Bridges! Stunning landmarks of beauty, cultural identity, and transportation. Like the unrequited second lead love in a South Korean drama, they link us to places across the world, connecting its users to cities and hotspots. They have evolved in the South Korean movie industry from just plain constructions of cement, steel, and grit to epic settings for love confessions, car chase scenes, and several iconic roles.

Bridges have become worthy of great interest and attraction to tourists and K-drama fans due to their depiction in movies and dramas due to their often unique outlook from holding love padlocks, beautiful flower décor and of course, stunning colorful fountains lit with lights that add a picturesque aesthetic to the night sky.

Let’s explore some of South Korea's most famous bridges and the magic they hold both in real life and in the world of entertainment.

Banpo Bridge

Banpo Bridge is the first double-decker vehicular bridge in South Korea and is literally a tourist attraction. It crosses the Han River in Seoul and is one of the most famous and beautiful bridges in South Korea. It won the record in 2024 as the world’s longest bridge fountain called the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain.

This bridge-water foundation features thousands of LED lights and jets of water dancing in synchronization usually to Korean and international music with light/water shows about four to six times a day. The rainbow-colored fountain usually comes alive at night, creating a romantic feel straight out of a K-drama for both locals and tourists. The night view is sure to evoke k-drama nostalgia and it's going on my bucket list.

Mapo Bridge

Once called the Seoul Bridge, Mapo Bridge is another popular bridge in South Korea. Like the Banpo Bridge, it also crosses over the Hangang River (also known as Han River for newbies) and it's prominent for the huge traffic due to it being a major route to the several busy neighborhoods of Seoul.

However, unlike other bridges, Mapo Bridge had a pretty dark past which it's been trying to cover for years. It was once a major site for suicide in South Korea. However, to reduce suicide attempts and spread the message of hope, Samsung started the Bridge of Life project initiative. Thereby, putting encouraging messages, quotes, pictures, and jokes on the railings in hopes that it serves as a symbol of hope and life. It also has statues and motion sensors to alert the proper authorities in case of any attempt. It also has a light show where the messages light up at night, beautifying the night and reinforcing its reputation as the bridge of life.

Mapo Bridge has also been on the big screen in dramas like Tomorrow and Goblin It was also a set for Psy's Gentleman music video..

Dongjak Bridge

Also located in Seoul, Dongjak Bridge is a blue-tress (arched) bridge and the first of its kind in South Korea. Officially opened in 1984, it also runs across the Han River and connects Dongjak and Yongsan districts. It is famous for its stunning view of the sunset over the Han River and is one of the best places in Seoul to capture the city's beautiful cityscape.

However, if you would like a good look at the Dongjak Bridge then you should make your way to Nodeul Island. It's an artificial island on the Han River with a beautiful view of the Dongjak Bridge. It is also a famous date and hangout spot for couples and friends. It's got beautiful gardens, restaurants, exhibition halls for events and concerts, bookstores, cafes and cafes.

Want to walk or drive on a beautiful bridge that gives you major main character energy, Dongjak is perfect for this.

Incheon Bridge

Located in the third most populous city after Seoul and Busan, Incheon Bridge is South Korea's longest bridge. At its opening in October 2009, it became the second bridge connection between Yeongjong Island and the mainland of Incheon. The Incheon Bridge is also South Korea's longest-spanning cable-stayed bridge and the world's sixteenth-longest cable-stayed bridge.

The bridge connects Incheon International Airport to Songdo International Business District, making it a crucial part of South Korea's infrastructure. Its sleek, modern design and incredible view of the West Sea make it a popular location for photography, especially during sunset when the bridge's lights create a stunning visual effect.

The Incheon Bridge stands as a symbol of the cutting-edge technology and modernity of South Korea.

Gwangan Bridge

Gwangan Bridge, also known as Gwangandaegyo or Diamond Bridge, is the second-longest bridge in South Korea and a key landmark in Busan. Stretching over 7 kilometers, it connects Haeundae-gu and Suyeong-gu, offering magnificent views of Busan’s coastline. At night, it really shines like a diamond as it transforms into a spectacle of lights, with thousands of LEDs illuminating the sky, creating a beautiful scene that draws both locals and tourists. Talk about a bridge with attitude. The bridge also provides a perfect view of the famous Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach.

Gwangan Bridge's stunning visuals, especially when lit up at night and evening light shows make it an ideal location for photography and a tourist magnet. Visitors flock to Gwangalli Beach to enjoy the spectacular view of the bridge, making it one of Busan’s most popular spots.

This bridge officially opened in 2003, however, it made international headlines in 2019 when a Russian cargo ship crashed into the bridge. The Ship's captain was reportedly drunk at the time, and the crash formed a five-metre-wide hole in the lower part of the bridge, but there were no injuries reported. I mean if you can hit a bridge that glows so much, it's called a "Diamond Bridge", you must either get your eye checked or get something checked because, how fam?

Cheongdam Bridge

Opened in 1999, Cheongdam Bridge is the 18th bridge to be constructed over the Han River. It is also South Korea's first duplex bridge featuring a lower level dedicated exclusively to vehicles and an upper level that offers a panoramic view of the Han River. It is a preferred filming location for car scenes in K-dramas due to its expansive views and strategic location.

The bridge has appeared in several local dramas and international movies, including "Avengers: Age of Ultron". In 2018, the Cheongdam Bridge was transformed into an outdoor movie theatre to celebrate the Korean Film Festival. Cheongdam Bridge reflects the urban-ness and beauty of Seoul.

Jindo Bridge

Named after the native Korean Dog breed; "Jindo", Jindo Bridge consists of South Korea's first twin suspension bridges that connect the island of Jindo to the mainland. After its completion, it briefly held the record as the world's longest and narrowest suspension bridge. The first bridge opened in 1984, while the second opened in 2005.

Aside from being aesthetically pleasing with breathtaking sunset and sunrise views and a great spot for photography, the Jindo bridge is also close to Uldolmok, a passage to the West Sea, which is a strait between Haenam and Jindo and famously the exact location of Myeongnyang Daecheop, one of the three major naval battles won by Admiral Yi Sun-sin.  

Another reason this twin bridge is popular is the Jindo Sea Parting Festival." Dubbed the Jindo-Moses Festival, this festival was created to celebrate the astounding phenomenon where the sea parts to reveal a narrow pathway that connects Jindo Island to a smaller nearby island, creating an awe-inspiring sight that attracts thousands of tourists.

Jindo Bridge is definitely a wonder of South Korea and the world at large.

South Korea's bridges are more than just functional structures; they are landmarks steeped in history, culture, and romance. They serve as a bridge not only between places but also between the past and the present, connecting people to stories both real and fictional, offering experiences as diverse as South Korea itself. Whether you’re a K-drama enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates breathtaking views, the bridges of South Korea provide endless opportunities to create your own memorable special moments.