Gangdong District Revitalizes Space Beneath Godeokcheon Bridge as Riverside Shelter

Godeokcheon Lounge Created with 1.176 Billion Won Investment

Gangdong District in Seoul (Mayor Lee Suhee) announced on January 14 that it has transformed the unused space beneath the Godeokcheon Bridge on Olympic-daero into the 'Godeokcheon Lounge,' a riverside cultural space designed for visitors to stay and enjoy, connecting Godeokcheon to the Han River.

Lee Suhee, Mayor of Gangdong District, is visiting and inspecting the Gangdong Hangang Greenway ‘Godeokcheon Lounge’ site. Provided by Gangdong District.

Previously, the area under the Godeokcheon Bridge had limited usability due to three years of Olympic-daero expansion work and aging infrastructure. Safety concerns had been raised as pedestrian and bicycle routes overlapped, and despite being an important hub connecting the Han River and the waterfront, it remained a space that citizens simply passed through without stopping.

To address these issues, the district invested a total of 1.176 billion won to redesign the space beneath the bridge into a riverside lounge where people can walk, run, relax, and restore their daily routines. This project was selected for the 2024 Seoul City Urban Landscape Contest, with Seoul City and Gangdong District each covering 50% of the project cost.

The newly created Godeokcheon Lounge is equipped with rest facilities, shelters for cyclists, and spaces for running and stretching, allowing sports and relaxation to naturally coexist. The movement lines for pedestrians and cyclists have been clearly separated to enhance convenience and safety, and landscape and safety lighting has been installed to ensure a secure environment even at night.

Directional signs and landmark markers have been installed at key access points connecting Godeokcheon to the Han River. The Han River deck section, which offers views of the Godeoktopyeong Bridge, has also been improved, with benches and rest areas added to enhance its function as a shelter. As a result, residents, nearby office workers, and users of the Han River bike path can now naturally stay and relax after exercising in this newly reborn riverside rest area with scenic views.

On January 12, Mayor Lee Suhee personally visited the site to inspect the overall condition of the space, movement lines, and safety measures.

Mayor Lee Suhee stated, "We have revitalized the previously underutilized space beneath the bridge into a riverside shelter for citizens," adding, "I hope that Godeokcheon Lounge will become a key hub of the Gangdong Hangang Greenway and a comfortable resting place that all residents can easily visit in their daily lives."