Yi Sun-sin Bridge Observatory at 110 Myodo 7-gil

Why a Visitor Center Appeared on Myodo in March 2014

The Yi Sun-sin Bridge Visitor Center is a facility located in Myodo-dong, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, and its road-name address is 110 Myodo 7-gil, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do. It opened in March 2014 as a building with one underground floor and three above-ground floors, with a total floor area of 443.64㎡ (134.20 pyeong).

This facility is introduced as a visitor center built inside the Myodo Rest Area to promote and maintain the bridge after the Yi Sun-sin Bridge connecting Gwangyang and Yeosu opened in 2013. The building’s exterior is modeled after a turtle ship, reflecting the spirit of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, and the indoor observatory was designed to offer views of the bridge.

A 2,260 m Suspension Bridge Built Beside the Noryang Strait

The Yi Sun-sin Bridge was built over the sea between Myodo-dong, Yeosu-si, and Geumho-dong, Gwangyang-si. Its name and location are connected to the fact that it is near the area where the Battle of Noryang took place during the Imjin War.

The bridge is 2,260 m long and 25.7 m wide, and is a three-span symmetrical suspension bridge with four round-trip lanes. The main span between the towers is 1,545 m, a figure commemorating 1545, the birth year of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. The bridge forms Section 3 of the five sections of the access road to the Yeosu National Industrial Complex, and this section is 2.260 km long.

The Yi Sun-sin Bridge was temporarily opened from May 10 to August 12, 2012, during the Yeosu Expo, and fully opened on February 8, 2013, as a route connecting Wolnae-dong and Myodo-dong in Yeosu-si with Jungma-dong in Gwangyang-si. Official introductions describe it as Korea’s first suspension bridge constructed entirely with domestic technology.

Viewing Order from the First-Floor Exhibition Hall to the Third-Floor Observatory

The first-floor visitor center displays photographs taken during construction of the Yi Sun-sin Bridge and photographs of major bridges around the world. The video hall shows footage from the bridge’s construction, making it useful to understand the construction process and structure before simply viewing the bridge over the sea.

The visitor center has three above-ground floors. The first floor covers 206.40㎡, the second floor 56.70㎡, and the third floor 180.54㎡. From the indoor observatory, visitors can see the Yi Sun-sin Bridge at night, and the guide materials state that views extend to Gwangyang Port’s container terminal, the Gubongsan Observatory, and Baegunsan Mountain.

No exact recommended viewing time has been confirmed in the official information. Based on visitor reviews, the viewing time is estimated at approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, so allowing about 1 hour in your itinerary, including the video hall and observatory, is practical.

A Free Visit Available from 09:00

Admission to the Yi Sun-sin Bridge Visitor Center is free, and according to the official information, it is open year-round. From March through October, hours are 09:00–17:50, and from November through February, they are 09:00–17:30.

The monthly admission cutoff time was not separately confirmed on the official page. Therefore, visitors arriving late may have less time to use both the video hall and observatory. Information about ticket-counter queues, time-specific congestion, and whether only cash is accepted is also unavailable; because the facility is free, there is no paid-ticket purchase procedure.

The main telephone number is 061-807-2020. You can use it to ask about operating hours and facility availability before departure. The official website is https://www.yeosu.go.kr/tour/travel/info_each_area?mode=view&idx=857.

Traveling to 110 Myodo 7-gil by Bus or Car

The address is 110 Myodo 7-gil, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, and the official lot-number address is Myodo-dong San 127-10. Nearby city bus information lists Routes 616, 622, 706, and 10.

However, the official information does not provide transfer methods from Yeosu Expo Station or Yeosu Airport, which are likely starting points for visitors from outside the area, nor does it list stop names or the walking distance and time from the stop to the visitor center. First-time travelers may therefore find it difficult to determine where to get off based only on the bus numbers; it is safest to call 061-807-2020 to confirm the stop and direction of travel.

Visitors traveling by car can use the visitor center parking lot. Parking is free, with space for 96 passenger cars and 8 large vehicles. Since the facility is introduced as being inside the Myodo Rest Area, visitors need to find the visitor center entrance inside the rest area after parking.

There Is an Elevator, but No Stroller or Wheelchair Rental

The official description states that the entire route was designed with people with disabilities, older adults, and children in mind, and that an elevator was installed. Visitors who need an elevator can therefore plan their viewing route without having to use stairs exclusively between floors.

On the other hand, the official information states that strollers are not available for rental and wheelchairs cannot be rented. The detailed condition of wheelchair accessibility is unclear because the disability-facility designation and elevator information differ, so companions should call ahead to confirm if necessary.

The children’s play area has two chick-shaped seesaws and other play equipment, with a soft safety floor. According to the official information, pets are not allowed. Foreign-language services are also listed as unavailable, so travelers who have difficulty reading Korean explanations may benefit from saving the bridge’s key figures and route information in advance.

Know the Observatory Night Views and Indoor Photography Information in Advance

The advantage of the Yi Sun-sin Bridge Visitor Center is that visitors can view the bridge from an indoor observatory. The official information says that visitors can enjoy the night view of the Yi Sun-sin Bridge, but the visitor center’s own operating hours are 09:00–17:30 from November through February and 09:00–17:50 from March through October. It should not be understood as a facility where visitors can remain indoors late at night.

The official page does not confirm whether photography inside the visitor center is prohibited or which areas have restricted access. Since there are exhibition photographs and a video hall, check for photography restrictions on-site after entering. If photography permission for an exhibit is unclear, it is safest not to use a flash.

The four key elements are construction photographs, photographs of major bridges around the world, a construction video, and the observatory. Visitors should therefore focus on the indoor exhibits and views rather than expect an outdoor walking experience on the bridge itself.

How Suitable Is It for First-Time International Visitors?

Admission and parking are both free, and the facility is open year-round, making it a convenient short stop when traveling by car between Yeosu and Gwangyang. The exhibits are especially clear for visitors who want to understand why the Yi Sun-sin Bridge connects Myodo and Gwangyang and why its 1,545 m main span represents the year 1545.

Conversely, English information and audio guides are not provided according to the official information, and the walking distance from the bus stop to the visitor center has not been published. This creates planning limitations for first-time visitors using only public transportation, people expecting to view the night scenery late at night, and travelers accompanied by pets.

Before visiting, check the seasonal operating hours of 09:00–17:50 or 09:00–17:30, and note the free parking capacity of 96 passenger cars and 8 large vehicles. To see both the bridge’s history and the industrial scenery, it is appropriate to allocate approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour for both the video hall and observatory.