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Near the south end of the Gwangjin Bridge is a stone monument, on which is etched a poem by the great early Joseon Dynasty scholar Seo Geo-jeong extolling the mystical beauty of the river valley. It goes to show that the Gwangnaru area (of which the Gwangjin Bridge is a part) has long been famous for its scenic wonders.Linking Gwangjang 1-dong of Gwangjin-gu to the north with Cheonho-dong of Gangdong-gu to the south, the Gwangjin Bridge is the second oldest of the Hangang River bridges. Because it was built in the old location of Gwangnaru Ferry, where in the Joseon Dynasty boats loaded with grain bound for the royal capital of Seoul would land, the bridge was also called the Gangnaru Bridge. The bridge gained a reputation for being an especially nice place to walk after the car road was narrowed to two lanes and specialized walking paths were installed. Suspended from underneath the eighth span of the bridge is "Riverview 8th Avenue," reportedly one of only three observation platforms that hang from under a bridge.


It's a cultural space used mostly for exhibitions and performances. It became a popular sightseeing destination after it appeared in the hit Korean spy drama "Iris." The floor of the platform is strengthened glass, so you can watch the river flow slowly by. The initial thrill inspires a lot of hand-holding among visiting couples, too. The romantic mood is further enhanced by weekend screenings of romantic and independent films. Best of all, the space is completely free, so it makes for a very charming---and very cheap---date. When there isn't an exhibit or performance going on, it makes a great reading room with its views of the Hangang River. With views of Achasan Fortress and the Walkerhill Hotel to the east and the Olympic flame-topped Olympic Bridge to the west, there's no better place to spend time with a good book.


After you've had a stroll on the bridge, try out the rail bike in Gwangnaru Hangang Park, right below the bridge. It's just another reason to visit the Gwangjin Bridge---the rail bike path cuts through the fields of flowers (spring) and reeds (winter) that line the Hangang riverside. There are some other unique and fun facilities here, too, including a bicycle racing track, a place where you can ride unusually shaped bikes and a space where children can learn how to ride a bike.


Address : 527-2 Cheonho 2-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul
Telephone : T. +82-2-476-0722
Business Hours : 10am to 9pm (Dec~Feb), 10am to 10pm (Mar~Nov). Closed ever second and fourth Monday of the month.
Website : www.riverview8.co.kr

Ttukseom Hangang Park's Observatory and Culture Complex is better known as the J-Bug. The observatory, hidden oh-so-subtlety in the forest of Hangang Park, got it's nickname from its centipede-like shape. To walk about inside is a strange experience---in some respect, it's just like walking around the abdomen of, well, a centipede. Come dusk, when the observatory is lit up, the observatory's great mass resembles a giant spaceship, and walking inside can feel like a scene out of a science fiction movie. The J-Bug is, fundamentally, an open exhibit and leisure spot. It regularly hosts Hangang River-themed photo exhibits and storytelling events. As you take in the exhibits, you can gaze out the windows at the Hangang River as it flows by or the subway trains and cars as they cross the Cheongdam Bridge. It's almost like a music video. On the second floor of the J-Bug is a gallery dedicated to the Seoul font, a special Korean font created by Seoul Metropolitan Government. Here we can spend some free time reading or enjoy a snack or a cup of coffee in pleasant surroundings.



Getting There : Exit 3 or 4, Ttukseom Resort Station, Line 7
Address :139 Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
Telephone : T. +82-2-3780-0760
Business Hours : 10am to 10pm (1st floor), 10am to 6pm (2nd floor, 3rd floor)
Website : www.j-bug.co.kr

 

The Banpo Bridge is Korea's only double-decker road bridge. Its lower deck---best know for being flooded over when the river rises during heavy rains---hosts a fountain show several times a day. Visitors flood to the bridge at show times to walk alongside the riverside, taking in the spectacle and listening to old favorites of yesteryear. During the hot summer months, it's a good place to recharge. The shows are also popular with local photographers.

 

The fountain is produced by jets installed on the upper deck of the bridge---water is pumped up from the river itself. As the show progresses, the curtain of water eventually become a virtually rainbow lighting up the night sky above the river. River cruises departing from Yeouido stop to enjoy the shows on their way back. In the backdrop, the lights of Namsan Seoul Tower complete the scenery. Couples will find it difficult to tear themselves away from this most romantic of spots.


Getting There :
Walk from Exit 8-1 of Express Bus Terminal (Line 3).
Address : 650 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul

There are three artificial islands floating next to the Banpo Bridge like flower petals. Officially named Sebit Dungdungseom, they are frequently called the Floating Islands. The islands host a variety of art performances and exhibits. The artificial islands are lit up at night using LED displays---it's fun to sit back and watch from Moonlight Plaza. Younger, more digitally-oriented couples will love it.

 

Address : 650 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Telephone :T. +82-2-3447-3100
Website :www.floatingisland.com

Follow the riverside from the Floating Island in the direction of Yeouido and you'll eventually come to the sound end of Dongjak Bridge. Take the elevator to the deck of the bridge and you'll find two cafes, one on each side of the road---the Noeul ("Sunset") Cafe and Gureum ("Cloud") Cafe. The Noeul Cafe is the highest observatory deck on the river; accordingly, it offers great views, and when the weather's good, you can take in the sunset over Yeouido's 63 Building from its rooftop terrace. From the other side, the Gureum Cafe offers pleasant nighttime scenery of the Banpo Bridge, the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, the Floating Islands and Namsan Seoul Tower. Both cafes have parking lots for the convenience of drivers.


＜Gureum Cafe＞

Address : 350 Dongjakdae-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Telephone : T. +82-2-3476-7999
Business Hours : 10am to 2am
Website : www.pckinvestment.com/goorm


＜ Noeul Cafe＞

Address :355 Dongjakdae-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Telephone : T. +82-2-3481-6555
Business Hours : 10am to 2am
Website : www.pckinvestment.com/redsky