At first, there were points, which then people connected two lonely dots with a bridge. These dots became a line, thus creating a new road. Once the distance between the two points was connected, the people of the two points were finally able to meet anytime and bridge their longing for each other. Busan’s bridges are the children of love and longing for the lonely and the missed. Perhaps, that’s why the gigantic structures of steel and concrete seem to beat with the warmth of the heart. When the night falls, such warmth turns into brilliant colors that create dazzling sceneries of dancing light. We set out in search of the bridges that make Busan what it is.

Yeongdodaegyo and Busandaegyo Bridges

Yeongdodaegyo and Busandaegyo Bridges stand like siblings as they bridge the district of Jung-gu with Yeongdo. Yeongdo Bridge was the first drawbridge in Korea, and one of the symbols of Busan. It also served as the meeting point for many of the displaced war refugees during the Korean War. Next to it stands Busandaegyo Bridge, which was built in 1980. The best time to see the two bridges side by side is at 2:00 p.m., the only time of the day when Yeongdodaegyo Bridge is lifted. Moreover, the best point to watch them is the Yurari Square beside Jagalchi Market and the rooftop observation deck at the Lotte Department Store Gwangbok Branch. Yeongdodaegyo Bridge and the Busandaegyo Bridge themselves also make good places to watch the other side.

Gwangandaegyo Bridge

One of the landmarks of Busan, Gwangandaegyo Bridge can be seen from Gwangalli Beach, Haeundae, or Waterside Park. As the largest double-layer bridge in Korea, Gwangandaegyo Bridge inspires with its massive presence. The upper deck of the bridge offers a panoramic view of the unbelievably beautiful seas of Busan, the Oryukdo Islets just out of arm’s reach, and the elegant perch of Dongbaekseom Island next to the Haeundae Beach. Gwangandaegyo Bridge is also known for its breathtaking light shows involving more than 100,000 colors each night. Gwangalli Beach is the best place to enjoy this light show. Once the night arrives, many people flock to the beach to witness the beauty of the bridge at night. Others opt to take a yacht to appreciate Gwangandaegyo Bridge completely.

Namhangdaegyo Bridge

Bridging the Amnam-dong area of Seo-gu and Yeongseon-dong area of Yeongdo-gu, Namhangdaegyo Bridge was established to facilitate the transportation of goods between Pusan Newport and North Port. A walking trail is established on the bridge, allowing the visitors an expansive view over the area surrounding the South Port of Busan. At night, the trail lights up with 2,500 LED lights, which has established the trail as one of the new sites for night views in Busan. The best place to see the Namhangdaegyo Bridge is the Bongnaesan Mountain (395 m) of Yeongdo. A short climb along the excellently paved hiking trail makes the climb a breeze for anyone. Yeongdo’s Huinnyeoul Culture Village or the South Port Embankment are good points as well. Amnam Park also offers a view from a different angle along with its beautiful cliffs.

Busanhangdaegyo Bridge

Busanhangdaegyo Bridge is a powerful presence in front of Busanhang Port. Connecting Yeongdo-gu with Nam-gu, this is considered one of the most prominent bridges in Busan, along with Gwangandaegyo Bridge. Its diamond-shaped tower is the biggest draw of the bridge, and the way it illuminates in the colors of the rainbow in a sunset, adding a figurative icing to the beautiful cake that is the Port of Busan. To get the best view of the bridge, one could go to the mountainside road in Yeongdo, Sinki Forest Café, or Cheonghak Reservoir. Emerging out of the Busan Station and following the Ibagu-gil Road allows one an expansive view of the Port of Busan and the Busanhangdaegyo Bridge too. For an even more dramatic view, take the road to Gubongsan Mountain (404 m) from Ibagu-gil Road.

Eulsukdodaegyo Bridge

Eulsukdodaegyo Bridge crosses the beautiful Nakdonggang Estuary. Unlike most bridges, Eulsukdodaegyo Bridge takes the form of a soft curve, a feature that was added to accommodate Eulsukdo Island, one of the largest sites for migratory birds in East Asia. Eulsukdo Eco Park is the best place to see what Eulsukdo Island and Eulsukdodaegyo Bridge have to offer. The Eco Park provides an exhibition on the natural environment of Nakdonggang Estuary, which prompts visitors to think about what it truly means for humans to coexist with nature. For a more three-dimensional view of the Eulsukdodaegyo Bridge, go to Myeongji Ocean City coastal trail. Walking the trail brings one to a perfect picture of Nakdonggang Estuary, encompassing the migratory bird sites of Nakdonggang River, Eulsukdo Island, and the Eulsukdodaegyo Bridge in a single frame.

Geogadaegyo Bridge

With a construction cost of KRW 1.5 trillion, Geogadaegyo Bridge connects Gadeokdo Island of Busan and Geojedo Island of South Gyeongsang Province. Geogadaegyo Bridge passes through Gadeokdo, Daejukdo, Jungjukdo, Jeodo Islands, and Yuho-ri area, cutting down the distance between Busan and Geojedo Island from 140 km to 60 km in the process. The construction of this bridge created a fantastic coastal drive course from Busan to Geoje and Tongyeong. Moreover, the best place to appreciate the majesty of the bridge itself is at the Yeondaebong Peak of Gadeokdo Island. Reaching the Yeondaebong Peak requires two-hour trekking, but the view is definitely worth it. Moreover, you’ll appreciate the view of the Geogadaegyo Bridge when you reach the sunset, which like the long note of good-quality chocolate, leaves a long, moving note in one’s heart. Gadeokhaean-ro, a coastal road connecting the Cheonseon-dong area with Cheonseonhang Port, is also a perfect place to enjoy the view of the Geogadaegyo Bridge.