Changgyeonggung Palace Okcheon Bridge, Stone bridge at Changgyeonggung Palace in Jongno-dong, South Korea.
Okcheon Bridge is a stone structure within Changgyeonggung Palace featuring two supporting arches and stone parapets along its sides. The crossing connects different sections of the palace grounds and allows visitors to pass over a stream that flows through the complex.
The bridge was built in 1483 during King Seongjong's reign and remained functional through multiple palace reconstructions following the invasions of the 16th century. Its design endured these transformations, keeping its role as a key element within the palace complex.
Stone carvings of protective creatures appear beneath the bridge's structure, reflecting how Korean builders incorporated spiritual beliefs into everyday structures. These details show how people blended practical construction with symbolic meaning in their everyday surroundings.
The palace grounds are explored on foot, and the bridge is easily reached along the regular pathways through the complex. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since the terrain has uneven surfaces.
The bridge displays medieval Korean bridge-building techniques through its twin-arch support system, reflecting timeless engineering principles from the Joseon dynasty. This design allowed it to endure for centuries while preserving its original form.
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