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Seoul's Iconic Jamsu Bridge to Become a Pedestrian-Friendly Cultural Landmark by 2026

The iconic Jamsu bridge from Seoul will be facing an architectural transformation that will be completed in 2026.

Jamsu bridge, built in 1976, will be part of the Great Hangang Project (Han River Renaissance 2.0). This aims to make the area friendly to pedestrians and make it a more sustainable cultural landmark found along the lengths of the Han River.

According to Parametric Architecture, Archmist, a Dutch studio, will be redesigning the bridge. To explain their decision, the Seoul Metropolitan Government's planning officer remarked that they are hoping to build a bridge that citizens can enjoy. The architectural success of Jamsu bridge will make it the "first waterfront cultural space" and pedestrian bridge.

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New Jamsu Bridge

The upcoming revamped Jamsu Bridge will have 2-level landmarks that are considered "unique," and will strech for 795 meters. Unlike nearby bridges, it will be the shortest among all.

Jamsu Bridge at Night

(Photo : Shiwon Cho / Wikimedia Commons)
Archmist will be adding a curvy edge along the water so visitors get to have a spot for their leisure activities. They will also include the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, taken from the bridge of Bandpo, but will not block pedestrian access. On the water itself, floating planters and native plants will be added to boost biodiversity and make it more environment-friendly. 

Now, Jamsu is currently a two-lane road bridge. Soon, it will be a space for both temporary and permanent art galleries, local markets, even film screening, and other fitting events.

At the same time, the new Jamsu bridge will have bright pink colors, which will make it more welcoming for pedestrian and reflecting Seoul's lively atmosphere. To make it still accessible to pedestrians and cyclers, Archmist will also add areas that can be passed from July to September since it will be under the water. This way, visitors can enjoy the space without getting themselves wet.

No specific month has been announced yet, but 2026 is the expected opening date.

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