It was a time long ago when I visited Paris.
Feeling worn out by the crowds at the Louvre, I wandered outside and found myself strolling along the dimming streets until I reached the Carrousel Bridge. Back then, I didn’t even realize it was the Carrousel Bridge, but I stood there, gazing at the Seine for a long while. Groups of people gathered along the banks, sipping on beers, and it looked quite delightful. The narrow width of the river meant that just the streetlights along the banks could make the whole river sparkle. 🌟
The gentle breeze was so pleasant that I closed my eyes for a bit, feeling the colorful lights softly flickering amidst the bustling sounds. It wouldn’t have been surprising if Zelda or Scott Fitzgerald had walked by in that old city that seemed frozen in time, with its surroundings resembling a Van Gogh painting. 🎨
Seoul has its fair share of beautiful places, but I’ve always been a bit discontent with the Han River. It’s so vast without any of the quaint charm. No matter which bridge you choose, you’ll have to walk straight for at least 20 minutes to cross, and even cycling at a slow pace takes about 10 minutes. Thanks to the eight-lane highway alongside the river, the city and the river feel as distant as north and south, with the pretty lights of the buildings scattered beyond the riverbank. This is probably why I never really thought of exploring beneath the Han River.
‘But hey, we do have Olympic Park.’
Sure, but Paris boasts over 450 parks. Plus, the fountain at the Trocadéro Square in front of the Eiffel Tower is a place where you can sit with your partner. Of course, you could sit there with a guy friend too, but you might end up pushing each other off, so I wouldn’t recommend it. (It’s quite high up!)
However, as I started walking the Han River for exercise, I realized, ‘This is very different from what I thought.’ Hidden pathways lead to the Han River Citizen’s Parks, offering a space isolated from the bustling city. The Han River Park is spacious enough to accommodate the entire population of Seoul without anyone falling in. It has its own kind of charm. You can have deep conversations with friends without worrying about being overheard, or take a short walk and enjoy a simple beer while looking at the river. If you feel like it, you can hop on a bike and ride freely, as the Han River warmly embraces many with its vastness. 🚴♂️
It’s no coincidence that civilizations have thrived alongside rivers. Of course, people needed water for drinking, bathing, and agriculture. But perhaps just having a river to gaze at blankly and stroll next to provided them with great comfort. And then,
Yeah. I should live life to the fullest!
they went on to create steam engines, airplanes, and iPhones. Of course, some might have resolved to live fully and ended up stealing a bicycle by the roadside, but…
Anyway, with today’s nice weather, should I head out to the Han River? ☀️
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