Pohang Dongbin Bridge on Track for Early Completion This Year... Expected to Improve Urban Traffic

Accelerated Construction for October Opening This Year
Dispersing Traffic, Reducing Travel Time, and Boosting Tourism Demand

On the 10th, Pohang City announced that the Dongbin Bridge construction project, aimed at improving urban traffic flow and revitalizing local tourism, is progressing smoothly.

Aerial view of Dongbin Bridge.

Originally scheduled for completion in June 2026, Pohang City is accelerating the construction pace through consultations with Gyeongbuk Province and the contractor, targeting an opening in October this year.

Dongbin Bridge is a large-scale project with a total length of 395 meters and four lanes, connecting Songdo-dong in Nam-gu and Hanggu-dong in Buk-gu, Pohang City, with a total project cost of 78.4 billion KRW.

Currently, steel box installation for the approach bridges at both ends and bridge slab installation are underway. Once the bridge slab closure is completed in May, the basic shape of the bridge will be revealed, followed by final finishing works, with plans to open the road in October.

Upon opening, travel time between Songdo Beach and Yeongildae Beach is expected to be reduced from the current 10 minutes to 3 to 4 minutes. Additionally, commuting time for vehicles traveling to nearby industrial complexes such as POSCO will decrease, which is expected to help disperse traffic volume on urban roads.

Moreover, Dongbin Bridge is anticipated to become a representative tourist attraction of Pohang, beyond being just a bridge.

A main tower standing 64 meters above the water surface will be erected, featuring indoor and outdoor observatories with 360˚ panoramic views. Citizens will be able to take an elevator up to the bridge to enjoy sea views and experience crossing the sea on foot via pedestrian walkways.

With the addition of nightscape lighting emphasizing the nighttime view and observatory facilities, nighttime tourism demand is also expected to increase.

In particular, the opening of Dongbin Bridge is expected to have a positive impact on revitalizing the local commercial district.

Improved accessibility via the bridge is anticipated to increase foot traffic at Songdo Beach and Yeongildae Beach, invigorating related industries such as nearby lodging and dining businesses.

Furthermore, reduced commuting times for workers at POSCO and the national industrial complex are expected to contribute to increased productivity for companies within the industrial complex.

Mayor Lee Kang-deok stated, “Dongbin Bridge is expected to become a key infrastructure for urban traffic and contribute to revitalizing the local economy beyond being just a bridge. We will do our best to complete the project promptly to enhance citizens’ convenience and develop it into a tourist attraction.”