Arched Bridge of Heungguksa Temple, Yeosu

This is a rainbow-shaped stone bridge at the entrance to Heungguksa Temple. It is built resting against the rock of both banks of the stream, and its underside, formed of fan-shaped stones fitted and turned together, creates a rainbow-shaped arch (hongye). On either side, walls built up of rounded stones stretch out gracefully like a crane spreading its wings, giving the whole a sense of harmony. At the centre of the arch, capstones project outward on both sides, each decorated at its tip with a dragon's head, so that the dragons appear to be looking down beneath the bridge. Built in 1639, the seventeenth year of King Injo of Joseon, it is the tallest and longest rainbow-shaped stone bridge known to survive, and a beautiful bridge that blends well with its surrounding scenery.

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Where it is

Region

Yeosu, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Treasure · 보물