"Gwangjingyo 8th Street," a unique attraction offering panoramic views of the Han River from beneath a bridge pier, reopens March 3 for its 2025 season. Located under the eighth pier of Gwangjin Bridge, the facility serves as an urban retreat combining river views with cultural programming.
The observation deck is one of few such structures globally built beneath bridge piers, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government. It joins Paris's Pont de Bir-Hakeim and Tokyo's Rainbow Bridge as public spaces opened under bridges. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide 360-degree panoramic views, while reinforced glass floor panels create the sensation of walking on water.
Visitor numbers have surged dramatically. After attracting 15,369 visitors in 2023 and 33,183 in 2024, attendance jumped more than threefold to 107,453 in 2025. Foreign tourists numbered 9,858 that year. The venue gained recognition as a night-view destination through social media, with further exposure from KBS entertainment program "2 Days & 1 Night" last October.
The city upgraded facilities last year in response to growing demand. A performance hall previously open only for scheduled events was converted into a full-time lounge. Aging infrastructure including perforated ceiling panels with poor insulation and soundproofing was replaced. A survey of 2,617 visitors showed 91.9% satisfaction with the space.
This year's programming expands under a "cultural salon on the Han River" concept. "Sunset Yoga" one-day classes will run on the last Saturday of each month. Overnight indoor camping programs for families are scheduled once each in the first and second halves of the year. "Sunset Stage at Gwangjingyo 8th Street" concerts will be held bimonthly, featuring genres from classical to pop jazz.
A season-opening concert on March 7 will feature pianist Kim Tae-eun and jazz band "Tune Around" performing classical and pop jazz from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. No advance reservation is required.
A new photo zone featuring "planterieur" design—combining plants with interior décor—will offer visitors Instagram-worthy shots against the backdrop of greenery and river views.
The facility operates March through November, from noon to 6 p.m. in March and November, and noon to 8 p.m. from April through October. It is a 15-minute walk from Gwangnaru Station or Cheonho Station on Subway Line 5.
"Gwangjingyo 8th Street is a special space where the open scenery and culture of the Han River come together," said Park Jin-young, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Future Han River Headquarters. "We hope visitors can forget the fatigue of daily life and transform their day into a romantic experience at this small healing space in the city."
Program schedules and information are available on the official Gwangjingyo 8th Street website and Instagram account.
