IFEZ Journal

The Key Players of IFEZ

Bridge Construction Team, Yeongjong–Cheongna Infrastructure Division

Connecting the Future of the City Across the Sea

Written by Hwang Ye-ji   Photos by Lee Deok-jae

Connecting two points on a map is more than just drawing a line. It means reviving once-disconnected daily life, restarting the flow of a stagnant economy, and turning citizens’ dreams into reality. After 14 years of anticipation, the Cheongna Haneul Bridge now connects Yeongjong and Cheongna in one seamless motion. Behind its impressive scale is the Yeongjong–Cheongna Infrastructure Division’s Bridge Construction Team, which protected safety and teamwork against harsh sea winds.

Cheongna Haneul Bridge: Completing a Key Growth Axis of IFEZ

The Yeongjong–Cheongna Infrastructure Division’s Bridge Construction Team (hereinafter, the Bridge Construction Team) oversees the entire building process of the Cheongna Haneul Bridge (total length: 4.68 km; width: 30 m), a key infrastructure project linking Yeongjong International City and Cheongna-dong in Seo-gu. Besides its main role of constructing the bridge, the team has added value for IFEZ by combining tourism resources and creating multi-purpose infrastructure focused on the bridge.

From overseeing the construction of Sections 1 and 2, managing construction services, and establishing operational plans to developing tourism facilities and bicycle paths, the Bridge Construction Team has handled professional responsibilities throughout all project phases. In complex tasks requiring high-level administrative and legal coordination—such as negotiating compensation settlements worth hundreds of billions of KRW and securing military approvals—each member worked seamlessly as “One Team.” Their main goal has been to create a comprehensive, future-oriented infrastructure that connects cities beyond simple transportation.

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Cheongna Haneul Bridge

Yeongjong International City - Cheongna-dong, Seo-gu

Total Length 4.68km

Width 30m

Journey of Turning Uncertainty into Conviction

The Cheongna Haneul Bridge was constructed to enhance transportation efficiency in the western Seoul Metropolitan Area and to facilitate easier access to the airport. For years, residents experienced significant inconvenience due to detours, making the goal of linking Yeongjong and Cheongna into a unified living and economic zone a long-standing aspiration of IFEZ. Although the project experienced 14 years of delays and uncertainty, the Bridge Construction Team broke ground in 2020. During the installation of the main tower mega-block in 2024, the team deployed a 3,000-ton-class ultra-large marine crane and completed the process with precision without a single margin of error. From January to September 2024, they held 19 rounds of negotiations with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and private investors, consistently maintaining Incheon’s position while protecting valuable public funds. The team also successfully secured military approval after three years of discussion through persistent persuasion—an achievement that enabled the bridge to fully incorporate tourism features, such as a marine pedestrian deck.

These combined efforts culminated on January 5, 2026, with the official opening of the Cheongna Haneul Bridge.

Beyond Connection Toward Coexistence, Redrawing the Map of IFEZ

The Cheongna Haneul Bridge is set to become more than just a transportation route — it is emerging as a landmark that highlights the value of IFEZ worldwide. Its centerpiece is the 184.2 m-high marine observatory tower, the tallest maritime bridge tower in the world. The structure has already been certified by the World Record Committee (WRC) in the United States and has been registered with Guinness World Records (GWR). The 180 m-high “Edge Walk” will provide visitors from around the world with a truly thrilling experience. The team’s vision goes even further. As the only bridge connecting Yeongjong with bike lanes and pedestrian paths, it will be the centerpiece of the 300-ri Bicycle Path, spanning 120 km from Jeongseojin to Muuido Island. Additionally, waterfront parks covering 257,000 m²—including Cheongna Waterfront Park and Yeongjong Theme Park—will offer residents meaningful cultural and leisure spaces woven into everyday life.

The Next Step Toward a Sustainable Future

The Bridge Construction Team is now focused on ensuring stable operation and management after opening, as well as promoting tourism. Starting in January 2026, toll exemptions for Yeongjong and Cheongna residents will speed up the integration of living areas, while attracting airport users into the regional economy to create a city model that combines global logistics and tourism. As shown by the enthusiasm of about 4,000 citizens who took part in the “Walk & Run” event on December 7, the Bridge Construction Team is dedicated to making the Cheongna Haneul Bridge more than just a structure. It aims to be a comprehensive lifestyle infrastructure that enhances people’s lives. Spanning the sea, this impressive bridge represents Incheon’s global vision and serves as the strongest link connecting citizens’ dreams with reality.

MINI INTERVIEW

The Cheongna Haneul Bridge is [                      ]

Park Chun-gon / Head of Yeongjong–Cheongna Infrastructure Division

[Responsibility] and [Worth]

The Cheongna Haneul Bridge is more than just a construction project; it’s a vital connection that links Incheon citizens’ 

safety with the city’s future. Throughout the process, 

we took on the important task of coordinating many stakeholders. 

Still, finishing the project with our team and seeing citizens use the bridge gives us an irreplaceable sense of achievement. 

Oh Young-rim / Head of Bridge Construction Team

[Honor] and [Pride]

It was an honor to be part of the process from procurement to completion for

Korea’s first implementation of the “Detailed Design Technical Proposal Bidding” system by a local government. 

We are very proud that our team directly delivered the Cheongna Haneul Bridge, 

which will serve as a new symbol of Incheon with the world’s tallest observatory and Edge Walk.

Baek Jong-uk / Deputy Director of Regional Facilities

It is [Pride] 

The Cheongna Haneul Bridge is more than just a bridge; it stands as Incheon’s landmark and a symbol of civic pride. 

Contributing directly to such a large-scale and meaningful project—overcoming technical challenges 

and seeing it through to completion—remains the greatest source of professional pride in my public service career.