Salgoji Bridge used to be an important passage connecting Hanyang, Joseon’s capital city, with towns lying southeast of it. The construction of the bridge began in the fifth lunar month in 1420 (the 2nd year of King Sejong’s reign), as King Jeongjong and King Taejong frequently took this route during their trips outside the capital city. But, after King Taejong’s death, the construction was put on hold, and the bridge was left unfinished, as this route was seldom traveled by the king. The construction resumed later in 1475 (the sixth year of King Seongjong’s reign), as the route was by then frequently traveled, even if not by the king, and came to completion in 1483 (the 14th year of King Seongjong’s reign). The bridge was also known as the “Jebangyo,” in reference to its flat and level span, giving the impression of walking on land. The largest of early Joseon bridges, the Salgoji Bridge was built over sixty-four stone piers. The stone piers were made in the shape of a trapezoid to minimize the resistance of water. During heavy rains sometime in the 1920s, some parts of the bridge were swept away. The bridge was later rebuilt in the 1970s. The reconstruction work erased some of its original appearance with concrete blocks added to the right side of the span.


Salgoji Bridge - 304 - Salgoji Bridge