A kilometer wide, a river flowing slowly, sparkling in the sunlight, tall apartments and commercial buildings along the river, 11 riverside parks with festivals throughout the four seasons, over 30 bridges illuminated at night until 1 a.m.
The Han River is the place that best showcases the development of Seoul.
© KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION – Kim Jiho
Access by subway
In the case of Banpo Hangang Park,
– Line 3, 7 and 9 Express Terminal Station
– Line 9 Sinbanpo Station
Information
The Han River is the largest river in Korea in terms of water volume, starting in Gangwon-do, crossing the capital city of Seoul, and flowing into the West Sea. It is also an international river managed as an international river basin management target river.
In the 1960s, people swam at the sandy riverside, and until the 1970s, there were quite a few sandbanks. However, due to industrial development and population growth, pollution began to increase, and swimming was prohibited, leading to a period of concern.
In the early 1980s, the Han River Comprehensive Development Plan was initiated, which improved water quality and led to the creation of parks, transforming it into its current state. We believe that the successful hosting of international events such as the 1986 Asian Games and the 1988 Olympic Games positively impacted the progress of the Han River Comprehensive Development Plan.
Many foreigners are often surprised when they visit the Han River.
It showcases various spots that reflect Korea’s economic development. We don’t think there is another place that so vividly illustrates the progress of Seoul. In particular, the night view created by the countless window lights of the apartment buildings lining the river, the brake lights of cars full of roads parallel to the river, and the event lighting on the bridges is truly impressive. It demonstrates the remarkable transformation from a war-torn landscape to a global top 10 economic power in less than half a century.
Useful tips for tourists
All 11 parks of the Han River are excellent, but Banpo Han River Park is recommended for those who travel to Seoul. This park is characterized best as a tourist attraction on the Han River.
Banpo Hangang Park
Banpo Hangang Park is located on the southern side of the Hangang River between Hannam Bridge and Dongjak Bridge, centered around the southern end of Banpo Bridge (Submerged Bridge).
Notably, the Banpo Hangang Park, developed through the Han River Renaissance Project, features the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain installed on both sides of Banpo Bridge. With a total length of 1,140 meters, it was registered with the Guinness World Records in 2008 as the world’s longest bridge fountain. At night, it uses over 200 lights to create a beautiful rainbow-like display each time the water is sprayed. Additionally, the park offers various recreational facilities such as a water playground, an inline skating track, a soccer field, and a basketball court. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the Han River and the riverside buildings from the Sunset Cafe and Cloud Cafe located on the southern end of Dongjak Bridge.
Connected to Banpo Hangang Park is Seorae Island, an artificial island providing a space for relaxation and play in the city. Located between Banpo Bridge and Dongjak Bridge, the island is renowned for its vibrant yellow canola flowers in spring, attracting many visitors to the Seorae Island Butterfly and Canola Flower Festival for outings and strolls. Besides, Banpo Hangang Park offers a range of attractions and activities including an ecological learning center, a boating area, bike paths, and picnic spots. (Source: Korea Tourism Organization, Korea’s Hidden Gems)
© KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION – Lee bumsu
Directions to Banpo Hangang Park
- Walking Directions from Sinbanpo Station (Subway Line 9), Exit 1:
Go straight towards Banpo 2-dong Community Center.
Continue straight past the Acro River Park Apartments.
Use the Banpo Information Center entrance.
- Walking Directions from Express Bus Terminal Station (Subway Line 9), Exit 8-1:
Walk straight until you reach the tennis courts.
Turn right at the tennis courts and enter the Banpo entrance.
