Changwon, Gyeognam – Gyeongnam Province has announced the continuation of its toll discount policies on the iconic Geogadaegyo Bridge into 2025. The decision, aimed at easing the financial burden on drivers and fostering tourism, underscores the province’s commitment to stimulating local economic growth. This initiative builds on the success of previous years, which saw a steady rise in bridge traffic and increased regional tourism.
The Geogadaegyo Bridge, also known as the Busan–Geoje Fixed Link, is a vital transportation corridor linking Busan to Geojedo Island. Since its opening in December 2010, the 8.2-kilometer structure—comprising two cable-stayed bridges and a deep immersed tunnel—has revolutionized travel in the region. It shortened what was once a 140-kilometer journey to just an hour, dramatically improving accessibility and boosting regional development.
Constructed under a public-private partnership, the $1.8 billion project was designed to support local economies by reducing travel time and costs. Today, the bridge is not only a transportation lifeline but also a symbol of South Korea’s engineering achievements.
Gyeongnam’s toll discount policies have played a significant role in making travel more affordable. A 20% toll discount for small and medium-sized vehicles on weekends and public holidays, introduced in 2023, will continue in 2025. Data from the past years highlights the policy’s success: holiday traffic on the bridge grew by 3.8% in 2023 and by 5.6% in 2024. Officials expect this upward trend to persist in 2025.
Additionally, Geoje residents benefit from a 20% toll discount during weekday peak hours, implemented in February 2023. This commuter-focused initiative has already increased weekday traffic by 6.1%, reducing the financial burden on frequent bridge users.
The Geogadaegyo Bridge serves as a key driver of economic and tourism growth in southern South Korea. Statistics reveal that the average daily holiday traffic increased from 31,182 vehicles in 2022 to 32,368 in 2023, with 2024’s numbers projected at 32,926. By 2025, officials anticipate further growth as the toll discounts continue to attract more travelers.
These policies have supported local businesses, especially in the tourism and hospitality sectors, by encouraging domestic travel. The southern coastal regions of Gyeongnam are becoming increasingly popular destinations, contributing to the post-pandemic recovery of South Korea’s tourism industry.
Gyeongnam Province is also focused on finding permanent solutions to the high tolls on the Geogadaegyo Bridge. The provincial government is actively working with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport and the National Assembly to upgrade the bridge to expressway status. This transition could result in significant toll reductions for all users, ensuring more sustainable and long-term affordability.
As Gyeongnam Province enters 2025, its continued investment in toll discount policies for the Geogadaegyo Bridge highlights its dual focus on economic relief and sustainable development. With increased accessibility and affordability, the province aims to build a stronger local economy and enhance the region’s appeal as a travel destination.
