Views of Nodeul Island, Seoul

Take a quick look at the Seoul skyline that’s visible behind Nodeul Island and it soon becomes apparent why the residents of this over-occupied South Korean city need an island escape.

Nodeul Island is a thirty acre artificial island that lies beneath the elegant stretch of the Hangang Bridge on the River Han. As much a cultural centre as a public park where people can go to escape the humdrum of city life, the island has exhibition centres, concert halls, a library and a gardening space as well as cafes and restaurants. Seriously stressed South Koreans can even rent a tent and camp out there overnight if they need to unwind. Sounds good so long as they don’t pitch up under the bridge as the traffic is non-stop day and night which is a noise you don’t need when you’re looking for peace and quiet.