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| HOME > About Company > ENW News |
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| Lights, cafes and action along the Han |
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July 29, 2010 |
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A group of loungers relaxes on the south side of the Han River near Banpo District in Seoul. Lighting installations, a crop of new cafes and a series of fountains have drawn an increasing number of people to the waterside this summer, following a city restoration project launched in 2006 to revitalize the 41.5-kilometer river. By Kim Sang-seon |
In the heat of the summer, Seoulites longing for a respite from the heat head for the Han River, where couples can be found lying on the grass and the studious can be seen reading on benches. There are elderly gents taking naps, kids biking and amateur athletes climbing a rock wall at night under floodlights. There is so much to do, it is hard to know where to start.
This year, the 41.5-kilometer long river (25.8 miles), stretching from Gangil-dong to Gaehwa-dong in Seoul, is becoming busier by the day as restoration projects continue as part of the Han River Renaissance Project, which launched in 2006.
There are 27 bridges on the Han River, and 24 of them are in Seoul. All of the bridges have special lighting, and each bridge has a different pattern and combination of lights.
The bridge lighting installations are not the only improvements on the Han River. On the Banpo Bridge, the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain has water that shoots from the sides of the bridge and cascades into the river. It is the longest fountain installed on a bridge in the world. In addition to the fountain, there are nine scenic riverside cafes that also serve as lookout points.
Here are a few highlights of what’s new along the river.
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From left: The Cloud Cafe, near Dongjak Bridge; the Ttukseom Culture Complex near Ttukseom Station |
Scenic Cafes
One cafe after another has opened since last July, and now there are nine cafes on bridges overlooking the river. The cafes provide cool drinks and a spectacular view, but the prices are relatively cheap compared to the restaurants nearby.
Some cafes are more popular than others, however. The Cloud Cafe on the Dongjak Bridge, where the rooftop observatory provides a view of the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain on the Banpo Bridge; the Cafe Aritaum Seonyu in the popular Seonyudo Park near the Yanghwa Bridge; and Riverview 8th Avenue, where exhibitions and performances are often held, are among the most popular spots.
Riverview 8th Avenue is one of three observation decks in the world located under a bridge. The cafe is located under the 8th pier of the Gwangjin Bridge, and the floor is made of tempered glass, which makes a glance down dizzying but also thrilling. The cafe is famous for its affordable yet high-quality performances on weekend evenings.
The cafe is open until 9 p.m. and reservations for performances can be made by calling (02) 476-0722.
Though not a cafe, the Ttukseom Culture Complex is also a popular destination. It has earned the nickname “inchworm” due to its shape, which is narrow and circular. Inside, there is a retro lounge with various beverages for those who stop by the area for cultural performances and exhibitions.
Colorful Fountains after Sunset
The Moonlight Rainbow Fountain on the Banpo Bridge provides one of the most beautiful night views of the Han River. It is registered in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest fountain in the world with a length of 1,140 meters (3,740 feet) and a height of 20 meters. The fountain, which is illuminated by colorful lights at night, is much prettier in the evening than during the day. The fountain is always on during the day, but at night the fountain operates at 8 and 9 p.m. on weekdays and every hour from 7 p.m. on weekends.
There are three main spots where you can best enjoy the view of the fountain: from the top of Dongjak Bridge, from either end of Banpo Bridge and on Jamsu Bridge, which is underneath Banpo Bridge. The Jamsu Bridge experience is especially refreshing, with colorful streams of water falling over your head as you gaze at the river.
The Han River has eight water fountains in all, and the operating times of each fountain vary. The Hangang Park Web site has specific information on fountain operating times. The Moonlight Rainbow Fountain is the only one that operates on Mondays.
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From left:A campsite in the Banpo District; and the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain on Banpo Bridge |
Nighttime along the Han
Even when darkness falls on the banks of the Han, the bicycles keep going. Bicycle lights add shine and glitter to the bike paths.
Hangang Park strongly recommends the eight-kilometer long bicycle path connecting Yeouido Hangang Park to Yeouido Ecological Park. There are bicycle rental outlets on the southern sides of the Mapo and Wonhyo Bridge, and bike rental is only 3,000 won ($2.53) per hour for a regular bicycle.
Those looking for a challenge can try the climbing wall in the Ttukseom District. The area near the climbing wall is brightly lit, and climbers stay on the wall even at midnight.
Motorboating, waterskiing and other water sports close around 30 minutes after sunset, but duck boats are available for rental late into the evening if there are customers.
There is a campsite on Nanji Island that not only provides camping equipment, including tents, but also allows barbecue parties. The facility is open throughout the year. The only drawback is that it can be difficult to secure a reservation because the site is so popular. For more information, visit www.nanjicamping.co.kr or call (02) 340-0031.
There are also free movie screenings on the Ttukseom Water Screen. Screenings are held from 8:30 p.m. on weekend evenings and are subject to cancellation in the event of rain.
For Couples
Seonyudo Park is definitely the place for couples. Seonyu Island on the Han River used to be an abandoned industrial complex, but was transformed into a park as a part of a millennium commemoration project. Today, it is almost impossible to find traces of the old plant.
Seonyudo Park is especially pretty in the evening, and the sunset is not to be missed. The park is open until midnight, which is good news for couples looking for a place to go in the evening.
Seonyu Bridge, which connects the parking lot near Yanghwa District’s Hangang Park with Seonyudo Park, is very pretty, but also be sure to visit the area underneath the bridge, where there is a 500-meter long trail with the river on one side and reeds on the other.
Yeouido’s 63 City is another favorite among couples. Among the attractions in 63 City, 63 SkyArt - which claims to be the highest art museum in the world - is another must-see. The Love Elevator, which operates from 8 to 10 p.m., takes two people on a one minute and 20 second trip up to the gallery. A combined entrance fee of 33,000 won for two includes admission to the 63 SkyArt and to the Love Elevator.
For more information on the Han River, visit the Hangang Park Web site at http://hangang.seou.go.kr or call (02)-120 during the day or (02) 3780-0777 at night.
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