This Place Under the Bridge with Han River View Is Michelin 3-Star Level... Visitors Increased Tenfold

One of Only Three Under-Bridge Observation Decks Worldwide and the Only One in Korea
Visitors Increased Tenfold in the Last Four Years
Seoul City: "Efforts Including Proposal Rentals and Various Experiences Have Paid Off"

Indoor view of Gwangjin Bridge 8th Street, Seoul. Provided by Seoul City

The 'Gwangjin Bridge 8th Street' observatory, located under the eighth pier at the eastern end of the Han River's Gwangjin Bridge, is gaining attention as a new scenic spot.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on the 18th, Gwangjin Bridge 8th Street has emerged as a Han River attraction with visitors increasing tenfold over the past four years. The number of visitors rose from 3,542 in 2021 to over 7,201 the following year, more than doubling, and reached 15,369 last year. This year, from March to November alone, the number of visitors has exceeded 30,000.

As night view videos of Gwangjin Bridge 8th Street have spread mainly through social networking services (SNS) such as Instagram, many citizens including couples, friends, and families have been visiting. A Seoul city official explained, "This is the result of efforts to make it a space for cultural and emotional refreshment and a unique attraction through various exhibitions, performances, and experience programs, including rental events for proposals where couples confess their love."

View of the Han River from Gwangjin Bridge 8th Street. Provided by Seoul City

Opened in 2009 during Mayor Oh Se-hoon's tenure as part of the 'Han River Renaissance,' Gwangjin Bridge 8th Street is one of only three under-pier observatories worldwide, alongside the Pont de Bir-Hakeim in Paris, France, and the Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo, Japan, making it the only one of its kind in Korea. From Gwangjin Bridge 8th Street, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the upper and lower Han River, the Gwangjin and Gangdong districts including Achasan Mountain, and a clear view of the Jamsil Lotte Tower. Especially, standing on the glass-floored observatory offers a unique and thrilling experience, as if walking on water.

Seoul plans to expand the lounge space and improve facilities next year to elevate Gwangjin Bridge 8th Street into a world-class tourist attraction. It is located about a 15-minute walk from Gwangnaru Station (Exit 2) or Cheonho Station (Exit 2) on Subway Line 5. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12 PM to 6 PM (12 PM to 8 PM from April to October).