What's in a Name? The Third Yeonyuk Bridge Connecting Yeongjong and Incheon

What's in a Name? The Third Yeonyuk Bridge Connecting Yeongjong and Incheon

Introduction

As the opening of the third bridge connecting the mainland of Incheon with Yeongjong Island, known as the "Third Yeonyuk Bridge," approaches, a heated debate has erupted over the naming of this new infrastructure. The districts of Jung-gu and Seo-gu in Incheon, which will be linked by this bridge, are each advocating for a name that symbolizes their respective regions. Jung-gu has announced a public naming contest, while Seo-gu residents are rallying behind the name "Cheongna Bridge." This article delves into the key issues surrounding the naming contest and the opinions of local residents.

Background of the Third Yeonyuk Bridge Naming Contest

The Third Yeonyuk Bridge is set to connect Jung-gu and Seo-gu, serving as a vital link between the mainland and Yeongjong Island. Jung-gu has scheduled a naming contest from October 5th to 16th, with plans to announce the winning entry by the end of October. Although Jung-gu does not have the authority to officially decide the bridge's name, the district intends to actively reflect the opinions gathered from the contest in the final decision-making process. Jung-gu hopes that the bridge's name will reflect the symbolic importance of Yeongjong Island and Incheon International Airport.

Names like "Sky Bridge" or "Yeongjong-Cheongna Bridge" are expected to be popular suggestions. However, the name "Sky Bridge" has been excluded from the contest to avoid redundancy, as it has been frequently mentioned previously. A Jung-gu official stated, "We excluded 'Sky Bridge' from the contest as it has been discussed numerous times. This contest aims to formally gather the opinions of residents."

Seo-gu's Counterproposal: "Cheongna Bridge"

Seo-gu, on the other hand, is strongly advocating for the name "Cheongna Bridge." Residents of the Cheongna and Ruoun areas proposed a joint effort to name the bridge during a recent town hall meeting hosted by Seo-gu's mayor, Kang Beom-seok. In December 2022, the Seo-gu Council passed a resolution urging the designation of the Third Yeonyuk Bridge as "Cheongna Bridge," aligning with the sentiments of local residents. They argue that, despite the first bridge between Jung-gu and Seo-gu being named after Yeongjong Island as "Yeongjong Bridge," this time the new bridge should reflect the identity of Seo-gu.

Seo-gu's stance has heightened the tension between the two districts, making the naming of the Third Yeonyuk Bridge a focal point of regional interest.

Naming Decision Process and Future Plans

The final decision on the name of the Third Yeonyuk Bridge will be made by the National Geographic Naming Committee under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, responsible for the construction of the bridge, plans to analyze similar cases in other regions by the end of the year. In the first half of next year, they will gather opinions from both Jung-gu and Seo-gu, and in the latter half, they will submit a naming proposal to the Incheon Geographic Naming Committee for final approval.

An official from the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority stated, "The naming of the Third Yeonyuk Bridge is a sensitive issue. We aim to conduct the process fairly, with a thorough analysis of precedents from other regions." The bridge, with a total project cost of 650 billion won, spans 4.68 km and is 30 meters wide (six lanes). It is expected to be completed and opened by the end of next year. Notably, the bridge will feature the world's tallest observation deck at 180 meters and a 200-meter-long seaside walkway.

Conclusion

The naming of the Third Yeonyuk Bridge is not just a matter of regional pride but also a reflection of the cultural and symbolic identity of the local communities involved. As Jung-gu and Seo-gu continue to express differing views, the final decision will be made through a fair and transparent process. The outcome of this naming process will likely remain a topic of keen interest in the region.

Keywords: Third Yeonyuk Bridge, naming contest, Cheongna Bridge, Sky Bridge, Incheon Seo-gu, Incheon Jung-gu, bridge naming, regional competition, bridge construction, National Geographic Naming Committee