Arched Bridge of Heungguksa Temple, Yeosu

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.563

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

조선 인조 17년(1639)

Designated year

1972

Location

여수시, 전라남도— 전라남도 여수시 중흥동 산 191-3

Coordinates

34.822744, 127.696947

This arched stone bridge is located near the entrance of Heungguksa, a Buddhist temple in Yeosu. The bridge is built over a small creek, and the abutments built against the left and right banks together form a rainbow-like arched shape. The abutments are built in round stone pieces and extend wide like the spread wings of a crane. A dragon head, placed at the keystone at the top center of the arch, looks down over the water below the bridge. Constructed in 1639 (the 17th year of Injo’s reign), this is the tallest as well as longest arched bridge of the Joseon Dynasty surviving to the present. This elegant bridge beautifully blends into the natural setting surrounding it.

Location