Dolsandaegyo Bridge
Great Love and Deep Longing Would Become a Bridge
Measuring 450 m in length, 11.7 m in width, and 62 m in height, Dolsandaegyo Bridge was constructed between December 1980 and December 1984, becoming Korea’s second bridge of its type after Jindodaegyo Bridge.
Inspired by the heartfelt wish that “Great Love and Deep Longing Would Become a Bridge,” Dolsandaegyo Bridge has become an iconic symbol of Dolsan.
Nearby lies Janggundo Island, where an underwater fortress was built to defend against Japanese invaders.
A cable-stayed bridge illuminated in 50 different color effects at night, Dolsandaegyo Bridge presents a dazzling sight. Connecting Dolsan Island to the mainland, it symbolizes the island’s new connection to the mainland by road and has become one of Dolsan’s most recognizable landmarks.
Janggundo Island, home to what is known as Korea’s only underwater fortress, was fortified in 1497 by naval commander Yi Ryang, who built stone defenses in the turbulent waters to protect the area from Japanese raiders and pirates. The defenses were so formidable that enemies dared not approach the island, giving rise to its name, Janggundo (“General’s Island”). In fact, visitors can walk between Dolsan and Janggundo Island during the exceptionally low tides of Yeongdeung and Baekjung. Although little remains of the original fortress, large stones bearing signs of human workmanship still offer a glimpse of what Janggun Fortress once looked like.
Today, beautiful lights illuminate the area, creating an exotic atmosphere against the backdrop of Yeosu Port at night. The nighttime views of Dolsandaegyo Bridge and Janggundo Island from nearby Dolsan Park capture the beauty of Yeosu, where the sea and city lights come together.
Dolsando Island, home to approximately 15,000 residents, is located just off the coast of Yeosu. However, because it was separated from the mainland, residents had to rely on boats for their daily activities and to travel to school. To address these inconveniences, construction of a bridge connecting Dolsando Island to the mainland began in 1980, and Dolsandaegyo Bridge was completed on December 15, 1984.
The bridge’s completion ceremony in 1984 was a major event attended by the president of South Korea. The completion of Dolsandaegyo Bridge led to the development of Dolsan Park. Along with Museulmok Beach and Dongbaekgol Beach, Hyangiram Hermitage, once a quiet Buddhist retreat, gained nationwide recognition as a popular destination for watching the sunrise and offering prayers, becoming a must-visit attraction in Yeosu.
The road connection to the mainland also boosted the distribution of agricultural products from Dolsan, and Dolsan mustard greens became widely renowned as the signature ingredient of gat kimchi (leaf mustard kimchi). In October 2000, a decorative lighting system was installed, featuring eight lighting programs capable of producing more than 50 different color effects, creating a spectacular nighttime display.
