Seoul is separated into two parts via the Han River. The Han River runs down Seoul and splits the city into two different regions. Therefore, there are many bridges all across the river that connect the two parts of Seoul. Out of all of these bridges, Banpo Bridge is most likely the most well-known bridge! This bridge is a popular spot amongst Koreans as it is known for being a great place to hang out at night and a great place to enjoy the night views of the city skyline. 

Information 

Address: 서울 서포구 신반포대로 11길 40 
40, Shinbanpo-ro, 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul 

Overview 

Source: 서울특별시 한강사업본부

Banpo Han River Park is the area near Banpo Bridge, which is a famous bridge that connects Seocho-gu, and Yongsan-gu. The bridge was completed in 1982. It was the first two-story bridge in South Korea. 

As with other Han River Parks, there are many ways to you can enjoy the park grounds, such as by taking walks, picnics, cycling, and water activities, but the most famous thing about this part is the Rainbow Fountain! At 19:30 at night, you can see the Rainbow Fountain show from the park, which is a popular spot to hang out at night amongst Koreans! We strongly recommend spending one of your nights here when you are in Korea. 

Facilities 

Saebitseom

Location: Left side of Banpo Bridge, the three connected buildings on the left side of the Banpo Bridge. 

Hours: Varies 

You can learn more about Saebitseom on their website here. 

Source：somesevit

Saebitseom is an artificial island that floats right next to Banpo Bridge, and opened back in 2014. It is divided into three islands, with restaurants, cafes, performance halls, and cultural experience facilities. At night, on this street, the unique rounded building lights up an is very beautiful. 

Since the three islands are connected, it is recommended that you take a walk while looking over the Han River and Banpo Bridge from the island. 

The colors of the lights change from time to time, seasonal flowers are displayed and there are also photo zones around the area! The theme of the lights all change throughout the year, so it is fun to come regardless of the time of year!

There is also a cafe on the 1st floor, so why not drop by and enjoy a cup of coffee? 

Seoraenaru

Location: Large building on the Shin Banpo Station side of the park 

Hours: Varies 

When you access the park from the Shin Banpo Station side, the floating building that you come across right in front of you is Seoraenaru. 

It is a three-story building in the Har River with a convenience store, terrace, restaurant, and a party venue.

In particular, there are tables and chairs on the terrace in front of the convenience store, so anyone can easily eat and drink here. You can spend a nice time on the Han River with the sunset on your left and people enjoying water activities on your right. 

Moonlight Square 

Location: Right side of Banpo Bridge 

This square is popular because it is widely known as a spot where you can see Namsan Tower during the day and the Rainbow Fountain when the sun goes down. There are not that many people in the daytime because it is more widely known as a place to see the fountain at night. However, at nighttime, the whole area becomes packed as everyone sits down to appreciate the fountain! 

Convenience Stores

When most Koreans head to parks situated along the Han River, it is customary that they order food delivery and enjoy it at the parks. However, it can be difficult to order food, or you might just want a light snack or meal. In those times, you can do so via the convenience stores located around the park. There are two GS25 stores around Banpo Han River Park, and a Ministop as well. There is also a BHC chicken inside the GS building, so you can also order take out chicken if you want. 

GS25 Branch 1 

Location: Right next to Banpo Bridge, near the highway terminal station. 

GS25 Branch 2

Location: Left side of Banpo Bridge, near Shin Banpo Station 

Ministop 

Location: Seoranaru 

They also sell 6,000 KRW blankets and 12,000 KRW picnic mats so if you need them suddenly while you are out, you can buy them here! 

Bathroom 

The bathrooms look like above and are located next to the convenience store. 

Activities 

Banpo Han River Moonlight Night Market

Duration: From August 26 ~ 27 17:00 - 22:00; September 10 ~ 25 17:00 - 22:00 on Saturdays and Sundays

Location: Closed on the first week of September. Go to Yeouido Park for Yeouido Park Night Market in October

*closed in case of rain.

The long-awaited Seoul Night Market will start in Banpo Han River Park. The night market will be moved to Yeouido Han River Park at the end of October, to host a larger crowd. Although there is yet to be news about night markets in DDP, Cheonggyecheon, etc. we hope that they open up as well and brighten up the lights of the Seoul night.  

