Yeongdodaegyo Bridge Busan
South Korea's only drawbridge, lifting daily at 2 PM for ships, offering a unique historical and engineering spectacle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Witness the unique bridge lift
Yeongdodaegyo Bridge Busan
Best Time
Witness the unique bridge lift
Highlights
Must-see attractions
South Korea's only drawbridge, lifting daily at 2 PM for ships, offering a unique historical and engineering spectacle.
"The drawbridge is held every Saturday at 2 p.m., and it is recommended to watch from the observation deck."
🎯 Arrive Early for the Lift
Secure a good viewing spot for the 2 PM bridge lift; crowds can gather quickly. :ticket:
⬆️ Elevated Views from Lotte
The 13th floor of Lotte Department Store offers a fantastic vantage point for the bridge lift. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Yeongdodaegyo Bridge Lifting
Yeongdodaegyo Bridge
South Korea's only drawbridge, lifting daily at 2 PM for ships. A truly unique spectacle!
Nampodong Waterfront Walkway
Nampodong side of Yeongdodaegyo Bridge
A beautifully designed walkway with cafes, seating, and views of the bridge and harbor. Perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Panoramic Coastal Views
Igidae Park / Hwangnyeongsan Mountain
Experience breathtaking night views of the Diamond Bridge and city skyline from nearby vantage points.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Witness the Bridge Lift
Best Viewing Spots
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🎯 Arrive Early for the Lift
Secure a good viewing spot for the 2 PM bridge lift; crowds can gather quickly. :ticket:
⬆️ Elevated Views from Lotte
The 13th floor of Lotte Department Store offers a fantastic vantage point for the bridge lift. :camerawithflash:
☕ Relax by the Water
Enjoy the waterfront walkway on the Nampodong side with cafes and seating. :coffee:
🌃 Nighttime Illumination
The bridge and surrounding areas are beautifully lit at night, offering a different charm. :city_sunrise:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for the Lift
Secure a good viewing spot for the 2 PM bridge lift; crowds can gather quickly. :ticket:
⬆️ Elevated Views from Lotte
The 13th floor of Lotte Department Store offers a fantastic vantage point for the bridge lift. :camerawithflash:
☕ Relax by the Water
Enjoy the waterfront walkway on the Nampodong side with cafes and seating. :coffee:
🌃 Nighttime Illumination
The bridge and surrounding areas are beautifully lit at night, offering a different charm. :city_sunrise:
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Yurari Square
Combine your visit with a stroll through the historic Yurari Square for more photo opportunities. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Yeongdodaegyo Bridge for its unique daily lift, a rare spectacle in South Korea. The waterfront walkway offers a pleasant atmosphere with cafes and seating, and the adjacent Lotte Department Store provides excellent viewing opportunities. Some find the lift itself not overly dramatic but appreciate its historical significance and the chance for unique photos.
"Shortly before 2pm on Saturday, 22 March, 2025, our tour guide took our party of seven here. We, including the tour guide (due to the restrictive schedule), watched the opening of the Bridge for the first time. It wasn’t sensational, but there was quite a crowd there."
Peter Kam Fai Cheung
"There is a Beautiful walkway below the Bridge Nampodong side. So Beautifully made up qith Toilets and a Light house. People fish, fancy seats for sitting with lovely Coffee shops and eating places. Unique, Pretty and soothing to the mind if ones tired."
Dom Both
"Park Bo-gum filed the drama “ Good boy” here!"
Hui-Chun Chen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yeongdodaegyo Bridge is easily accessible by public transport. You can take a bus or subway to Nampo Station (Line 1) and it's a short walk from there. Many visitors also combine it with a visit to nearby attractions like Jagalchi Market.
Yes, there are parking options available, including the Lotte Department Store parking lot. However, public transport is often more convenient due to potential traffic congestion.
Yes, pedestrians are allowed to walk across the bridge. During the bridge lifting, traffic is stopped, allowing for safe photo opportunities in the middle of the road.
