Imsil-gun, Okjeongho Suspension Bridge Popularity... 'Vitality' for Local Economy

[Imsil=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Nosik] The Okjeongho Suspension Bridge in Imsil-gun, Jeonbuk, has rapidly emerged as a nationwide hot spot, surpassing 370,000 cumulative tourists within a month of its opening.

According to the county on the 22nd, a total of 372,187 visitors were recorded within one month since its opening on the 22nd of last month.

This figure far exceeded the county's initial expectations, and the county is continuously preparing additional measures for tourist traffic convenience facilities and safety management in response.

In particular, tourists have been steadily visiting not only on weekends but also on weekdays, reflecting the popularity of the Okjeongho Suspension Bridge and Bungeo Island.

Thanks to the popularity of the Bungeo Island Suspension Bridge, many tourists have also visited Imsil Cheese Theme Park, Seongsusan, and Osu Uigyeon Park, revitalizing the local commercial district.

The Okjeongho Suspension Bridge had already predicted great popularity due to the anticipation of being able to access Bungeo Island, known as the mysterious and unexplored island, even before its opening.

Upon opening, it received focused media coverage, and through popular TV programs, YouTube, the county office’s SNS, as well as tourists’ YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and word of mouth, many tourists from all over the country have flocked, making it a representative tourist destination in Jeonbuk.

The Okjeongho Suspension Bridge is an asymmetrical suspension bridge with an 83-meter-high main tower shaped like a carp soaring from Okjeongho. It spans 420 meters and uses flooring that allows a view of the water surface, providing a thrilling experience.

Bungeo Island is a mysterious island accessible only via the Okjeongho Suspension Bridge and features various themes such as a visitor center, walking trails, a lawn plaza, a forest library, a wind bath area, rest spots, and gardens.

Additionally, an ecological park decorated with various flowers such as azaleas, moss phlox, hydrangeas, Korean asters, and chrysanthemums by season captivates tourists with beautiful scenery throughout the year.

County Governor Shim Min said, “I would like to first express my gratitude to everyone who has shown great interest in making the Okjeongho Suspension Bridge and Bungeo Island a representative tourist destination of Jeollabuk-do. We will continue to develop various contents to grow into the best ecological tourist destination in South Korea beyond Jeollabuk-do and do our best to provide high satisfaction and better services to tourists.”

Meanwhile, the Okjeongho Suspension Bridge is currently in a trial operation period with free admission. From the 19th of next month until March of next year, it will be closed for additional construction to improve various complaints, deficiencies, and the surrounding environment, with an official opening planned in March.

It is closed every Monday, and during the winter season (November to February), admission is allowed from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Imsil=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Nosik baekok@asiae.co.kr

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