Ganghwa County to Build Gateway Symbolic Structure at Ganghwa Bridge Entrance

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Shin Eun-seop] A gateway symbolic structure representing Ganghwa County, a historic ancient capital tourist city, will be installed at the entrance to Ganghwa Bridge.

Ganghwa County held a groundbreaking ceremony for the 'Ganghwa Bridge Gateway Symbolic Structure Installation Project' on the 13th, attended by Ganghwa County Governor Yu Cheon-ho, County Council Chairman Shin Deuk-sang, and county councilors.

The structure will be installed near Ganghwa Bridge with a target completion in November, spanning Highway 48 with dimensions of 40.2m in length, 10.3m in width, and 11.5m in height (vehicle passage height H=5.5m).

The symbolic structure, designed with the Mangharu Pavilion of the East Gate of Ganghwa Fortress as a motif, will have LED lighting installed on its outer walls and media functions implemented to express the historical significance and vitality of Ganghwa County. The upper part of the symbolic structure will be designed as a pedestrian bridge, connecting the currently-under-restoration Jinhae Pavilion and the 'Christian Modern History Memorial Hall' under construction via a pedestrian path.

The symbolic structure combining media facade technology is expected to become a new landmark in the region, capturing visitors' attention and extending their stay time, thus contributing to the revitalization of the local economy.

The county held resident briefing sessions in August 2017 and July 2019 for the installation of the gateway symbolic structure, gathering residents' opinions. Beginning with a design competition in January last year, the county completed all administrative procedures by reflecting opinions from the Public Design Committee and the Ganghwa County Elder Advisory Meeting.

County Governor Yu Cheon-ho stated, "We designed the first gateway to Ganghwa Island, a beautiful island that preserves 5,000 years of history, with the East Gate of Ganghwa Fortress as a motif, making it splendid, dynamic, and reflecting Korean aesthetic lines," and added, "We will make the symbolic structure a representative landmark connecting the tradition and future of Ganghwa Island."