Imsil-gun Opens 'Okjeongho Suspension Bridge' on 22nd... 11 Billion KRW Invested

Published 14 Oct.2022 11:42(KST)

[Imsil=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Nosik] Imsil-gun, Jeonbuk announced on the 14th that the opening of the Okjeongho Suspension Bridge and the pilot operation of Bungeo Island will begin on the 22nd.

Bungeo Island was named because the shape of the island as seen from Guksabong Observatory resembles a crucian carp, and it has gained fame among photographers and tourists due to its unique charm in all four seasons and the frequently rising mist.

However, until now, Bungeo Island could only be accessed by boat, making it difficult for the general public to enter. The county invested 11 billion won since 2020 through the Jeollabuk-do Eastern Region Special Account to complete the suspension bridge connecting Bungeo Island.

The Okjeongho Suspension Bridge is an asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge with an 80m high main tower shaped like a crucian carp soaring from Okjeongho, and its length reaches 420m.

Using flooring materials that allow views of the Okjeongho water surface, it is expected that visitors will also enjoy a thrilling experience that makes their hearts race.

Although many suspension bridges have opened nationwide, the Okjeongho Suspension Bridge, which holds historical stories from half a century since the construction of the Seomjingang Dam in 1965, the hardships of Imsil residents, and the lifting of the water source protection zone, is expected to offer a unique charm different from other regions.

Most suspension bridges simply cross a lake and have another entrance accessible by turning in a different direction, but the Okjeongho Suspension Bridge is the only entrance to Bungeo Island, which doubles its appeal.

The county will hold a completion ceremony at 2 p.m. on the 22nd, followed by a celebratory concert for the completion of the Okjeongho Suspension Bridge starting at 3 p.m.

The celebratory concert will feature Lee Younghyun, known for her top-class vocal ability in Korea, Nabi, who gained popularity through WSG Wannabe, and Na Taeju, a winged Taekwondo trot singer from Mr. Trot, creating a festive event celebrating the opening of the Okjeongho Suspension Bridge and Bungeo Island.

To accommodate many tourists visiting the Okjeongho Suspension Bridge, about 500 parking spaces around Bungeo Island and about 300 temporary parking spaces have been secured.

A free shuttle bus operating from the temporary parking lot to the Okjeongho Suspension Bridge is prepared to allow safe and quick access to the bridge.

In addition, to coincide with the opening of Bungeo Island, one million chrysanthemums and gujeolcho (Aster yomena) have been planted to further enhance the beautiful scenery of Okjeongho, allowing tourists to enjoy and appreciate the stunning views.

County Governor Shim Min said, “I hope many people will attend the completion ceremony and celebratory concert of the Okjeongho Suspension Bridge, which marks the successful start of the Seomjingang Renaissance era, and make it a festival wishing for success,” adding, “We will prepare various attractions so that Okjeongho will become not only a representative tourist destination of Jeonbuk but also a nationwide representative tourist spot.”