[Exclusive] 30 Years in Isolation... Seoul City Pushes to Relocate 'Seongsu Bridge Memorial Monument'

Discussions Begin Among Relevant Departments for Relocation of Memorial Monument
Possibility of Moving to Seoul Forest... Differences Among Managing Organizations
"Does Not Align with Purpose of Seoul Forest and May Damage Green Space"
"Will Review and Consider Various Opinions Comprehensively"

There are ongoing discussions about relocating the 'Seongsu Bridge Accident Victims Memorial Monument,' which currently stands alone at the Seongsu Bridge North Interchange (IC). The monument is located in a place that is difficult to access, whether on foot or by car, and there have been repeated requests for its relocation. The Seoul Metropolitan Government is considering moving it into Seoul Forest, but the organization operating Seoul Forest has expressed opposition to this plan.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government and other related parties on July 10, the city has recently begun consultations with relevant departments and organizations to review possible sites and administrative procedures within Seoul Forest for the relocation of the Seongsu Bridge Memorial Monument. A city official stated, "We are currently reviewing specific plans for the relocation of the memorial monument," and added, "We plan to gather and comprehensively review various opinions."

On October 21 last year, a joint memorial service for the 30th anniversary of the Seongsu Bridge collapse was held in front of the memorial monument at the north end of Seongsu Bridge in Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun

The Seongsu Bridge Memorial Monument was erected on October 21, 1997, three years after the Seongsu Bridge collapse, at the north interchange of Seongsu Bridge in Seongdong-gu to honor the victims. The current location was chosen to reflect the wishes of the bereaved families, who requested that the monument be placed where the bridge could be seen. The monument measures 3.7 meters wide, 2.0 meters long, and 4.0 meters high.

However, in 2005, when a new road connecting the north end of Seongsu Bridge to the Gangbyeonbuk-ro was opened, accessibility to the monument was lost. Now, it is virtually impossible to reach the monument on foot. Even by car, visitors must park near the monument and cross a major road without a traffic signal. Although the monument was built to honor the victims and serve as a reminder to prevent similar tragedies, a crosswalk could not be installed on the only access road because it is a high-speed road.

There have been previous demands for the relocation of the monument. In 2005, after access became difficult, former and current principals of Muhak Girls' High School requested its relocation, but at that time, the bereaved families reportedly opposed the move. Last year, marking the 30th anniversary of the tragedy, the Seongdong-gu District Office requested discussions with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the head of the Seoul Eastern Park and Leisure Center regarding the relocation of the monument. The city discussed the matter with relevant departments and organizations, but the discussions concluded with only improvements to parking facilities.

In this renewed effort, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is considering the Seoul Forest observation deck, located north of the current monument, as one of the potential new sites. This option reflects the opinion that the monument should be relocated to Seoul Forest, which is not far from its current location and is frequented by many visitors, so that more citizens can pay their respects.

However, there are differing views among the relevant departments and organizations. The Seoul Eastern Park and Leisure Center, which operates Seoul Forest, opposes the relocation, citing concerns that it does not align with the purpose of Seoul Forest and could lead to forest damage. Other departments have also reportedly expressed concerns about site management.

There is also a need to discuss which organization would be responsible for managing the monument after its relocation. Although the Seoul Metropolitan Government supported the construction of the monument by securing the site after the Seongsu Bridge collapse, the district office and bereaved families have since managed the annual memorial services. A city official said, "Since the proposed site for relocation is a green space, we need to hear from the relevant department, and the position of the managing organization is also important. We will make a decision after confirming various opinions."

Seongsu Bridge viewed from the memorial monument at the north end of Seongsu Bridge in Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun