Seoul city will revive its first footbridge along the Hangang Bridge, the oldest overpass over the Han River that cuts through the heart of the capital.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government on Wednesday said it will invest 30 billion won ($26.7 million) to add a 500-meter-long, 10.5-meter-wide pedestrian walkway above the southern section of the Hangang Bridge by 2021. Currently, the Hangang Bridge that connects the districts of Dongjak-gu to the south and Yongsan-gu to the north is divided into two sections with an artificial island of Nodeulseom in between.

A pedestrian overpass will be added to the space between the twin arch bridges of the Hangang Bridge. An observation deck for a 360-degree view from the Hangang Bridge and areas for resting and holding various events will also be added.

This is a follow-up project to allow easier access to the Nodeulseom island linked to the Hangang Bridge that recently has been renovated for holding various cultural events. The city government also hopes to make the bridge a new tourist hotspot of Seoul.

The Hangang Bridge was first built in 1917 as the city’s oldest pedestrian bridge stretching across the Han River. It was demolished in 1950 during the Korean War when South Korean troops bombed the bridge to slow invading forces. It was restored afterward but as the twin bridges for vehicle traffic with some limited section open as passages for pedestrians and cyclists.

The city plans to collect ideas on adding pedestrian walkways to the northern section - connecting the Nodeulseom island and Yongsan-gu next year. It also plans to name the new footbridge as “Century Bridge.”

By Choi Jae-won and Cho Jeehyun

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