Walking the Han River: A Journey Along Memory and Flow - Part I

Bridges, Memories, and the Flow of Seoul

When I was younger, I often spent time on the south side of the Han River. I laughed there, loved there, walked endlessy, and sometimes just sighed into the breeze. It was a place where time seemed to stretch gently, flowing with the water.

 

Years later, I returned - not just to visit, but to walk. This time, I wanted to experience the Han River in a new way: with distance, direction, and intention. I wanted to see the bridges that connect the city, the corners where my memories live, and the Seoul that has grown and changed alongside me.
 

I wanted to walk longer distances along the Han River Park - not just to revisit the past, but to see the bridges, the city, and the people from new angles. To follow the river’s path and see what it might show me now.

Over two days, I walked both east and west from Banpo Bridge (반포교). On the first day, I headed east toward Jamsil Bridge (잠실대교), and on the second, I turned west toward Yeouido and Yanghwa Bridge (여의도 양화대교). Each step brought a fresh perspective—on the river, on the city, and on myself.

 

Walking in the Rain

The first day was a rainy Saturday. I don’t think I’ve ever walked along the Han River Park on a rainy day before. It was unusually quiet, and the whole atmosphere felt different—peaceful, almost dreamlike. The colors of the water, the scent of the air, the way the plants moved, and the softened sounds around me—it all came together to create a unique experience. Here are some photos I took on the way to Hangang Park from the Gangnam side of Seoul.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning at Banpo (반포대교), Toward Jamsil (잠실대교)

 

Surprisingly, there were still people out being active—running, walking, playing sports, and doing group activities.

 

A rainy view of Banpo Bridge (반포대교) and Jamsu Bridge (잠수교)

 

 

The art installations in Hangang Park were beautiful, and even more so in the rain.

 

 

My Favorite

 

 

Path to Hannam Bridge (한남대교)

A curved road by the river, quiet under the rain and trees

 

Blossoming spring flowers and reeds (갈대) by the riverside, with Hannam Bridge (한남대교) faintly in the background

 

Starbucks Seoul Wave Art Center

 

Jamwon Hangang Park

Hannam Bridge (한남대교) stretches across the misty river in the background, while seasonal birds gather calmly in the middle of the river. The rain softens everything—the sky, the river, even the flapping of wings—turning the scene into a gentle moment of stillness and movement.

 

View of Hanam Dong

 

People playing team sports in the rain—I couldn’t help but worry they might catch a cold.

 

Guess How far Away My Home Is?

 

Dongho Bridge (동호대교) 

Dongho Bridge (동호대교) seen from the south side of the river

 

 

 

 

 

Seongsu Bridge (성수대교)

The rebuilt Seongsu Bridge (성수대교), completed in February 2008, spans the Han River and connects Seongdong and Gangnam.

 

Between Two Bridges

 

 

 

 

Path to Yeongdong Bridge (영동대교)

 

VIEW 376 카페

 

The photo captures a scene that seems painted in watercolors, washed by the rain.

 

I See A Person Walking

 

 

 

 

Approaching Cheongdam Bridge(청담대교)

 

 

 

 

Jamsil Bridge (잠실대교)

Jamsil Bridge (잠실대교) & Seoul Sky

 

 

 

 

Still

 

When I returned to the place
once shared long ago,

 

It had grown quiet,
a space once filled...
with footsteps and voices
now barely noticed.

 

Time had passed,
and memories hung in the air,
light as rain.

 

I took a photo,
unsure if what I felt
was nostalgia
or simply loneliness.

 

 

A Quiet Finish

I ended my walk at Lotte World in Jamsil, standing in front of Seoul Sky. At the food court in the Lotte Department Store, I had a warm bowl of udon that felt especially comforting after the long walk. I wished I could’ve captured more photos to complete the journey, but my phone was acting up from the rain and eventually ran out of battery.

At first, I felt a little disappointed. But then I realized—this, too, was part of the experience. A memory that didn’t need a photo to be real. Walking in the rain along the Han River was unlike anything I’ve done before. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the riverbank so quiet during the day. My body was soaked and tired, but my mind felt clear, refreshed—like the city had shared a quieter side of itself, just for me.