Han River Nightscape (Photo by Seoul Metropolitan Government/courtesy of haps Magazine Korea)
Seoul will redesign the nighttime atmosphere along the Han River with a new scenic lighting project at Dumo Bridge near Oksu Station.
The 1 km section between the north end of Hannam Bridge and Seongsu Junction will receive a warm, sunset inspired lighting concept called “golden sand,” scheduled for completion by May.
The upgrade replaces aging lights installed in 2004 that frequently malfunctioned and created uneven color tones.
Rather than simple maintenance, the city aims to create a cohesive riverside night environment reflecting the river’s natural character and historical identity.
The design draws inspiration from the golden glow once reflected on the river’s sandbanks, referencing former riverside sites such as Dumopo and Jeojado.
A total of 1,365 LED fixtures, along with 30 projectors and 30 laser lights, will be installed across bridge structures to improve visibility and safety while maintaining a calm, natural tone.
The project is part of Seoul’s broader Han River bridge lighting plan, following recent upgrades to Gayang and Wonhyo bridges, with additional bridges scheduled for future improvements.