Extreme Rainfall... Old Sandonggyo Bridge, Gwangju's Only Korean War Battleground, at Risk of Collapse

Some Supports Broken and Cracks Found Throughout
Severe Structural Damage Detected

On the afternoon of the 18th, the old Sandonggyo Bridge in Dongnim-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, was damaged due to extreme heavy rain the previous day. Photo by Min Chanki

The old Sandonggyo Bridge, the only battleground in Gwangju during the Korean War, is now at risk of collapse due to heavy rainfall the previous day.

According to Buk-gu, Gwangju, on July 18, the old Sandonggyo Bridge located in Dongnim-dong, Buk-gu, suffered significant damage after extreme heavy rain fell the previous day. It has been found that parts of the bridge's supports have broken, and cracks have appeared in various places, causing severe structural damage overall.

Buk-gu authorities believe that soil and debris swept by the torrential downpour struck the bridge and caused the damage. They have completely restricted access to the area and plan to carry out repairs after conducting a safety inspection.

An official from the district said, "We will quickly develop a restoration plan, taking into account both the historical significance of the bridge and the safety of local residents."

Constructed in 1934, the "old Sandonggyo Bridge" was originally built as part of National Route 1, connecting Mokpo in Jeonnam and Sinuiju. Currently, the bridge is preserved as a structure 6 meters wide and 228 meters long.

This site is the only Korean War battleground in Gwangju, where a joint military and police unit blew up the bridge on July 23, 1950, to prevent North Korean forces from occupying the city. A new Sandonggyo Bridge was constructed in 1992. The old Sandonggyo Bridge has been preserved, and in 2011, it was designated as a memorial facility by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, with Buk-gu responsible for its maintenance.