Gwangjin Bridge, for Promenading Pedestrians to Walk Slowly
Korea TImes
09-10-2009 21:40
 A couple enjoy the nightscape from the Gwangnaru pedestrian walkway that spans Gwangjin Bridge, which connects Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, with Cheongho-dong, Gangdong-gu. / Korea Times Photos by Shim Hyun-chul |
By Shim Hyun-chul
Staff Reporter
The sunset soaks the Han River in shades of pink and red, the cityscape illuminates the evening and Seoulites promenade along the river’s banks.
The Han River runs through the heart of the Seoul, and the bridges that connect the north and south used to be merely a traffic route for cars and trains.
But recently, with Seoul’s Han River Renaissance project, the bridges are getting a facelift, with observatory areas and bus stops, and pedestrians can easily be spotted.
In particular, Gwangjin Bridge has transformed into a park that caters to citizens. The bridge has served as the main link between Gwangjang, Gwangjin and Cheonho, Gangdong, but the space for cars has been halved to make way for trees and flowers. There are also pleasant resting stops for bike riders while terraces provide a romantic dating venue.
At the lower part of the bridge’s eighth arch, “Riverview 8th Avenue” can be found. The disk-shaped observatory features LED screens and enables visitors to get a closer view of the river. The floor, rendered in glass, also provides for a unique experience to watch the river pass below your feet.
The northern part of the observatory serves as a performance venue, while the southern section operates as an art gallery. Visitors can enjoy various arts and crafts on display, and learn about the diverse flora that populates the river.
Riverview 8th Avenue is open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free of charge. Performances are held every Friday and Saturday, and applications for admissions can be made online. A random draw will invite 30 people for each show.
