Bamseom Island on the Hangang River in Seoul is a stop on the trail Seogangnaru-gil, one of 13 programs in the Hangang History Tour.

By Lee Kyoung Mi
Photos = Seoul Metropolitan Government

The Hangang Story Tour in Seoul will be resumed next month after two years of suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hangang Project Headquarters of the Seoul Metropolitan Government said on Aug. 24.

The program is divided into the Hangang History Tour and Hangang Night View Tour. The former course has participants walk along the river with an expert guide who will tell related stories and explain the river's hidden history and cultural heritage. 

Launched in 2012, the history tour features ferry points and scenic spots of the river with commentary on history, culture and influential figures. Its 13 courses include the trails of Gwangnaru-gil, Nodeulnaru-gil and Gyeomjae Jeongseon-gil.

From Sept. 1 through Nov. 30, the tour will run twice a day at 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Availability is subject to the schedule of the expert guides, course and number of tourists. At least three people are required for one tour but just one is needed for a foreign tourist or disabled person. Prior consultation is needed if foreign participants need interpretation or translation in commentary. 

The Moonlight Rainbow Fountain on Seoul's Banpodaegyo Bridge is part of two courses of the Hangang Night View Tour. 

The evening tour, meanwhile, is an opportunity to learn more about the buildings and artworks that create a harmony with the sunset and night view on the river. The two courses are Banpo Moonlight Road and Ichon Art Road. 

Visitors can enjoy the show at the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain on the Banpodaegyo Bridge, which was recognized in 2008 as the world's longest bridge fountain by the Guinness Book of Records. They can also see works of art at Hangang Art Park on Ichon Art Road.

Banpo Moonlight Road will be run from Sept. 1 to Oct. 8 while that of Ichon will be held from Oct. 13 to Nov. 12 Thursday through Saturday night. Each slot can accommodate up to 25 people.

The Hangang Story Tour offers free admission. To register, visit the program's official website (http://visit-hangang.seoul.kr) and apply five days before the desired tour date.

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