WONJU, Jan. 12 (Korea Bizwire) — A 200m long, 1.5m wide walking suspension bridge, the largest in the country, has been completed and is open for daredevils starting January 11.
The bridge is part of the Sogeum Mountain hiking trail in Wonju and spans a chasm between two peaks.
Construction on the project began last August. With the start of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics growing nearer by the day, the bridge is part of a “boom up” effort to enhance and improve sights and attractions for tourists.
Those who feel more than a twinge of trepidation regarding the safety of the bridge need not fear; the 40mm diameter reinforced cables buttressing the structure can withstand gales up to 40 m/s and support the simultaneous crossing of 1,285 adults weighing 70kg each.
To make the crossing just a bit more daring, the bridge’s walkway is made of latticed steel.
For the more audacious, LED lights are installed so the bridge can be traversed at night.
Access is free of charge until the end of this year, and winter season hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)