Damaged Sandonggyo Bridge in Gwangju to Be Preserved; Buk-gu Launches Disaster Recovery Project

33.38 Billion Won Invested to Repair 8 Sites and Create a Citizen Rest Area
Construction to Begin by Year-End; Cultural Heritage Designation Under Review
Preserving Memorial Value and Historical Significance as the Only Korean War Battlefield Site in Gwangju

Buk-gu District in Gwangju announced on September 23 that it will initiate the disaster recovery project for the Sandonggyo Bridge by commissioning a detailed safety inspection and implementation design service next month.

On the afternoon of July 18, the old Sandonggyo Bridge in Dongnim-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju was damaged due to extreme heavy rain the previous day. Photo by Min Chanki

A total of 3.338 billion won (with 50% funded by the national government, 20% by the city, and 30% by the district) will be invested to repair eight sites damaged by heavy rain and aging, and to preserve the bridge's value as a memorial facility.

Taking into account its historical significance as the only Korean War battlefield site in the region, the district has chosen to preserve the bridge rather than demolish it. This decision follows the Gwangju Regional Office of Patriots and Veterans Affairs' recommendation that preservation is necessary to uphold the spirit of national merit.

The district plans to begin repairs on cracked or damaged structures by the end of the year at the latest, transforming the area into a recreational space for citizens. After the construction is completed, the district will gather input from citizens and the Gwangju Regional Office of Patriots and Veterans Affairs to consider pursuing designation of Sandonggyo Bridge as a national or Gwangju city cultural heritage site.

However, restoration work can only proceed if the detailed safety inspection confirms that repairs are feasible. A district official stated, "We will develop our plans based on assessments by structural experts and consultations with relevant agencies," adding, "We will restore the Sandonggyo Bridge, which connects Dongnim-dong and Sinchang-dong, safely and swiftly."

Built in 1934 with a length of 228 meters, the Sandonggyo Bridge was the site of the first battle by a joint military and police unit to prevent North Korean forces from occupying Gwangju during the Korean War. As the only Korean War battlefield site in Gwangju, it was designated as a memorial facility by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs in November 2011.

Meanwhile, on July 17, one of the bridge piers was partially destroyed and a total of eight sites were damaged due to heavy rainfall.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.