Sindobyeonghwa Bridge opens, linking Yeongjongdo to Bukdo-myeon by road

A new bridge linking Incheon's Yeongjongdo and Sindo in Ongjin-gun's Bukdo-myeon opened Tuesday.

Ongjin-gun held an opening ceremony Tuesday and began full operations, the county said.

The Sindobyeonghwa Bridge stretches 3.26 kilometers, connecting Yeongjongdo and Sindo in Bukdo-myeon.

The opening is expected to significantly improve transport conditions for residents of Sindo, Sido and Modo, shifting the islands from a ferry-dependent system to one centered on road access.

Residents are also expected to gain easier access to medical, education and administrative services, along with greater convenience in daily life.

"The Sindobyeonghwa Bridge is more than just a connecting span — it will improve residents' quality of life and serve as a foundation for regional development," Ongjin-gun chief Jang Jeong-min said. He added that the county would work closely with Incheon city to advance a separate bridge project linking Jangbong and Modo, which is currently undergoing a preliminary feasibility study.

Ongjin-gun plans to steadily expand tourism infrastructure, roads and parking facilities to handle the anticipated rise in visitors following the bridge's opening, and will coordinate with relevant agencies to develop a well-functioning transport environment.