A Soul's Pause Where Heart and Scenery Meet... Gwangyang Baealdo Rising as a 'Hot Place'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik] The area around the Seomjin River and Mangdeok Port, filled with new tourist attractions such as Baealdo Island Garden and Baealdo Byeol Heneun Bridge, is emerging as a new hot spot for tourism in Gwangyang.

Baealdo Byeol Heneun Bridge is a suspension-style sea pedestrian bridge connecting Mangdeok Port and Baealdo Island Garden, measuring 275m in length and 3m in width. Construction began on March 13, 2019, and after two years and six months, it revealed its magnificent presence last September.

The main tower is shaped like the specialty fish of Mangdeok Port, the Jeoneo (gizzard shad), and it is notable for being the first in Korea to introduce a curved ramp to enhance scenic views while securing the space underneath to allow ships to pass freely.

The name Byeol Heneun Bridge originates from “Counting the Stars at Night,” a poem included in Yun Dong-ju’s posthumous collection “Sky, Wind, Stars, and Poetry,” which survived in a house in Mangdeok Port during the Japanese colonial period, imbuing the bridge with a starry sentiment.

Baealdo Island Garden is a romantic space transformed into a beautiful garden over the sea on Baealdo, the only island remaining after the construction of Gwangyang Steelworks. It is connected to the mainland by two bridges: Byeol Heneun Bridge and Haemaji Bridge.

Baealdo is a cozy island of 0.8 hectares and 25 meters in size. Its name derives from the shape of people bowing toward Mangdeoksan Mountain in Oemang Village. Historical maps such as Daedongyeojido and Yeojidoseo recorded it as Sado (Snake Island), and it was also called Sado or Snake Island.

Gwangyang City preserved the island’s terrain by laying down palm mats and connecting wooden decks in previously inaccessible areas, creating a walking trail where visitors can enjoy views of the deep blue sea.

The Baealdo Island Garden, floating alone in the middle of the sea, blooms with beautiful flowers year-round such as peonies, hydrangeas, and lilyturf. It also features stylishly named sculptures, attracting visitors eager to take commemorative photos.

The sunlit front yard, boasting the beauty of emptiness, is perfect for sunbathing and gazing at the sunset that paints the sea red, making Baealdo Island Garden a soulful pause where heart and scenery meet.

Especially in December, Baealdo Island Garden is decorated with charming props like Christmas trees and snowmen, allowing visitors to enjoy a cozy and romantic winter landscape.

Crossing Byeol Heneun Bridge and walking along Mangdeok Port, visitors are warmly welcomed by the “Yun Dong-ju Posthumous Manuscript Preservation Jeong Byeong-uk House” and the “Yun Dong-ju Poetry Garden,” which preserve and share the legacy of Yun Dong-ju’s posthumous works with the world.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.