Suicide Bridge (Suicide Bridge in South Korea)

The Mapo Bridge is a bridge spanning the Han River between Mapo-gu and Yeongdeungpo-gu in Seoul. The bridge has 10 lanes in both directions and is 1.6 kilometers long. The upstream of this bridge is Yuanxiao Bridge, and the downstream is Xijiang Bridge.

Construction of Mapo Bridge started in February 1968 and was completed in May 1970. It is 1,600 meters long and 10 meters high. It was named "Seoul Bridge" when it was completed. It was renamed "Mapo Bridge" in 1984. Bridge".

Mapo Bridge is ordinary among many bridges, but what happened here is extraordinary. Mapo Bridge is also known as the "Suicide Bridge", and you will know what it is just by hearing the name. From 2007 to 2012, more than 100 people jumped from the bridge to their deaths.

In order to change this situation, the South Korean government renovated the bridge. Many inspirational phrases were placed on the railings on both sides of the bridge, such as: "Go and see your loved ones now", "The brightest The time is almost here”, hoping to reflect humanistic care in this way.

There are also sculptures showing comfort to friends on Mapo Bridge.

There are also tempting delicacies and some beautiful things posted on the bridge. I hope these people who commit suicide will be reminded of the good times when they see these photos.

A lifeline is installed on the bridge. People who have suicidal thoughts can call this number to seek help. Psychological counseling will be provided on the other end of the phone.

This move by the government has aroused praise, but what is unexpected is that in the one year after the renovation, the number of suicides on the Mapo Bridge increased instead of falling. As many as 93 people committed suicide in one year, six times more than the previous year. As of the end of 2017, according to incomplete statistics, the cumulative number of suicides in the past four years has exceeded 300.

Some netizens believe that the slogans on the bridge are heartwarming to an ordinary person, but to a person who is so depressed that he wants to commit suicide, these words are ironic. Among the many photos, many are of happy and warm family photos, but what if that person’s family happens to be unfortunate? This was a fatal blow to him. The suicide rate that has increased several times has raised questions: What makes this bridge so popular among suicides?