10 Feb 2010
Gwangnaru Pedestrian Bridge
I’ve talked about the Han River Renaissance Project before, but if you’re in need of a reminder, it’s the ambitious plan to realize the full potential of Seoul’s iconic waterway as a way to improve the quality of life for the city’s 10 million citizens.
One of the latest examples of putting that plan into action is the Gwangnaru Pedestrian Bridge (광나루보행교), also called the Gwangjin Bridge. Located near Seoul’s eastern border with Mt. Achasan, what originated as a citizen’s suggestion has become a pedestrian-friendly, park-like pathway connecting the city’s northern and southern halves.
The view from the underside of the Gwangjin Bridge, which has been converted into a performance and art space, not to mention a lovely view deck.
It seems like few Seoulites know of their city’s new park-bridge, but it’s definitely worth a visit. Opened in July 2009, two lanes of a four-lane bridge were transformed into 2,000 square meters of landscaped walkway. An additional two-and-a-half meters were dedicated to bicycle lanes. Modern benches, public restrooms and illumination systems complement practical landscaping.
A gorgeous look eastward toward the Han River’s Amsa Ecological Park.
The view from the bridge is spectacular. While the western view looks back at the big city, the eastern panorama is green forests and a placid river surrounding the Amsa Ecological Park and Achasan Mountain. Especially around sunset, the reflection of light atop the wide bend in the Han River is especially beautiful.
More dedicated bicycle lanes are part of the Han River Renaissance Plan’s larger goals.
Some 60 million people visit the network of Han River Parks every year, but access to them has been an issue. In response, through 2010 Seoul City will install new bus stops, subway exits, elevators and pedestrian-friendly bridges like the new one in Gwangjin.
Some of Seoul’s most fashionable portable potties. Inside, there’s a window affording great views of the river below!
Another cool feature is the installation of themed cafés on seven Han River bridges. The Gwangjin Bridge’s River View 8th Avenue café is the river’s second mid-span café-slash-observation deck. Named for its place on the bridge’s eighth pillar, the platform is actually located underneath the bridge. Sleek glass and steel staircases lead you below, as helpful signs name the buildings in view.
When I visited last autumn, the small art gallery featured historic photos of the Han River. To the left (not pictured) is a separate area describing the Han River Renaissance Project.
The Gwangnaru Pedestrian Bridge’s theme is “art,” so appropriately the café’s southern side features a small gallery. When I was there, historic snapshots of the Han River were on display. Four large sections of the gallery floor are glass-bottomed, offering startling views of the water below. Additionally, a small area describes the Han River Renaissance Project with videos in both Korean and English.
A tasteful selection of attractive but practical plants fill planters along the pathway.
While one side features visual art, the café’s northern side is a dedicated performance space. Every Friday and Saturday evening, local singers and musicians can sign up online to perform there. But despite being called a “café”, the River View 8th Avenue’s proximity to a protected water source prohibits food sales.
The Han River’s extensive network of parks are all undergoing a significant transformation these days.
Fortunately, both sides of the bridge offer plenty of things to see and do. On the southern side in Gangdong District, a large section of the Han River park system is being converted into a bicycle park. And nearby, the Pungnap Toseong Fortress (풍납토성) is a 3.5-kilometer earthen wall. To give some idea of how ancient Seoul’s history truly goes, the wall is assumed to have protected the first capital of the ancient Baekje Kingdom, which fell some 15 centuries ago!
Just off the bridge’s north end is the swank W Hotel and Sheraton Walker Hill, great places to conclude your romantic sunset walk.
But if you’re looking for a good modern dating course, why not take your special someone on a leisurely walk across the bridge, stop at the art gallery and performance space, and continue across for dinner at the nearby Sheraton Walker Hill or W Hotel?
More Information:
The River View 8th Avenue Café Official Site (in Korean)
Getting There:
→ The Gwangjin Bridge can be accessed via Seoul Metro Line 5’s Gwangnaru Station (exit 2) or Cheonho Station (exit 2), which is located on both Line 5 and Line 8.
(A version of this text aired on KBS World Radio on September 23, 2009.)
