Rainbow fountain in Seoul: when the show runs and where to watch

The Rainbow Fountain operates on Banpo Bridge in Seoul from April through October. The water jets shoot not upward, as usual, but sideways, and fall directly into the Hangang River.

No bridge in the world matches Banpo Bridge in fountain length: 1,140 meters of structure and 380 nozzles (as of 09/2026, official Guinness World Records website). Each show lasts about 20 minutes, and the show repeats up to six times per evening (according to the Banpo Bridge description).

We have put together the season and schedule, the fountain's design, the best viewing spots, and how to get to the bridge from the metro in one article. You will understand when to arrive to catch the light show.

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The rainbow fountain on Banpo bridge

💡 In short:

• The best view of the show is from the Banpo Hangang Park embankment.
• Season and time: April through October, up to six shows a day, 20 minutes each (according to the fountain operating rules).
• Admission is free, no separate ticket for the show is required.

Banpo Bridge stands in the center of Seoul and has two levels. The fountain occupies the western side of the upper level. During the day, the fountain looks like long water arches hanging over the water like willow branches. After sunset, lights are added to the jets, and a rainbow of spotlights appears over the river. Whole families come to watch the show, so the embankment is always lively.

The longest fountain in the world

The rainbow fountain on Banpo bridge holds the world record as the longest fountain bridge. The Guinness record was set on November 7, 2008, and it has not been beaten to this day (as of 09/2026, record entry). We checked this entry on 03.09.2026 on the organization's official website.

The fountain basin is 1,140 meters long. The bridge itself is longer: 1,495 meters and 25 meters wide (as of 09/2026, bridge specifications).

There are no analogues to this design. The water shoots not upward, but sideways from the bridge, so the jets form a wide water arch over the river. This detail is what sets Banpo apart from hundreds of ordinary fountains.

The fountain is called the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain. It was launched on the western side of the bridge (according to the fountain history).

Tourists come here for the evening spectacle, but the fountain operates seasonally. Check the season dates before your trip, otherwise you risk seeing the bridge without water.

How the Rainbow Fountain works

The fountain is powered by 38 pumps and 380 nozzles (as of 09/2026, record page). Every minute they shoot 54 tons of water into the air.

The jets shoot 43 meters to the side and drop 20 meters down. The water is drawn from the Han River and run through filters, so debris does not clog the nozzles.

The bridge has two levels. Cars drive on the upper level, and beneath it runs the pedestrian Jamsu Bridge, 795 meters long and 18 meters wide (as of bridge level information).

In the evening, LEDs, floodlights, and speakers turn on. The lighting changes color in time with the music, and the playlist includes about 100 songs.

You can get right up to the water from the lower level. From there you can see the streams falling into the river and hear the music clearly.

When the show runs

The fountain season opens in April and closes in October (as of the season calendar). There are no shows in winter or the off-season, so plan your trip for the warm months.

Up to six sessions run per day, each lasting about 20 minutes (as of the session schedule). There are breaks between shows so viewers have time to find a spot.

The show runs only in good weather. In rain or strong wind the show is canceled, so check the forecast before an evening walk.

On Mondays there are fewer sessions than on other days. If you want to be sure of catching the light show, pick a Tuesday or midweek day.

On Saturdays from May to October, Banpo Hangang Park hosts Moonlight Square Cultural Weekend. Concerts start at 7:00 PM and end at 8:30 PM, and admission is free (as of the weekend program).

Where to watch and what's nearby

The best view of the fountain is from the Banpo Hangang Park promenade on the south bank of the Han River. Picnic spots are right by the water, so many people come early with food and a blanket.

© Jaeseop An · CC BY-SAPhoto: Jaeseop An, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

There is a second option: go down to the pedestrian level of Jamsu Bridge under the bridge. From there you can see the jets falling into the river (as of the pedestrian level description).

A large park with a stage sits next to the bridge. On holidays and weekends local performers play there, and people have picnics and dates on the lawns.

Bring water and a light jacket: it is windy by the river in the evening even in summer. For food, small kiosks and cafes operate in the park.

How to get to Banpo Bridge

The easiest way is by subway. The nearest station, Express Bus Terminal, serves lines three, seven, and nine, and from there you walk along the river.

© LERK · CC BY-SAPhoto: LERK, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The walk from the station to the park takes about 15 minutes (open the route on the map). In summer, go in the morning or late evening; during the day the embankment gets hot.

A taxi will get you there faster than the bus, but during rush hour cars sit in traffic jams on the bridges across the Hangang. From the city center, the trip takes anywhere from fifteen minutes to half an hour.

You can also see the fountain from the water: sightseeing boats run along the Hangang, and from the river you can see the full arc of the jets.

If you are going with a tour, you don't have to think about getting there: the group is brought right to the park.

Rainbow Fountain Bridge on the map

Banpo Bridge sits in the central part of Seoul and connects the two banks of the Hangang. The map below marks the best spot to watch the show.

© Cookinu · CC BY-SAPhoto: Cookinu, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to see the Rainbow Fountain?

There is no separate ticket: you watch the show from the embankment or from Banpo Hangang Park, and admission is free. You only pay for extra activities, such as a boat ride. Arrive half an hour before the show to get a spot by the water.

When is the best time to come for the show?

The season runs from April to October, so come in the warm months. Arrive around dusk: that way you can see both the water arches and the lighting. In summer, pick a Tuesday or a midweek day, because on weekends the embankment gets crowded.

How long does the show last and how often does the fountain run?

One show lasts about 20 minutes, and the fountain runs up to six times a day. There are pauses between shows. On Mondays there are fewer shows, and they are canceled in rain or strong wind.

How to get to Banpo Bridge without a car?

By subway: the nearest station, Express Bus Terminal, is served by lines 3, 7, and 9. From the station you walk along the river for about 15 minutes (show the route from the station). A taxi will also get you there, but traffic jams are possible during rush hour.

Does the fountain run in winter?

No, there is no fountain in winter. The season runs from April to October; there are no shows in the cold months. If you come to Seoul in winter, check out the city's other observation decks and come back to the fountain in spring.

In short: what to book

The Rainbow Fountain is free. The water show draws crowds every evening, so it is worth setting aside one evening for it.

If you are going for romance: grab a spot on the Banpo Hangang Park embankment an hour before sunset.

If you are going with kids: come to the early show while it is still light, and don't forget water.

If you want to combine the evening with a city tour, check out Seoul tours on GetYourGuide.