Rainbow Fountain Bridge in Seoul – photo, description, how to get there, map
In our time, it is difficult to surprise the average tourist with fountains. In different parts of the world, you can find the most diverse creations of ingenious sculptors and engineers, who appear before us either in the form of mythical characters, or quite real historical figures, or in the form of complex engineering schemes. Each of them is unique and causes the most sincere emotions of delight and inspiration.
But acquaintance with the Korean masterpiece – the Rainbow Fountain Bridge – cannot be compared with anything else. First of all, the scale of the attraction causes delight. Fluid flows under huge pressure break out of special nozzles and, describing an arc of a huge radius, rush with noise directly into the reservoir located under the bridge. Koreans are proud of their creations and love to spend time in the company of a water show that never stops.
record holder
There is nothing similar in the world. From reliable sources, you can be sure that the bridge, unique in design and beauty, is the only one of its kind. The total length of the complex structure is 1140 meters. This is exactly the distance between the banks of the Hangang River in this place.
The real name of this place is Panpo, which means “rainbow” in the local dialect. The main feature of the architectural masterpiece is that the water does not beat up, but to the sides of the structure. This is what distinguishes the bridge from most similar ones, making it unique in its own way and attractive to tourists from all over the world.
Going to Seoul, it is worth remembering that the fountain does not work all the time. The water supply is activated every 20 minutes, although it may vary depending on weather conditions. Another peculiar record lies in the colossal volume of water pumped through the pipes. Just think: in just a minute of work, more than 190 tons of liquid are thrown into the river!
Design and features
The bridge has not only aesthetic, but also practical significance. In addition to the architectural heritage, it is a real highway with several lanes. On both sides there are several powerful pumps, each of which is required to supply water to ten guns. The power of the pumps is so great that it allows you to create pressure, with the help of which water is up to 810 meters away! The intake of liquid comes from the river, thereby forming a vicious circle of circulation.
Of course, the water in the river is not perfectly clean. Therefore, to protect the structure from clogging and premature failure of all equipment, a complex system of filters is provided.
Interesting: when the bridge was opened in 2009, the local authorities emphasized that they are scrupulous about the environment, and the issue of ecology is one of the key ones, and will always be a priority. Today, the longest cascade of fountains in the world has become a real decoration of the main city of South Korea. By the way, the ingenious construction took pride of place in the Guinness Book of Records.
Depending on the time of day, the design with water cannons looks different. If during the day it is an impressive cascade of water “branches”, which in many ways resemble the hanging branches of a willow, then at night tourists will be amazed by a first-class light show. Water jets turn into a bright combination of colors, shimmer with all the lights of the rainbow, and whole stage images appear before the audience, the canvas for which is a blanket of water.
This is where it comes to mind why the bridge has such an unusual name. Special spotlights decorate the structure and streams of liquid, rushing to the side and down in all the colors of the rainbow. And every color means something to Koreans.
There is a beautiful park next to the building, which has many places for picnics and romantic dates, and from which you can enjoy amazing views of the masterpiece of Korean architecture. Cultural and entertainment events are also held here, for which a special stage has been created. On holidays, the park and the fountains are always crowded, and local artists perform on stage.
How to get there?
Even if you are in Seoul for the first time, finding a fountain is not difficult. Any local resident and even a tourist will tell you the way. The easiest way to get to the sights is by metro. We advise you to look for stations at numbers 338, 734 and 923. You can also use numerous taxis.
If you are in the city as part of an excursion program, then you don't even have to worry – you will definitely be delivered to the main local attraction! Entrance is absolutely free.
You can also enjoy a colorful waterfall during a river boat trip. And one more nuance: on Monday, the fountain turns on less than usual, so don't be surprised if you have to wait several hours while waiting for the show.
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