Come to Banpo Han River Park on a Friday or Saturday night to enjoy the long-lost Seoul Night Market atmosphere. 

Rainbow Fountain 

Location: Banpo Bridge 

Hours: See table below 

This 1,140m-long Rainbow Fountain was registered with the Guinness World Record book as the longest fountain bridge in the world. Not only do Seoul citizens like to come here and enjoy the seven-colored fountain, but tourists from all over the world as well! 

It may be cancelled due to the influence of strong winds and other weather conditions. The show will start at the times listed above, and will last for 20 minutes. There will be a break for ten minutes and then the show will start again.

It shines in rainbow colors, then it becomes a single color, and then it goes back to a a rainbow color. The color changes steadily, so keep an eye out. 20 minutes will pass in a blink of an eye! 

Another place to enjoy the fountain show is at the Banpo Bridge. The bridge has a spacious sidewalk and many people can enjoy looking at the show from above.  

Tube Star 

Location: Saebitseom Entrance (튜브스터) 

Hours: See Photo Below 

The tube star is a recently popular water activity that has gathered a lot of attention on social media. It has even been featured in numerous TV programs. 

One tube can accommodate up to 6 people together and business hours may vary slightly depending on the time of the year and the day of the week. Also keep in mind that weather conditions may affect business hours. 

We decided to use it for 30 minutes with two people this time. No reservation is required. At the entrance, first wear a life jacket, tell the number of people and the estimated time of usage and finally, complete the payment. 

One person in your party will be required to steer the boat. Although it can seem intimidating, and even scary to be the one in charge, it is not that difficult to steer! 

This portion is the handle. The square part is the accelerator, and when you twist it the engine turns on. 

After that, you can adjust the direction of travel by adjusting the direction of the handle. One thing that was super confusing was that when we turn the handle to the left, the boat goes to the right. When we turned the handle to the right, the boat turned left. 

However, the staff will explain this all to you very carefully, so do not worry. This tube is a large table in the middle and is also known as a party boat, because you can bring on food and drinks. (However, alcoholic drinks and foods that require an open flame are prohibited. 

We bought and brought in Tteokbokki, Kimbap, rice cake and sausage skewers, and a few drinks from a nearby convenience store before we boarded. 30 minutes went by super fast as we were busy taking pictures, eating, and steering the boat! If you have a lot of time on your hands, we recommend using it one hour. 

Tent 

Location: Located on left and right side on Banpo Bridge

Hours: April-May, September-October: 09:00-19:00, June-August: 09:00-20:00 

There are many rental shops around Han River Park that rent out tents. Even if you do not have a tent, you can see many people who enjoy day camp by borrowing a set of supplies from the shop with friends and lovers. Although it varies by shop, you can rent a tent, a mat, a table, and small decorative items for a picnic for about 20,000 KRW! Keep in mind that there is a specific area that you can set up your tent, so please follow park rules. 

Nearby Recommendations 

Han River Yacht Experience 

A more romantic and luxurious water activity and yacht experience than a tube. Why not try getting a yacht and have a beautiful and memorable experience with your loved ones? 

Reserve Rainbow Yacht Tour 

Reserve Luxury Private Yacht 

GOTO MALL

GOTO mall is the largest underground shopping mall in Seoul, and here you can see the latest fashion trends in Korea, and get them for a very affordable price. The shops are lined up so that you can't see the end, and it is a shopping paradise! 

How to Get There 

You can get to the bridge from Express Terminal Station on Lines 3, 7, and 9. 

Take Subway Line 9 Express Terminal station Exit 8-1 and go straight. 

When you come to the intersection with the underground passage of GOTO Mall, turn right. 

Go straight for a while. 

There is a sidewalk that goes under the bridge in the middle of the road, so cross and head over towards there. 

After passing through the tunnel, you will be connected to the park. 

How to Get there via Line 9, Shin Banpo Station 

Exit out of Exit 1 and go straight. Turn right at the first turn. 

Continue straight. 

There will be a tunnel and a guide that will sneak under the apartment, so go straight ahead. 

After crossing a small pedestrian crossing, you will find a tunnel that crosses the road. 

When you go through the tunnel, you will be connected to the park. 

Will you be heading to Banpo to enjoy the Rainbow Fountain and beautiful views? Please let us know in the comments below. Also feel free to ask any questions you might have in the comments below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! You can also follow us on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!