Goseong's 'Sea Skywalk' connecting to Jukdo Island attracts visitors

"Walking on the sea, I arrived at the island before I knew it."

On the 2nd, the 'Songjiho Sea Skywalk' built around Songjiho Beach in Jukwang-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do, was visited by tourists even on a weekday.

Families, couples, and residents walked in small groups across the bridge connecting to Jukdo, an uninhabited island, and enjoyed the sea scenery.

This place, which gives the feeling of walking on the sea, is the core facility of the 'Goseong Wide-area Marine Tourism Complex Development Project'.

Previously, Goseong County has been promoting the creation of a four-season marine tourism base facility in the coastal area of Ohok-ri, Jukwang-myeon, since being selected for a public contest by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in 2018.

With a total project cost of 48.4 billion won, a sea skywalk (marine skywalk), the Songjiho Sea Sky Center (a complex leisure experience facility), and walking paths have been created.

Jukdo, the destination of the Sea Skywalk, is an island with beautiful East Sea and bamboo forests.

The traces of a strong earthen fortress built by ancestors in the 13th century during the Goryeo Dynasty to defend against foreign invaders, and the hardships of their lives, remain intact.

It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to walk from the entrance of the Sea Skywalk to reach it leisurely.

Tourists arrived at Jukdo along the marine walkway and explored the dense bamboo forests and the scenery of the East Coast scattered throughout the island.

A tourist from Seoul said, "The experience of walking on the sea is special, but the fact that you can walk directly to the island is impressive. The view is also excellent as you can see the East Sea and Songjiho at the same time."

The county plans to officially open the Sea Skywalk in September after a trial operation until the 7th.

Admission fees are free during the trial operation period, but whether admission will be free or paid after the official opening has not yet been decided.

Operating hours are from 10 AM to 5 PM, with the last entry at 4 PM.

Entry may be restricted depending on weather conditions.

During the trial operation period, the maximum daily admission was limited to 2,000 people to prevent safety accidents, but it has now been increased to 10,000 due to high popularity.

According to the county, approximately 53,000 people have visited since the trial operation began on the 23rd of last month until the previous day.

During the trial operation period, while focusing on ensuring the safety of users and inspecting facilities, the county is also conducting excavation surveys of Jukdo and construction of sculptural facilities and guide signs.

In addition, activities such as drinking or disturbing the peace, entry by means other than walking (e.g., bicycles), damaging facilities or the natural environment, entry of infants without guardians, and bringing pets are prohibited.

Assistance dogs for people with disabilities are allowed.

However, there are concerns that the bridge installed over the sea may obstruct the flow of ocean currents or damage the natural landscape.

In particular, as Jukdo has long been recognized for its unique natural environment and scenic value due to its dense bamboo clusters, voices are emerging that a balance between development and preservation is needed.

In response, the county has installed cultural heritage protection notices at the entrance of Jukdo and is urging visitors to participate in preserving the natural environment and cultural heritage.

A county official said, "We plan to thoroughly inspect the operating system and safety management system during the trial operation period and supplement any deficiencies. After the official opening, we will prepare so that tourists can use the facilities more safely and comfortably."