Arched Bridge in Beolgyo, Boseong

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.304

Category

Other

Era

조선시대

Designated year

1963

Location

보성군, 전라남도— 전남 보성군 벌교읍 벌교리 154-1번지

Coordinates

34.850087, 127.338423

A Honggyo Bridge indicates one that has an arch-shape looking from underneath like the rainbow. It is also called an arch-bridge, Hongyegyo Bridge or Rainbow Bridge. This is the largest of the rainbow bridges still standing, and people still often cross it. In the past, it is said to have been called Beolgyo, because it used to be a raft bridge. A monk from Seonamsa Temple made it as a stone bridge in the 5th year of the reign of King Yeongjo (1729) of Joseon. In his 13th year (1737), the bridge was repaired and rebuilt as a three-arch rainbow bridge. Through a four-year reconstruction from 1981 to 1984, it took on its present look. Under the bridge, in the middle of the ceiling, the stone is engraved with a dragonhead which protrudes and faces the bottom, symbolizing of a folk belief about water and dragons. In the past, a wind-bell was laid on the dragon’s nose to reverberate. The river that flows under the bridge is connected to the sea. The river bottom is visible at a falling tide, while most of the bridge is flooded at a rising tide. Originally, the bridge was estimated to be 4 meters wide and 80 meters long. Its appearance is grand though simple. It is considered a magnificent work with a beautiful shape and displaying exceptional skills. A banquet has been held every 60 years for its 60th anniversary by the village people.

Location