The Han River isn’t just Seoul’s lifeline – it’s one of K-Pop’s most beloved filming locations. From music videos to variety shows, the river’s parks have witnessed countless iconic K-Pop moments. Here’s your complete guide to experiencing the Han River like your favorite idols.
Why K-Pop Loves the Han River
The Han River offers something unique in dense Seoul: open space, natural beauty, and stunning cityscapes all in one location. Directors love it because you can film everything from intimate conversations on park benches to dramatic wide shots with the city skyline behind. Idols love it because it offers a rare escape from the city’s intensity.
Banpo Hangang Park: The Moonlight Rainbow Fountain
The star attraction of Banpo Hangang Park is undoubtedly the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain on Banpo Bridge. This Guinness World Record holder is the world’s longest bridge fountain, and when it runs (April to October), it creates a spectacular rainbow waterfall that’s appeared in music videos from BTS, BLACKPINK, SEVENTEEN, and many others.
The fountain shows run several times daily, with the evening shows being particularly magical when the bridge lights up. The park itself offers perfect picnic spots where you can watch the sunset over the river, just like Korean couples and friend groups do in countless K-Dramas and variety shows.
Visit Some Sevit (Sebitseom), the floating islands near Banpo Bridge, for a unique dining and photo experience. These artificial islands light up at night and have been featured in numerous idol photoshoots.
Yeouido Hangang Park: Festival Central
Yeouido Hangang Park is massive and hosts Seoul’s biggest events, including the famous fireworks festival in autumn. Many idols have filmed variety show segments here, from cycling along the riverside to picnicking under cherry blossoms in spring.
The park connects to Yeouido Park, creating one of Seoul’s largest green spaces. In spring, the cherry blossom path becomes incredibly romantic – it’s no wonder so many K-Drama and music video scenes are filmed here.
Ttukseom Hangang Park: Sports and Recreation
Ttukseom (also called Ttukseom Resort) is known for water sports and outdoor activities. You’ll find water-skiing, wakeboarding, and various water activities that have appeared in idol variety shows. The park’s sports facilities and natural setting make it perfect for active, outdoor music video scenes.
BTS, BLACKPINK, and EXO have all filmed content here. The sunset views across the river toward downtown Seoul are particularly stunning, creating that golden-hour glow that K-Pop photographers love.
Local Tips for Your Han River Visit
The best time to visit is late afternoon through evening. Arrive around 5 PM to enjoy sunset, then stay for the illuminated city views at night. Bring snacks from a convenience store – eating chicken and ramyeon by the river is a quintessential Seoul experience that idols often share in their vlogs.
Each park has bike rentals (Ttareungyi, Seoul’s bike-sharing system), making it easy to explore the riverside paths. Many idols have been spotted biking along the Han River for exercise and relaxation.
Use FanPle to navigate between these parks and discover which specific spots your favorite groups have filmed at!