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Nonggyo Bridge in South Korea

Can you imagine that a stone bridge constructed without cement could survive a thousand years in rising and falling river waters?

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Nonggyo Bridge
Nonggyo Bridge

The ancient Nonggyo Bridge in Jincheon is the oldest stone bridge found in South Korea. It's constructed of flat reddish rocks laid on the waterbed in a form that resembles fish scales, and also stepping stones lying over the rocks.

The most amusing fact is there is absolutely no cement, nor any other material. Despite constant water level fluctuations and time, the bridge demonstrates surprising longevity. Therefore, Nonggyo Bridge is deemed a kind of engineering marvel.

Practical info

What is the location of the Nonggyo Bridge?

The Nonggyo Bridge can be found in Jincheon, South Korea. It is widely known as one of the oldest structures in Asia, and it was built over a thousand years ago. Jincheon is a small city in South Korea's central area, some 150 kilometers southeast of the national capital, Seoul. Show more

During which period was the Nonggyo Bridge constructed?

Although the exact date of construction of the Nonggyo Bridge remains unknown, it was most likely built between the 7th and 8th centuries, during the period of Silla. The bridge is an engineering wonder that has withstood the test of time without the need for significant repairs. Its unique construction process is believed to be responsible for its longevity, which employed flat rocks laid over the riverbed without any binding material like cement. Show more

What was the unique technique used in constructing the Nonggyo Bridge, and how was it executed without cement?

The Nonggyo Bridge was built using a one-of-a-kind technique that involved laying flat reddish stones over the riverbed in a fish-scale-like pattern. It was tightly packed so that it would stay in place amidst water flow. This method of construction was referred to as 'dry masonry' because it didn't involve any binding material, such as cement. The bridge's construction has now stood the test of time due to this unique method for building it. Show more

What is the significance of the fish-scale-like construction of the Nonggyo Bridge?

The fish-scale-like architecture of the Nonggyo Bridge holds immense importance due to several reasons. To start, it makes the bridge resilient to fluctuating river water levels, as the rocks used in the construction procedure remain stable even when the water flows. Second, it is aesthetically pleasing, providing it with a compelling visual appeal. Finally, it is a critical engineering marvel that has continued to stand strong and is noteworthy when it comes to bridge construction technology history. Show more

Are there other historical engineering marvels similar to the Nonggyo Bridge in South Korea?

Although South Korea has many historical engineering wonders, there are no bridges like the Nonggyo Bridge when it comes to construction. Nonetheless, there are other engineering feats like the massive Cheomseongdae Observatory constructed during the Silla period, and the Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These structures stand as proof of the incredible architectural and engineering skills ancient Koreans possessed. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin