Jeonbuk's Treasures 'Okjeongho Suspension Bridge' and 'Bungeo Island Ecological Park' Surpass 800,000 Tourists

The number of tourists visiting Okjeongho Suspension Bridge and Bungeo Island Ecological Park, the iconic tourist attractions of Imsil-gun, Jeonbuk, has surpassed 800,000. This is seen as a testament to the strength of tourism in Imsil.

According to Imsil-gun on the 3rd, the number of tourists who visited Okjeongho Suspension Bridge and Bungeo Island Ecological Park, which first opened on October 22 last year, is estimated to be around 800,000.

Following about 450,000 visitors during the temporary opening period, approximately 350,000 visitors have come since the official opening on March 1 this year, when the site switched to a paid admission system.

In particular, with the arrival of autumn in October, the chrysanthemum flower scenery, cosmos, gujeolcho, and other autumn flowers created a colorful spectacle at Bungeo Island Ecological Park, leading to a sharp increase in tourists.

The cheese festival held last month and the chrysanthemum flower scenery at the Cheese Theme Park combined to significantly boost the linked tourism effect with Okjeongho Suspension Bridge and Bungeo Island Ecological Park. The stunning scenery filled with flowers and water beneath the suspension bridge has spread by word of mouth, attracting numerous tourists from all over the country.

Especially on weekends, the suspension bridge was crowded with visitors not only from the province but nationwide, and Bungeo Island Ecological Park was so popular that it was described as 'half flowers, half people.'

The popularity of Okjeongho Suspension Bridge and related sites is attributed to the nationwide spread of information through social networking services (SNS) by visitors.

Additionally, the smooth operation of shuttle buses connecting the parking lot has played a significant role in attracting tourists.

Moreover, the placement of various seasonal flowers such as chrysanthemums, gujeolcho, and red spider lilies, along with photo zones, forest playgrounds for children, and forest libraries, has established a healing tourism culture and greatly enhanced visitor satisfaction.

With the influx of numerous tourists, sales at nearby restaurants, cafes, and cheese shops have also increased, providing a substantial boost to the local economy.

The county plans to strengthen food facilities around Okjeongho, including Korean beef restaurants, cafes, and local food direct stores, while also building comprehensive tourism infrastructure by adding experiential facilities such as cable cars, zip lines, and monorails.

County Governor Shim Min said, “I am very happy and moved that so many people have come to see the Okjeongho Suspension Bridge and the ecological park on Bungeo Island, which was created by planting colorful seasonal flowers. We will work even harder on tourism development so that it grows beyond a representative tourist site of Jeonbuk to become a nationally representative tourist destination.”

Meanwhile, the winter operating hours (November to February) of Bungeo Island Ecological Park are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with admission restricted until 4 p.m. considering the round-trip time of Okjeongho Suspension Bridge.

Also, the park is closed every Monday for regular safety inspections. If Monday is a public holiday, the park operates normally on Monday but closes on the next weekday following the holiday.

Imsil = Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Nosik yjm3070@asiae.co.kr

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