[Part 2: Traveling the Waters of Yeosu and Connecting 11 Islands through the Eleven Bridges]

The Eleven Bridges, connecting 11 islands across the waters of Yeosu, is approaching completion and is being highlighted as the centerpiece of the Expo 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea.

According to Yeosu City, the Eleven Bridges project is set to become a new landmark and scenic driving route, linking the islands from Dolsan in Yeosu to Goheung with 11 ocean-spanning bridges.

Of the 11 bridges, seven have already been completed, while construction on the remaining four is actively underway.

Once all the bridges are open, they will allow visitors to enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery of the sea, coastline, and islands by car. This is expected to establish a new tourism belt and mark the beginning of a golden age of island tourism.

Notably, the bridges will reduce travel time between Yeosu and Goheung to just one hour. This is expected to lower logistics costs and further contribute to revitalizing the local economy.

▶ What Is the ‘Eleven Bridges’ Project? What About the Four Unfinished Sections?
According to Yeosu City, the Eleven Bridges project connects Hwayang to Jeokgeumdo through a series of bridges, including the Hwayang–Jobal Bridge (cable-stayed, 854 m), Dunbyeong Bridge (cable-stayed, 990 m), Nangdo Bridge (box girder, 640 m), and Jeokgeum Bridge (medium-span arch, 470 m). It also links Hwatae Island, Wolho Island, Gaedo, Jedo, and Baekya Island through four maritime bridges, along with the Hwatae Bridge, Baekya Bridge, and Paryeong Bridge.

Of the 11 bridges, seven have already been completed: the Baekya Bridge, Paryeong Bridge, Jeokgeum Bridge, Nangdo Bridge, Dunbyeong Bridge, Hwayang–Jobal Bridge, and Hwatae Bridge.

The four remaining sections are the Hwatae–Wolho Bridge (arch bridge, 611 m), Wolho–Gaedo Bridge (suspension bridge, 910 m), Gaedo–Jedo Bridge (cable-stayed, 605 m), and Jedo–Baekya Bridge (cable-stayed, 615 m).

These unfinished bridges are scheduled for completion in August 2027. However, due to weather conditions, safety considerations, and strict construction timelines, completing them before the Expo is unlikely, even with accelerated efforts.

A city official noted, “We understand the strong interest and high expectations among citizens for the completion of the Eleven Bridges before the Expo. We are doing everything possible, including consistently urging the government to expedite construction, to ensure at least temporary openings in time for the Expo.”

▶ Yeosu City Strives to Complete the Eleven Bridges Before Expo 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea
Yeosu City has identified the Eleven Bridges project as a key feature of the Expo 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea and a future global landmark. The city is determined to ensure the bridges are completed and operational before the Expo opens.

To support the successful hosting of the Expo and prevent severe traffic congestion, Yeosu City has emphasized the need for at least temporary openings of the bridges to enable two-way traffic during the event.

Mayor Jeong Gi-myeong has been actively working to accelerate the project’s completion. During a visit to Yeosu last May by Lee Jeong-hyeon, Chair of Strategic Planning at the Balanced Development Committee, Mayor Jeong directly appealed to him for support in fast-tracking the completion of the Eleven Bridges.

Mayor Jeong stated, “When the remaining four bridges connecting Baekya Island to Hwatae Island are completed, the Eleven Bridges—spanning a total length of 2.26 kilometers—will create a breathtaking view where maritime bridges blend seamlessly with the clear blue waters of the South Sea. To open these bridges in time for the Expo, the collective wisdom and dedicated efforts of Yeosu’s citizens are essential.”