Exploring the Kwai River Bridge Skywalk
- Original source
- blog.naver.com
Have you heard of the exotic skywalk named the Kwai River Bridge located in Changwon, Masan, Gyeongsangnam-do?
This iconic structure connects the small island of Jodo with the mainland through a red iron bridge. It turns out that the name comes from an old movie titled 'The Bridge on the River Kwai.'
Let me take you on a journey to explore the views and experiences I encountered while walking on this skywalk.
The skywalk operates year-round, with winter hours from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (November to February) and summer hours from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (March to October). Admission is free, but access may be restricted during inclement weather.
On a lovely day, my family decided to take a drive to Changwon Masan. While thinking about where to go, I suddenly remembered the Kwai River Bridge I had visited before.
The bridge, originally named Jodo Bridge, was built during the time of the Ichang County before its integration into Changwon in 1987. It spans 170 meters in length and 3 meters in width, serving as a vital passage for the island's residents.
In 2004, a new bridge was constructed nearby, redirecting vehicular traffic while the old iron bridge was transformed into a pedestrian-only walkway.
The bridge gained fame after its renovation into a skywalk in March 2017. The original concrete deck was replaced with specially designed reinforced glass, enhancing the thrill of walking above the sea.
But why was the name changed to Kwai River Bridge? It turns out that it was inspired by the 1957 film directed by David Lean, which tells the story of British POWs building a railway in Thailand during World War II. The resemblance of the bridge to the one in the film led to its new name.
While I haven't seen the movie, walking on the Kwai River Bridge made me curious to see how similar it is to the one depicted in the film.
As I stepped onto the bridge, I was greeted by a transparent glass floor section in the middle, allowing breathtaking views of the sea below. The shimmering waves and passing boats created a feeling of floating above the water.
If heights make you uneasy, you can choose to walk along the opaque sides of the bridge for a more comfortable experience.
After crossing the Kwai River Bridge, I was intrigued to learn more about Jodo Island, which resembles a lying pig, hence its name derived from the Chinese character for pig.
Though small, Jodo Island is known for its stunning scenery and has been considered one of the nine scenic spots of Masan. The views extend towards the seas of Goseong, Tongyeong, and Geoje, making it a great spot for trekking enthusiasts.
On the return trip, I crossed the new bridge adjacent to the Kwai River Bridge. Although it's a vehicle road, there is a pedestrian path alongside, allowing for a pleasant walk.
As I returned to the parking lot, I noticed a slow mailbox resembling the Kwai River Bridge. Each side of the mailbox delivers letters at different intervals—one side delivers after a month, while the other after a year.
What started as a brief visit turned into a delightful experience as I strolled across the bridge and explored the surroundings. The flat path made it easy for my family to walk without any worries about admission fees or parking.
If you're looking for a light outing by the sea, I highly recommend visiting the Kwai River Bridge.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/gnfeel/224454353641
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