Gwangtonggyo: The Capital’s Primary Bridge
Gwangtonggyo is a bridge named after its location in Gwangtongbang, and served as the capital’s primary bridge—connecting today’s Gwanghwamun and Sungnyemun via Jong-ro.
There were many stores and pubs along Jong-ro, the main street of the capital, and it was always packed with people. Many people in the capital visited the bridge every year to enjoy folk play, such as bridge treading.
The bridge was damaged during Japanese colonial rule, and resulted in the bridge becoming defunct in 1958. During the restoration of Cheonggyecheon Stream in later years, the Seoul Metropolitan Government excavated the site and took measurements while restoring the bridge in 2005.
We hope this exhibition gives you an opportunity to understand the changes Cheonggyecheon Stream has undergone as well as the places and history of Seoul by enjoying the six-century old history of Gwangtonggyo, which has kept its place as the capital’s primary bridge from the Joseon dynasty to modern times.