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The Suyeonggang Human Bridge embodies Busan's 15-minute city philosophy
The Suyeonggang Human Bridge makes Busan more walkable and adds a new attraction for citizens and visitors to enjoy.
The Suyeonggang Human Bridge is now complete, establishing a pedestrian walkway across the Suyeonggang River. The footbridge connects both banks of the river to provide barrier-free access between residential areas and APEC Naru Park and Busan Cinema Center.
Before the bridge opening, the walk from the Hyeopseong Renaissance Apartment complex, on the Suyeong-gu bank of the river, to APEC Naru Park, on the Haeundae-gu side, covered about 1.3 kilometers. Pedestrians had to cross either the Suyeonggyo Bridge or the Jwasuyeonggyo Bridge alongside vehicle traffic. Now, however, the walk is roughly 250 meters.
First promoted in 2020, the Suyeonggang Human Bridge Development Project is a key element of Busan's 15-Minute City initiative. Construction began in 2023 to enhance pedestrian mobility and expand waterfront cultural and tourism spaces. The completion of the bridge creates a continuous walkway between the commercial and cultural spaces of Centum City, the leisure and tourism spots of Gwangalli and the residential neighborhoods between.
The curving walkway spans 254 meters across and stands four meters above the water. Cine Island, a 20-meter-high observation deck in the middle of the bridge, features 360-degree views of the river and the surrounding cityscape. Suyeonggang Human Bridge is expected to attract residents and visitors and may serve as a venue for future cultural events and performances.
As a barrier-free walkway, the bridge is equipped with elevators and gentle ramps to ensure accessibility for everyone, especially for individuals in wheelchairs and families with strollers. In addition, Busan plans to designate the bridge as the city's first pedestrian-only thoroughfare, prohibiting vehicles, bicycles and personal mobility devices to create a safe and pleasant environment.
A Busan City official stated, "The Suyeonggang Human Bridge is a symbolic example that best embodies the 15-minute city philosophy our city has pursued. It will serve as a cultural axis connecting mountains, rivers, beaches and Busan's major attractions through pedestrian-oriented routes, beginning from neighborhood walking paths near one's home." The official added, "We will strive to make Busan a city where everyday life - where citizens walk and meet neighbors, sharing the warmth of community - becomes its present and future, a city people would choose to live in even if born again."
The bridge will be a pedestrian-only road.