (5-min walk). - **Emotional Impact**: Some exhibits are graphic—**not for young kids**. --- ### **2. Dilkusha (딜쿠샤)** **📍 *Why Go?*** A **1923** British-style villa in **Changdeokgung’s secret garden**, built for **Princess Deokhye** (Korea’s last princess) and her Japanese husband. A tragic tale of **royal exile and lost identity**. **🎯 Highlights:** ✅ **Free English Tour**: Runs **hourly** (ask about the princess’s **mental breakdown** story). ✅ **Hidden Garden**: Rare **Western architecture** in a palace complex. ✅ **Film Location**: Featured in *The Last Princess* (2016). **📌 Tips:** - **Access**: Only via **Changdeokgung Secret Garden Tour** (book ahead!). - **Pair With**: **Huwon’s lotus pond** (summer blooms). --- ### **3. Oil Tank Culture Park (문화비축기지)** **📍 *Why Go?*** Born from the **1973 oil crisis**, these **6 massive tanks** (5 original + 1 new) were Seoul’s emergency fuel reserve. Now, they host **concerts (BTS!), art exhibits, and eco-friendly events**. **🎯 Highlights:** ✅ **Tank 1**: Interactive **oil crisis timeline** (feel the 1970s panic!). ✅ **Tank 3**: Rooftop **grassy hill** with stadium views. ✅ **BTS Connection**: Filmed here during COVID for *Bang Bang Con* (2020). **📌 Tips:** - **Nearby**: **World Cup Stadium’s flea market** (weekends). - **Free**: No ticket needed! --- ### **🚶♂️ Itinerary Suggestion:** - **Morning**: Seodaemun Prison (heavy history). - **Afternoon**: Dilkusha (royal melancholy). - **Evening**: Oil Tank Park (industrial rebirth + sunset picnic). **"These aren’t just sights—they’re Seoul’s hidden scars and silver linings."** Ready to dig deeper? 🕵️♂️

#summervacay The Oil Tank Culture Park in Mapo‑gu, Seoul—a striking repurposing of six old oil storage tanks into a vibrant cultural space. Built in the mid‑1970s to hold roughly 69 million liters of oil, the depot was closed down around 2000 ahead of the 2002 World Cup due to safety concerns. In 2017, Seoul turned it into a sustainable public park: five tanks were repurposed for events and exhibitions, and one new tank (T6) was built using recycled materials. #naturalwonders #thingstodo

It was one of the national secret facilities. It is said to have been a facility to stockpile national surplus fuel. Now, it has become a complex cultural space called the Cultural Reserve Base. All the unused tanks have been renovated and turned into galleries and performance halls. It is worth a visit. If you like exhibitions and performances, you may have already been there once. #2025OverseasTravelEvent

#koreatrip The Cultural Reserve Base, which was transformed from an oil tank into a cultural space, is great for taking a walk because there are many trees around it. It is also great because you can enjoy various experiences and exhibitions in the outdoor space. It's a great place to take a walk and learn about the history of how the cultural reserve was built! There are a lot of events like exhibitions and markets. The interior is clean and there's a cafe. It's a place I really like. Address : 87 Jeungsan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

#myhiddengems This former oil reserve facility, now transformed into the Oil Tank Culture Park, is one of Seoul’s most unique hidden gems. The industrial tanks have been repurposed into galleries, performance spaces, and cultural venues. This eco-friendly site often hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and outdoor events, providing a creative space for locals and tourists alike. Its unique design, blending nature with industrial history, makes it an unforgettable stop. Tip: Check the event calendar before your visit to catch one of the free performances or exhibitions. #myhiddengems #OilTankCulturePark #SeoulCulturalHub #100WaysofTravel

Oil Tank Culture Park It is worth a visit. In addition to visiting the remains of the old oil depot, you can also walk up the mountain and see the scenery. It feels good. The entire culture is well protected. It is a holy place for online photography and is also recommended for nature lovers. 👍👍👍👍