Dongjak-gu to transform Han River underpass into nighttime landmark with stars, moon and river themes

Dongjak-gu in Seoul plans to transform an underused space beneath a highway bridge near Heukseok Station along the Han River into a waterfront destination blending nighttime scenery and culture.

The district said it was selected for the Seoul Metropolitan Government's "Seoul Starlight Landmark" grant program, securing up to 1 billion won ($746,000) to develop what it calls the "Heukseok waterfront path of stars, moon and river."

The project is part of a city-wide initiative to create nighttime wellness destinations and evening economic hubs in parks and riverside spaces. Dongjak-gu is one of 10 sites chosen citywide.

The site covers the area beneath the Olympic Expressway bridge near 260-5 Heukseok-dong. The district plans to organize the space into three themed zones: a starlight path, a moonlight observatory and a river-glow rest area.

The starlight path will feature a barrier-free walkway and a smart running track fitted with LED liners embedded in the track surface. Crime prevention through environmental design principles will guide the installation of landscape lighting, creating a safe environment for walking and running at night.

Nearby Hyosajong Park will receive a moonlight observatory, featuring a moon-shaped sculpture and a social-media photo zone set against the Han River night skyline, giving visitors a place to enjoy the view and take photographs.

The space beneath the bridge will be reimagined as a river-glow rest area. Gobo lights will project onto the water's surface to create a ripple-reflection effect, while media art installations on the bridge structure will turn the site into an open-air nighttime gallery above the Han River.

The district plans to launch basic and detailed design work in January next year, proceed with construction and complete the project by December 2027.

The project is also part of a campaign pledge from the ninth elected-term administration to develop Heukseok's Han River waterfront. The district intends to link a planned Han River Tower at Yongyangbongjeojeong Park with the Heukseok waterfront path, Nodeul Island and other nearby tourism assets to establish Dongjak-gu as a leading waterfront tourism and culture hub.

Dongjak-gu District Mayor Ryu Sam-young said the long-neglected, dimly lit space beneath the Han River bridge would be reborn as a community rest area where starlight, moonlight and the river's glow come together. "From the design stage, we will faithfully reflect residents' opinions and make the Heukseok waterfront path one of Seoul's signature nighttime destinations," Ryu said.