Korean Bridge Series (2nd)

The second part of the Korean Bridge series presents postage stamps with arch bridges, including Hangang Bridge, Expogyo (Bridge), Tongyeong Bridge, and Banghwa Bridge.
Built from as early as 4000B.C., arch bridges have architecturally ideal structures, as arches dissipate loads effectively. Not only that, arch bridges have long been popular for their beauty. Historic literature shows that Koreans also built arch bridges from the 8th century including Cheongungyo (Bridge) and Baegungyo (Bridge) at Bulguksa temple.



(1) Hangang Bridge
Hangang Bridge, also known as a "pedestrian bridge" as it was mostly used by people and carriages, was built in 1917 as a gateway from the center of Seoul to Noryangjin in the southern part of the city. As traffic increased, the bridge was reconstructed as an arch bridge in 1937. In 1982, an identical bridge was built next to it, constituting twin bridges. Length: 841m Width: 20m

(2) Expogyo (Bridge)
Expogyo (Bridge) was built in 1993 over Gapcheon stream stretching from Daejeon city center to Yuseong city in time for the successful hosting of the 1993 Daejeon International Expo. A red and a blue arch cross above the bridge, symbolizing the Great Absolute of Yin and Yang. Also, 100 cables were installed in the shape of a folding fan to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Korea's first participation in an International Exposition. Length: 330m Width: 18m

(3) Tongyeong Bridge
Tongyeong Bridge, which links Dang-dong and Misu-dong over Chungmu canal, was opened to public in 1998. Over the span of its 149-meter long arch, 196 lights were installed, which reflect a rugby ball shape of lights over the canal at night, in a feast of lights along with green lighting. Length: 591m Width: 20.7 m.

(4) Banghwa Bridge
Banghwa Bridge, completed in 2000, was designed to be reminiscent of the landing and taking off of planes. This 27th bridge over the Han River links Banghwa-dong in Gangseo-gu, Seoul and Goyang City in Gyeonggi-do. The total length of the bridge is 2, 559 meters, which is the longest of the bridges over the Han River. With a width of 31.11m and 6 lanes in both directions, the bridge greatly improves the flow of traffic to and from the airport.

Stamp Issue: 2005-09-23