617m Longest Domestic Suspension Bridge, a Circular Course Completed with the Opening of Danyang's Siru Island Bridge of Miracles

A new trekking course walking along the Namhan River stream in Danyang, Chungcheongbuk-do, has been completed. Thanks to the 617m long 'Siru Island Bridge of Miracles' which newly opened last August, a perfect waterfront circular course has been created, connecting from Danyang Station to Mancheonha Skywalk. This course is suitable for family travelers as it can be visited as a day trip using public transportation.

The 617m Purple Suspension Bridge Remembering the 14-Hour Struggle

The 'Siru Island Bridge of Miracles', which can be encountered while walking along the riverside deck path after departing from Danyang Station, is currently considered the longest suspension bridge in the country. The total length is 617m, and the bridge, painted purple, provides a unique landscape in contrast to the green mountain scenery. A feature of the bridge is its excellent sense of openness, with a large main tower standing in the middle of Siru Island.

This bridge was built to commemorate the tragedy and miracle experienced by the residents of Siru Island in the past. According to the video, when the river flooded due to a typhoon in 1972, about 200 residents held onto each other with linked arms for 14 hours on top of a narrow water tank about 4m wide. It contains the will of the residents who had to hide their grief for the well-being of the community even amidst the sorrow of losing young babies at that time. To commemorate the event where 197 people were miraculously rescued the next morning, the bridge was named 'Siru Island Bridge of Miracles'.

Points to note when using the bridge are that it opens every day at 9:00 AM and is closed every Tuesday. It takes about 20 minutes on foot from Danyang Station, and if you use the ITX-MAUM train arriving at 8:30 AM, you can arrive leisurely in time for the bridge's opening.

Waterfront Promenade Passing Through the Moss Tunnel and Siru Island Memorial Hall

After crossing the suspension bridge, you can visit the Siru Island Memorial Hall and nearby attractions in order. The memorial hall exhibits old photographs containing the history of Siru Island, and a monument recreating the appearance of the residents during the great flood is installed nearby. Behind the memorial hall, a large free parking lot is provided, allowing visitors using vehicles to visit conveniently.

Near the memorial hall lies the 'Moss Tunnel', where green moss fills the walls. This place, where a former railway site has transformed into a road, is famous as a photo spot because the vitality of the moss becomes more vivid after it rains. However, as vehicle traffic is frequent here and there are sections without separate sidewalks, special attention is required when walking.

The Secret View of the Namhan River Looking Down from Mancheonha Skywalk

After crossing the hills along the promenade, you arrive at 'Mancheonha Skywalk', which has been selected as one of Korea's Top 100 Tourist Attractions. After purchasing a ticket, you can go up using a free shuttle bus, and the video shows moving to the observatory using a 'monorail' with a standing-only method. The monorail incurs a usage fee of 3,000 won one way and can move to the drop-off point near the observatory faster than the bus.

The observatory is located at an altitude of 90m, and its structure, which winds up along the ridge, gives the feeling of walking through the mountains. The skywalk installed at the end of the observatory has a floor made of wire mesh, providing a dizzying experience of looking down at the stream of the Namhan River beneath your feet. From the summit here, you can view the foothills of Sobaeksan and the Siru Island Bridge of Miracles in the distance at a glance, allowing you to enjoy the natural scenery of Danyang all at once.