‘Myth of Myeongnyang’ Haenam Usuyeong, Reborn as a Stay-Type Tourist Destination

Published 11 Aug.2021 09:46(KST)

Uldolmok Skywalk and Marine Cable Car Opening Imminent, Expected to Become a Landmark for the Southwestern Region Tourism

Night View of Usuyeong Uldolmok, Haenam / Photo by Asia Economy

[Haenam＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Hyun] Haenam Usuyeong, the victorious site of the Battle of Myeongnyang where 13 ships defeated 133 Japanese vessels, is being reborn as a stay-type tourist destination.

According to Haenam County on the 11th, interest is focusing on the transformation of the historical and cultural tourist site Usuyeong, as the construction of the Skywalk and Uldolmok Marine Cable Car, which will become new landmarks of the Usuyeong tourist site, is accelerating toward completion.

In particular, Haenam County plans to create a tourist attraction where visitors can stay through light tourism by installing lighting facilities and operating night services for the Skywalk and cable car. It is expected to become a new nighttime tourism spot combining the fantastic night views of Jindo Bridge, famous for its twin bridges, and Uldolmok.

The Uldolmok Skywalk and marine cable car are scheduled to complete construction by the end of this month and begin operation as soon as safety inspections are finished.

The Uldolmok Skywalk, with a total length of 110 meters, is a place where visitors can walk directly over the swirling sea and the strong currents of Uldolmok. It is designed in a circular shape inspired by Ganggangsullae (a traditional Korean circle dance). It protrudes 32 meters straight out toward the sea, and the floor is made of transparent glass to maximize the thrill.

Currently, all construction has been completed, and safety diagnosis and completion inspections are pending.

The marine cable car crossing the Uldolmok Strait, with a total length of 960 meters, connects Haenam Usuyeong tourist site and Jindo Nokjin Tower. Twenty-six 10-person gondolas will be deployed on the route.

Uldolmok Marine Cable Car Co., Ltd. is investing 36 billion KRW entirely from the private sector and plans to officially open between the end of this month and early next month.

Stations and other facilities will be built on a 1,854㎡ site (1 basement floor, 3 above-ground floors) in Munnae-myeon, Haenam County, and a 504㎡ site (1 basement floor, 1 above-ground floor) in Gunnae-myeon, Jindo County near Nokjin Tower.

Currently, facility construction is complete, and comprehensive trial operations have begun, including passenger boarding simulations and detailed inspections of the overall system.

Haenam County is preparing for the early establishment of the Skywalk and marine cable car as new tourism resources in the southwest region by building temporary shops, placing food trucks, expanding infrastructure such as parking lots and road signs, and forming a public-private council to ensure friendly hospitality for visitors.

Additionally, the Haenam Humanities House, being built at the birthplace of the monk Beopjeong, is scheduled for completion in the second half of this year, and efforts are underway to complete the historical tourism village, which will expand the food base, by next year.

County Governor Myeong Hyun-gwan said, “The Skywalk and Uldolmok marine cable car cross Uldolmok, famous for its strong currents, and are expected to attract new tourism demand as thrilling and beautifully illuminated nighttime marine cable cars.”

He added, “Together with the Usuyeong historical tourism village and Humanities House projects, which are being promoted as key projects, these developments are expected to establish Usuyeong as a landmark of southwest region tourism. We will do our best to prepare for the opening.”