Sinking bridge's artistic connection

e Sinking Bridge of Seongsu

Once upon a time in the bustling city of Seoul, South Korea, there stood a magnificent bridge named Seongsu Bridge. It was a symbol of architectural brilliance, connecting the neighborhoods of Seongsu and Seongdong with its elegant structure. Locals marveled at its grandeur, especially during sunset when the bridge seemed to blend with the golden sky, casting a magical aura over the Han River.

However, there was a peculiar legend associated with Seongsu Bridge. According to the local folklore, every once in a while, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the bridge would sink into the river, only to reemerge the next morning unscathed. While many dismissed it as mere fiction, some believed that the bridge had a mind of its own.

In a small apartment near Seongsu Bridge, lived a young girl named Ji-won. She had grown up hearing tales of the sinking bridge from her grandmother, who claimed to have witnessed it many years ago. Ji-won was fascinated by the legend and spent countless hours gazing at the bridge, eagerly waiting for the moment it would sink.

One summer evening, as Ji-won watched the sun setting behind the bridge, she noticed something peculiar. The colors in the sky seemed more vibrant, and the air felt charged with anticipation. She held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest, as she witnessed Seongsu Bridge slowly descending into the Han River.

In awe, Ji-won grabbed her sketchbook and pencils, determined to capture this momentous event. She hurriedly made her way to the riverbank, joining a small crowd that had gathered to witness the spectacle. The sinking bridge bathed the river in an ethereal light, as if it had become one with the water.

As the bridge sank deeper, Ji-won noticed a figure emerging from beneath the surface. It was a girl, not much older than herself, with luminous skin and flowing, iridescent hair. The mysterious girl beckoned Ji-won to come closer, her eyes filled with a sense of longing.

Compelled by curiosity, Ji-won stepped into the shallow water, wading towards the girl. She felt a strange energy pulsating through the river, enveloping her in a surreal embrace. The mysterious girl smiled, revealing a glimmer of hope that touched Ji-won's heart.

"I have been trapped beneath the river for centuries," the girl spoke in a soft, melodic voice. "Seongsu Bridge is my only connection to the world above. But I can never be truly free."

Ji-won listened intently, her eyes brimming with empathy. "Is there anything I can do to help you?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.

The girl nodded and extended her hand, revealing a shimmering pearl. "This is a gift from the river. It holds the power to break the curse that binds me. Take it, Ji-won, and find a way to release me from this eternal imprisonment."

With trembling hands, Ji-won accepted the pearl, feeling a surge of responsibility. She vowed to uncover the mystery behind the curse and set the girl free. Days turned into weeks, and Ji-won immersed herself in research, studying ancient scrolls and seeking guidance from wise elders.

Finally, a revelation struck Ji-won. Legend had it that a sacred ritual performed on the eve of the bridge's sinking would break the curse. The ritual required the cooperation of the entire community, a unified act of faith.

Ji-won rallied the people of Seongsu and Seongdong, sharing her findings and inspiring them to participate in the ritual. On the appointed day, the residents gathered by the river, carrying lanterns and candles, their

voices joining in a harmonious chant.

As the sun began its descent, Seongsu Bridge started sinking once again, but this time, the sinking wasn't a solitary event. The combined faith of the community invoked a powerful energy, breaking the curse that held the girl captive. With each heartfelt prayer, the girl's form transformed into pure light, rising from the river's depths.

Ji-won's eyes filled with tears of joy as she watched the girl ascend, her radiant essence blending with the colors of the sunset. The curse had been broken, and the girl was finally free.

From that day forward, Seongsu Bridge continued to sink during sunset, but it no longer held the weight of a curse. It became a reminder of the power of unity and the indomitable spirit of the community. Ji-won, now an adult, became a renowned artist, immortalizing the tale of Seongsu Bridge and the girl who had found her freedom.

And so, the legend of the sinking bridge of Seongsu lived on, reminding the people of Seoul that in the face of adversity, unity and faith can bring forth miracles, even from the depths of a river.