For stunning distant views, consider visiting Igidae Park for coastal trails or Hwangnyeongsan Mountain for panoramic cityscapes, especially at night. +2
Yes, it's often included in tours that explore Busan's coastal areas and historic sites, such as the Yurari Square and Haeundae Beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to view or walk across Yeongdodaegyo Bridge. The bridge lifting is a free public event.
The bridge itself is always accessible for pedestrians. The unique drawbridge lifting occurs daily at 2 PM and lasts for approximately 15 minutes.
The bridge lifts daily at 2 PM. It's recommended to arrive a bit before 2 PM to find a good viewing spot, especially on weekends.
During the 15-minute lifting period, vehicle traffic is stopped, allowing pedestrians to safely be on the bridge for photos.
The waterfront walkway on the Nampodong side is free to access and enjoy.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo spots include the Nampodong waterfront walkway, the 13th floor of Lotte Department Store for an elevated view, and even from the bridge itself during the lift.
Absolutely! The bridge lifting is a prime photo opportunity. Be prepared for crowds and consider a tripod for stable shots, especially in lower light.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful light. However, the illuminated bridge at night is also a stunning subject.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways, especially during the bridge lifting.
Drone usage may be restricted in this area due to its proximity to the harbor and potential air traffic. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Nampodong waterfront has several cafes and eateries. You're also very close to the bustling Nampo-dong area, known for its street food and restaurants.
Expect a variety of Korean cuisine, from fresh seafood at Jagalchi Market to local specialties like Dwaeji Gukbap (pork soup rice).
Some cafes along the Nampodong waterfront offer views. For a unique perspective, a rooftop cafe like 'Singisanup Cafe' is recommended for night views.
Prices can vary, but you can find both budget-friendly street food and more upscale dining options. The cafes on the waterfront are moderately priced.
Yes, there are coffee shops along the waterfront walkway where you can grab a drink and enjoy the view.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks, as options directly on the bridge are limited. The Lotte Department Store nearby offers restrooms and a place to cool down or warm up.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the bridge illuminated at night; it transforms into a stunning subject against the city skyline.
Consider visiting nearby viewpoints like Igidae Park or Hwangnyeongsan Mountain for wider cityscapes that include the bridge. 🚶 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Yeongdodaegyo Bridge
The bridge's design and its role in connecting Yeongdo Island to the mainland have been integral to Busan's development as a major port city. The fact that it remains the only drawbridge in South Korea adds to its historical and cultural importance. Visitors often remark on the blend of historical significance and modern urban life that the bridge represents.
Beyond its function, the area around Yeongdodaegyo Bridge has been revitalized. The Nampodong side now boasts a beautiful waterfront walkway, complete with seating, lighting, and nearby cafes, offering a pleasant space for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy the harbor views.
Experiencing the Bridge Lift: Tips from Travelers
Alternatively, the waterfront walkway on the Nampodong side offers a ground-level perspective. While it can get crowded, it provides a more immersive experience, and you can even grab a coffee from a nearby cafe to enjoy while you wait.
For those interested in capturing the moment, the bridge is also beautifully illuminated at night, offering a different, equally captivating photographic subject.
Combining the bridge visit with exploring the historic Yurari Square nearby adds another layer to the experience. Beyond the Bridge: Nearby Attractions
For a different perspective of Busan's coastline, consider the Busan Air Cruise cable car at Songdo Beach. This offers stunning panoramic views of the sea, Songdo Beach, and the surrounding bridges, including Yeongdodaego Bridge.
If you're looking for scenic walks and breathtaking vistas, Igidae Park and Hwangnyeongsan Mountain are highly recommended for their coastal trails and city views, especially at sunset and night. Many visitors also enjoy exploring the Haeundae area, known for its famous beach and the Haeundae Blue Line Park, which offers unique beach train rides and coastal capsule experiences.
For art enthusiasts, the Arte Museum Busan provides an immersive digital art experience. 
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