Gwangju Seo-gu Opens Bongsan Ppongppong Bridge After 48 Years... 2.9 Billion KRW Invested

Published 11 May.2023 16:52(KST)

The nostalgic landmark "Bongsong Bridge" in Balsan, Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City (District Mayor Kim Ikang) has reopened after 48 years.

On the 11th, Seo-gu announced that it held an opening ceremony for Bongsong Bridge in front of Balsan Village, Yang 3-dong, attended by about 100 people including Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung, National Assembly member Song Gap-seok, Seo-gu Mayor Kim Ikang, and residents.

Seogu held the opening ceremony of the Ppongppong Bridge in front of Balsan Village, Yang 3-dong, on the 11th. <br>[Photo by Seogu]

Seogu held the opening ceremony of the Ppongppong Bridge in front of Balsan Village, Yang 3-dong, on the 11th.
[Photo by Seogu]

In the 1960s, when the textile industry was booming, Bongsong Bridge, which connected Balsan Village and the Imdong textile factory in Buk-gu, was a temporary bridge made by weaving construction site safety planks, frequently used by female workers commuting to and from work.

Later, the bridge was washed away by heavy rain in 1975 and disappeared into history, but discussions for reconstruction began in 2015 as part of the Balsan Village urban regeneration project.

Construction started in June 2021, and the newly completed Bongsong Bridge took two years to finish. The project cost 2.9 billion KRW, funded by city and district budgets, special grants, and special subsidies. The pedestrian bridge is 65 meters long and 5 meters wide.

Additionally, several round windows were installed on the bridge walls to reflect the image of the bridge on the Gwangju Stream, reminiscent of the old Bongsong Bridge. A canopy, observatory, and nighttime lighting facilities were also added to enhance its cultural and tourism appeal.

Seo-gu expects that with the reconstruction of Bongsong Bridge, the development of the Imdong textile factory site, and the creation of Balsan Neighborhood Park, this area will become a landmark representing Gwangju.

Kim Ikang, Seo-gu Mayor, said, "The newly renovated Bongsong Bridge will be a new path leading to a vibrant future for Gwangju. It will serve as a nostalgic spot for the elderly, a hot place for young people, and a path of coexistence that bridges generations. It will also strengthen cooperation and solidarity between Seo-gu and Buk-gu."