Seoul Suicide Bridge Seeks New Image (Video)

A bridge across the River Han, known as a favorite spot for suicides in Seoul, is aiming to rebrand itself as a bridge of life to help reduce the number of people leaping to their deaths.

The Mapo Bridge has seen over 100 suicide attempts in the last five years alone.

South Korea's suicide rate has been the highest among developed nations for the past eight years, with almost 43 people choosing to end their lives every day. The bridge is now adorned with inspirational quotes and images. The messages on the railing on the Mapo Bridge were chosen by psychiatrists and are aimed at reducing tension and even getting people to relax with humor.

"Did you know gorillas all have blood type B?" reads one message. Another bears a standard Korean greeting: "Have you eaten yet?"

"Doesn't it feel good to be outside walking on a bridge?" asks another, while another simply says "Worries are nothing".

Some photographs of cheerful members of a family have been posted and there's even a statue of a person comforting another.

Experts say a major reason for South Korea's high suicide rate is a reluctance to bring up issues like mental illness or stress in a society in which people fear being stigmatized.