Seoul to turn overlooked neighborhood spots into nighttime attractions

Seoul plans to transform dim riverside paths, neighborhood parks and hilltop viewpoints into nighttime attractions, offering up to 1 billion won ($746,658) per site to encourage evening visits and spending at nearby businesses.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Tuesday it had selected 10 locations for its "Seoul Starlight Attractions" project. The initiative aims to connect nighttime sightseeing with dining, performances and other activities in surrounding neighborhoods.

Among the selected sites is Heukseok Riverside Path in Dongjak-gu, a route to the Han River beneath the elevated Olympic Expressway. Despite its views of Nodeulseom and the city skyline, the space has limited lighting and places to sit, according to the city government.

Plans include media art and architectural lighting on bridge columns, riverside seating, an accessible walking path and a running track. The plan aims to attract more visitors to visit and explore nearby Heukseok Market and the neighborhood’s restaurants and cafes.

In Seodaemun-gu, Baramsan, a small hilltop park near Sinchon’s bustling commercial district, will be developed into a sunset and nighttime viewing garden. Its windmill structure will be refurbished, with lighting and planting added along steep stairs.

The project follows Seoul’s August announcement of a broader nighttime economy strategy linking evening cultural and leisure activities with neighborhood businesses.

The city selected the sites from 27 proposals submitted by 21 districts, assessing safety, accessibility, visitor facilities and connections to local businesses.

Other projects include new lighting and photo spots along a tree-lined path beside Yangjaecheon in Gangnam-gu, near Dogok-dong’s cafes. Historic buildings along an approximately 850-meter stretch of Jeongdong-gil in Jung-gu will also be illuminated.

Funding will be determined after reviews of detailed plans and administrative requirements. Construction will proceed in stages, with projects requiring heritage or lighting approvals starting after those procedures are completed.

The city plans to develop 25 nighttime attractions by 2028, starting with the 10 sites selected this year.