The walking-only arch bridge over Jeoncheon stream puts the East Sea within sight
The city of Donghae announced Monday that a pedestrian-only river bridge over Jeoncheon stream — the main recreational waterway in the city's southern district — will open in December.
Donghae has been developing a public theme park along the Jeoncheon waterfront and said the crescent-shaped walking bridge is now 90 percent complete, with 18.5 billion won ($14 million) invested in the project — 60 percent from provincial funds and 40 percent from the city.
The scenic pedestrian bridge, to be built near the Jeoncheon estuary, is a 120-meter arch cable structure that will connect the previously separated neighborhoods of Songjeong-dong and Bukpyeong-dong on either side of the stream.
Once open, the bridge is expected to improve residents' mobility and make it easier to enjoy leisure activities such as walking and exercise by linking up with existing riverside trails.
The bridge will offer views of the Jeoncheon estuary and the East Sea.
Nighttime lighting will also be installed, adding a new after-dark attraction to Donghae's growing tourism scene.
The bridge is the latest step in the city's ongoing effort to expand the Jeoncheon waterfront as a public recreational space.
Over the years, Donghae has developed the area in stages, adding a grass plaza, a children's traffic safety square, a floating garden deck, cherry blossom lighting, a park golf course and a character-themed park, gradually transforming Jeoncheon into a go-to leisure destination for residents.
Alongside this, the city is carrying out a flood-prevention project covering a 7.92-kilometer stretch from Mureung Park Golf Course to the estuary, including riverbank reinforcement and channel maintenance work, while also connecting existing waterfront facilities and walking paths to improve public access.
The bridge's main structural work is finished and its overall form is in place. The city plans to complete the remaining work — including deck paving, railing installation, nighttime lighting, connecting walkway improvements and safety inspections — without delay.
Jeoncheon stream carries clear water from Dutasan and Cheongoksan in the Baekdudaegan mountain range through Mureung Valley before emptying into the East Sea.
Hong Seong-pyo, head of the city's construction division, said the bridge "will serve as a new pedestrian link between Songjeong and Bukpyeong, and a space where residents can experience firsthand the results of the Jeoncheon waterfront development project we have been pursuing." He added that the city would "thoroughly complete the remaining work and safety checks so that residents can use it safely and conveniently."
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