Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain

The Moonlight Rainbow Fountain runs along both sides of Banpo bridge - close to ten thousand nozzles over about a kilometre, drawing water straight from the Han below, spraying it out in arcs and returning it to the river, lit in bands of colour and choreographed to music. It claims to be the longest bridge fountain in the world. Shows run several times each evening from late April to October, usually around twenty minutes each, and are cancelled in wind, heavy rain and through the winter, when the pumps are shut down. The place to watch from is Banpo Hangang Park on the south bank, which is a proper riverside park in its own right - grass, bike paths, convenience stores and the Korean habit of ordering fried chicken delivered to a mat on the lawn, which is much of why people come. Times are posted seasonally and change, so check before going.

What you actually see

• The bridge arcs - water from both sides of the deck, lit in colour.
• The choreography - each show about twenty minutes, set to music.
• Banpo Hangang Park - the riverside lawn people watch from.
• The delivery picnic - food ordered to the grass, a local ritual.

When to go

Late April to October, evenings; several shows a night with times posted seasonally. Arrive early for a spot on the bank at weekends.

Honest expectations

It does not run in winter, and it is cancelled in wind or heavy rain - check the schedule the same day. Twenty minutes of fountain; the park is the rest of the evening.

Nearby

Sebitseom floating islands and the Express Bus Terminal underground shopping are close.