How 29 bridges built modern Seoul
Long before millions of commuters swept across the Han River daily in sleek subways and air-conditioned sedans, crossing the massive waterway dividing northern and southern Seoul was a hazardous undertaking. In the Joseon Dynasty, travelers relied on simple wooden ferryboats or temporary pontoon structures fashioned from long rows of skiffs bound together with thick rope. Today, the river is spanned by dozens of concrete and steel veins that do far more than transport traffic. They tell the story of Korea’s transformation from an impoverished, war-torn nation into a sprawling global metropolis. Seoul’s Future Hangang Project Headquarters on Friday published two new volumes in its "Hangang Story Series," a cultural and historical chronicle capturing the city's evolution through the lens of its iconic bridges. The two-volume release, titled "Bridges of the Han River," examines 29 specific bridges — 23 within Seoul proper and six bordering the capital — tracing their history from pre-industrial pontoon crossings to the hyper-engineered megastructures of the present day. The architect
