In response to a rockslide a few years ago, the city of Seogwipo has built a bridge at Yongmeori Cliff. Officials say it offers tourists an exceptional view of the area, but critics say it’s an eyesore. Mike Balfour reports.

[slug]
Yongmeori Cliff in Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo

Yongmeori Cliff in Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo is one of the nation’s natural monuments.

Tourists cross a bridge near the volcanic cliff.

[slug]
Access partially restricted following 2014 rockslide

In November, 2014 a small rockslide occurred, injuring a tourist. The area was closed after the accident.


The shutdown cut the middle of the trail and visitors had to use two separate routes.

At the closed point, they had to return.


Seogwipo City spent 500 million won and recently finished building the bridge linking the two parts of the trail.

Yi Hyeon-sang / Seogwipo municipal administration
We’ve built the bridge for tourists as a detour around the dangerous spot and to let them enjoy the whole cliff.
< 이현상 / 서귀포시 문화예술과 >
위험 구간을 우회할 수 있는 교량 설치로 관람객 안전이 확보되고 관람 환경도 단절 없이 한번에 돌 수 있게 되는 편의를 도모할 수 있습니다.

Visitors are now able to enjoy the jaw-dropping scenery without stopping in the middle of the trail.

Kim Hyeon-ji / Tourist
I like this bridge. I might have given up finishing this long trail if it wasn’t connected and I had to restart from the opposite end.
< 김현지 / 경남 김해시 >
다리가 없었으면 전체를 보기 어려웠을 것 같은데 다리 때문에 용머리해안 전체를 둘러볼 수 있어서 관광객 입장에서는 좋습니다.

[slug]
Critics say bridge is an eyesore

The bridge is 25 meters long and 2.8 meters wide.

Despite its usefulness, some point out that the marble and steel bridge is an eyesore and not in harmony with the surroundings.

Kim Mal-ja / Tourist
It’s quite disappointing that this ugly artificial structure is placed within this natural artwork. I wish that the bridge was in harmony with nature.
< 김말자 / 대구시 북구 >
이렇게 아름다운, 신이 만들어 놓은 자연에다 인간이 편리하도록 그냥 갖다 놓지 말고 어우러지도록 신경써서 만들었으면 하는 아쉬움…

[reporter]
Mike Balfour

[CAMERA]
Hyeon Gwang-hoon

The new bridge is convenient and safe for visitors to the cliff but many feel the city should have considered an alternative design.

Mike Balfour KCTV