Gwangjin Bridge is the second-oldest surviving bridge across the Han River after the neighboring Hangang Railway Bridge.
The bridge houses Riverview 8th Avenue, an enclosed cultural venue suspended directly beneath the bridge deck that hosts art exhibitions and small musical performances.
During its 2009 pedestrianization project, two vehicle lanes were removed to create bicycle paths, piano stairs, and pocket parks.
Sections of the pedestrian walkway feature tempered glass viewing decks allowing visitors to look directly down at the Han River current.
The bridge served as a critical transportation artery during the rapid urbanization of Seoul in the mid-20th century before being supplemented by modern highway bridges.
Gwangjin Bridge is a historic vehicle-and-pedestrian bridge crossing the Han River in Seoul, connecting Gwangjin District to Gangdong-gu. Originally opened in 1936 during the Japanese colonial period, it was largely destroyed during the Korean War and subsequently rebuilt. In 2009, the bridge underwent a major pedestrian-friendly transformation, reducing car lanes to create wide walking paths, observation decks, and green spaces. Underneath its deck sits Riverview 8th Avenue, a unique cultural performance space suspended over the water. The bridge features glass floor panels looking straight down at the river surface. It is also famous for hosting the Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market and various seasonal outdoor festivals.
From the glass-floor observation balconies looking upstream toward the Lotte World Tower, or from inside Riverview 8th Avenue looking out at the water level.
Walk across at dusk to view the sunset over the Han River and the illuminated skyscrapers of eastern Seoul.
Check the schedule of Riverview 8th Avenue in advance if you want to catch a free indie music concert or art exhibition inside the bridge.
Bring a jacket or windbreaker, as the open river breeze can make it significantly cooler on the bridge than on land.
Do not cycle at high speeds on the pedestrian paths, as the bridge is heavily used by casual walkers and families.
