Witness Seoul’s dazzling secret – the Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain! Is it worth the hype? Find out & discover a mesmerizing water, light, & music show!
Banpo Bridge is quite popular – not only in Seoul – but also among K-drama fans. The Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain (반포대교 달빛무지개분수) is often showcased in K-dramas that you love to binge. So, is it worth all the hype and popularity? Read on ahead and then you can decide.
Banpo Bridge
- It’s the first double-decker bridge in Korea.
- The top on is Banpodaegyo, or Banpo Bridge (반포대교) and the bottom one is Jamsugyo (잠수교). Jamsugyo means a bridge that’s submerged as that’s the way it was designed.
- The bottom bridge, Jamsugyo, gets underwater and disappears completely every monsoon when the levels of Han River rise.
Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain (반포대교 달빛무지개분수)
Watching Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain is almost on every Seoul to do list, especially about things to do at night. The magnificence of water jetting out for 43 meters and then dropping 20 meters into the river is mesmerizing. And all this together with synchronized music and light is simply breathtaking.
This light show lasts for about 20 minutes at one go. Though, there are seasonal variations and on different days of a week. It attracts most crowds during summer in Korea. So, if you are planning a visit then, schedule your time accordingly so that you can find the best spot.
What makes it even more special is that you can enjoy this brilliant view for free! It is one of the best free things to do in Seoul.
A little history
Seoul’s Han River Renaissance project gave birth to a wonder: the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain. It’s a symbol of Seoul’s rejuvenation, a testament to the city’s commitment to art, culture, and creating unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Holding the Guinness World Record for the “World’s Longest Bridge Fountain,” the Rainbow Fountain has transcended its initial purpose. It now serves as a stage for cultural events like poetry concerts, dance recitals, and more, solidifying its position as a vibrant tourist destination.
Interesting facts about the light show
- The Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Show is the one for the record books. You can find it in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest bridge fountain in the world and measuring 1,140 meters long.
- Not just long, the fountains have quite a bit of height as well – the water jets out 43 meters from the bridge and then falls about 20 meters down into the river.
- When the fountain is running, it sprays about 60 tons of water per minute into the river.
- The shows are different during the day and night.
- The day program showcases a hundred different variations to evoke waving willow branches and leaves.
- Night show, on the other hand, features rainbow colored jets of water synchronized with music.
- Music tracks include a whole lot of variety – from David Guetta’s Hey Mama to Billy Joel’s Piano Man and BTS‘ Permission to Dance to Lee Hyori’s Seoul, and much more!
Best Places to See the Show
There are many spots from where you can enjoy the brilliant views but there are some better than others according to most tourists. Enjoy the fountain from various vantage points. Take in panoramic views from nearby hills, soak in the show from the dedicated observation deck, or find a spot at the unique moon-shaped Moonlight Square. No matter your location, the Rainbow Fountain guarantees a mesmerizing experience.
The southern end of Banpo Bridge
One of the most popular locations to view the Rainbow Fountain Light show. Most directions will route to this location by default.
Banpo Han River Park
Here, you can come out early and set up a picnic. The park is perfect for chilling out if you are trying to get away from the bustling streets of the city. As the evening approaches, you will see more and more people gathering here for the light show. Some even order dinner here directly. There are bleachers where you can sit and view the show – one of the best viewing options in the park.
If you are visiting Seoul in summer, you will also get to explore the Bamdokkaebi Night Market. It makes the area even more popular among the locals and tourists. And, it gets super busy in the night.
A cruise ship
While not the most conventional options, it is a great one. There are cruises which run specifically at the time of the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain show. One of them is the Moonlight Cruise (from Yeouido Han River Park to Banpo Bridge). It’s an option to consider if you are planning to check out the Yeouido Island as well.
A yacht
A cruise may be expensive for some traveling from downtown – so you can even opt for a yacht near Banpo Bridge. Klook offers a Han River Sevit Island Yacht Experience which is about an hour long. You can take out the yacht at any time of the day – morning, dusky evenings, or night.
From Dongjak Bridge
This bridge may not be as special as the Banpo Bridge, it offers a different vantage point for viewing the Banpo Bridge Light show. So, if you are trying to see it from here, you can also check out the unique convenience stores on this bridge. These multi-level marvels offer five floors of delightful surprises. Fuel up with familiar snacks and drinks, grab a coffee from the cafe, or indulge in a dedicated snack zone. And to truly elevate your experience, they’ve got beer on tap!
Important Info About Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain
Operating hours:
| Months | Running Time |
|---|---|
| Low season (April ~ June, September ~ October) | (20 minutes each time) 12:00, 19:30, 20:00, 20:30, 21:00 |
| Peak season (July~August) | (20 minutes each time) 12:00, 19:30, 20:00, 20:30, 21:00, 21:30 |
Holiday: From November to the following March
Website: hangang.seoul.go.kr
Location: 40 Sinbanpo-ro 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 서초구 신반포로11길 40)
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