Tag : Within Seoul

When I came to Seoul, South Korea, I made sure that Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain be crossed from my must-visit and must-photographed list. It would be challenging to capture its colors and beauty at night. But at the same time it would be a reward for all the walks that happened within the day.

Banpo-Jamsu Bridge is a two-decker bridge that connects Seocho and Yongsan districts. Also known as the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, it is the world’s longest bridge fountain. The water is released from more than 300 nozzles and is pumped directly from the Han River river itself and continuously recycled. Meanwhile, there are more than 200 lights that illuminate the water projectiles and are synchronized with music.

The fountain show starts every hour starting 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on weekdays, and every 30 minutes from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM on weekends.

You can also see the N Seoul Tower from afar.

How To Get There
Take the train and alight from Dongjak Station along the Seoul Subway Line 4, Exit 1 or 2. Follow the Dongjak Bridge and it will take you to Han River. Walk along the Olympic Park as you reach the Banpo Bridge.

How Did I Get There
I took the subway and alighted from Banpo Station because it’s Banpo! Unfortunately, I got lost in a village with no exit near the Han River so I wasn’t able to see the light and sound show on that night. Even though I missed the last show, I was able to start a conversation with four International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP) students who are having a picnic in the park grounds. Two of them are from Taiwan, one is from Bhutan and the other is from Malaysia. It began with a question on the schedule of the Banpo Bridge fountain show, climaxed when they shared their true Korean fried chicken and ended up as we’re running to and catching the last train. We were like classmates of the same year. Because of my Facebook security settings and my iPhone was already drained, they were not able to add or even to look my account up. It would be exciting to see them in Taiwan, after 6 months, in my birthday. Yes, I already booked that flight that early.

My second attempt was successful the next day even I came all the way from Everland. And it was sweeter because I was able to catch two shows that night. There were several photographers and spectators who bring their bikes and friends waiting for the light and sound show. On that night, only one side was pumping waters of Han River. I stayed longer and planned to catch the last train again. Because it was my last night in Seoul. Because separation anxiety.