The Geumcheongyo Bridge in Changdeokgung Palace is the oldest stone bridge in the royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty. Its name carried two messages: “a bridge over the stream inside the palace” and “a bridge with beautiful water flowing underneath”.

Geumcheongyo Bridge was originally built outside Jinseonmun Gate in 1411. Although Cheongdeokgung Palace has gone through several hardships that have seriously damaged many of its buildings, the bridge has maintained its original condition until now.

The bridge flows between Donhwamun Gate and Jinseonmun Gate. Its water runs from north to south and flows out of the palace after reaching the Donhwamun Gate. A pair of arches with three abutments that serve as the bridge's markings—one in the middle and two on the buttress walls at either end—mark the location of the bridge. The road deck consists of three sections that are floored with rectangular stones. At its four corners, there are stone statues of imaginary animals, the Seosu. Above Seosu, the face of the demon, Guimyeon, was engraved there. It is said that they manage to block the unrighteous things coming up from the stream. It has different imaginary animals on each side to protect the palace. The red phoenix guards the south, whereas the dark tortoise guards the north. In the past, as most palace buildings were made of wood, it’s said the red phoenix symbolized fire to prevent any fire accidents.

The Geumcheongyo Bridge has a high value in different aspects. Being one of the oldest stone bridges remaining in Seoul, it is precious and impressive in the form of history, art, and architecture.