Floating Islands

Like giant, space-age lotuses resting on Seoul's major river, these artificial islets, the Floating Islands were designed by a local firm HAEAHN Architecture, a crowning achievement in the effort to break from the han's rather unsightly and polluted past.

A complex system of pontoons, chains and walkways connects and props up three separate blossoms of shining glass and svelte, curved metal, two of which were opened to the public in 2011. Each is equipped with lighting and LCD screens that adorn them with dazzling patterns after dark.

Plans to draw visitors with events, shops and restaurants have yet to fully pan out, but even more partially empty, the islands are a remarkable addition to the formerly blihted hans fast changing features.