Historic Namhaegak reopens as café and cultural space overlooking Namhae Bridge

(Photo by Namhae-gun/courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)

Namhaegak, a landmark closely tied to the history of Namhae Bridge, has reopened as a café and cultural exhibition space following a major renovation.

Namhae County selected café brand “2016 Jinjeongsung” as the facility’s new operator. Under the new plan, the basement level will house a café, while the ground floor will serve as an exhibition space.

Originally opened in 1973 alongside Namhae Bridge, Korea’s first suspension bridge, Namhaegak operated for decades as a motel, restaurant and rest stop. After the opening of Noryang Bridge shifted traffic away from the area, the facility was later used as a traveler’s lounge and exhibition space.

Tourist information services, traveler facilities and administrative offices previously located in Namhaegak have now been relocated to a nearby Welcome Center developed as part of the Namhae Bridge tourism revitalization project.

The renovated building has been redesigned with inspiration from the traditional Korean warship Panokseon and is expected to serve as a rest stop along the Admiral Yi Sun-sin Noryang Battle Trail.

Namhaegak is currently operating on a trial basis through June 20, welcoming visitors daily from noon to 8 p.m.

Fleet Chinhae