A Refreshing Visit to Nongdari Bridge
"I promised myself to visit again someday"—and in the refreshing month of May, I returned to Nongdari Bridge.
Moreover, a new suspension bridge, Mir 309, has recently been built near Nongdari, right?
Upon arriving at the spacious and well-maintained Nongdari parking lot, I ventured further inside to find the 'Nongdari Storyum'.
With its sleek exterior, Nongdari Storyum offers a variety of experiential programs suitable for children, all within a free exhibition space.
It's open from 9 AM to 6 PM, but it's closed every Monday, so keep that in mind.
There's also a photo zone decorated with flowers, perfect for a quick picture.
However, with the closing time for the suspension bridge approaching, I hurried along.
As I walked further in, a vast open field unfolded before me. May truly showcases nature's beauty with its vibrant greenery.
Amidst the lush scenery stood an artificial waterfall, and I was fortunate to arrive just in time to see it in action. Watching the cool water flow made me feel as if my daily stresses were washing away.
At the top of the waterfall, the phrase 'Saenggeo Jincheon' was engraved, which means 'a livable place, Jincheon'. This was the very spot I had often passed by before.
After crossing the grassy area, I finally reached Nongdari Bridge, known as the oldest and longest stone bridge in South Korea.
"It is said to have been built in the early Goryeo Dynasty and is designated as the 28th cultural heritage site of Chungbuk Province. The bridge is made up of 28 arches, measuring about 93.6 meters in length and 3.6 meters in width."
Due to its winding shape resembling a centipede, it's also called 'Jinedari'.
What's astonishing is its construction method. Despite being built without lime or adhesives, the bridge has maintained its shape for over a thousand years, even during monsoon seasons.
Walking on the bridge, I could hear the sound of water flowing beneath my feet, and the swift current was exhilarating.
I tightly tucked my phone back into my pocket, thinking, "If I drop it here, I’ll never find it again!"
Nongdari Bridge retains its natural beauty, so caution is necessary. After rain, water levels can rise rapidly, leading to flooding.
Crossing the bridge, I faced a choice: end my journey or continue to Mir 309 Suspension Bridge.
It was about a 700-meter walk to the suspension bridge, but since I had come this far, I decided to go for it.
Looking at the map, I understood why this place is associated with the word 'Mir' (dragon); the shape of the lake surrounded by mountains resembles a dragon lying down.
The path from Nongdari to the suspension bridge was gentle and well-maintained, making it easy to walk.
It took about 15 to 20 minutes to reach.
Finally, the suspension bridge revealed itself. Standing on the 309-meter bridge spanning the lake, I was met with breathtaking views of the open lake and surrounding mountains.
The absence of a central tower made the experience even more thrilling.
Seeing the stunning scenery made it clear why a suspension bridge was built here.
Beneath me was a lake whose depth was hard to gauge, surrounded by mountains that made me feel as if I were standing in the heart of nature.
I recommend spending a leisurely day in Jincheon during this beautiful season of greenery.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/cbkb21/224277462686
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