Sindo Peace Bridge Opens, Reaching Sindo from Yeongjongdo in Just 10 Minutes by Bicycle

As the construction that continued for five years has concluded, the 'Sindo Peace Bridge' connecting Yeongjongdo and Sindo officially opened last July. The Three Brothers Islands (Sindo, Sido, and Modo), which previously required crossing the sea by boat, have been transformed into a travel destination that can be accessed anytime by car or bicycle. According to a video from the YouTube channel 'Wise Camping Life', it can be reached in about 40 minutes from Seoul via Exit 1 of Unseo Station on the Airport Railroad, making it an excellent destination for a day trip using public transportation.

Sindo Peace Bridge, a New Path for Cyclists and Pedestrians

The Sindo Peace Bridge has a total length of 3.2km, with approximately 2km of the section floating over the sea. On the right side of the bridge, dedicated paths for pedestrians and bicycles have been separately provided, allowing for safe movement. At the time of the video filming, the distance from Unseo Station to the Peace Bridge was about 3km, a short distance that takes approximately 10 minutes by bicycle. However, since January of this year, riding regular bicycles has been prohibited when using the Airport Railroad, except for folding bicycles, so bicycle travelers should keep this in mind.

A small observatory is installed in the middle of the bridge, where the ocean scenery can be enjoyed through a glass floor section. Crossing the bridge leads directly to the entrance of Sindo, and the surrounding area is equipped with rest areas for visitors and newly renovated roads. Currently, official bus routes are expected to open in October, and at present, a temporary shuttle bus that makes five round trips daily is operating at approximately 2-hour intervals. Although weekend congestion occurred after the bridge opened, the situation has significantly improved.

Three Brothers Islands Trekking Course Connecting Sindo to Modo

Upon arriving at Sindo, one can encounter the Sindo Pier, a remnant of the days when people used to take boats from the former Sammok Ferry Terminal in Yeongjongdo. Due to the opening of the bridge, existing boat services are gradually decreasing and are scheduled to be discontinued soon. In the waterfront park near the pier, there is a deck path extending over the tidal flats revealed when the water recedes, making it a good place to walk while observing the layers of seashell traces beneath one's feet. The end of the deck path leads to a lake, which can be used as a course to walk a large loop around the lake.

The path from Sindo to Sido is connected via a bridge linking the two islands. Sido is the place with the most to see among the Three Brothers Islands, represented by 'Sugi Beach', which is well-equipped with wooden decks and roof facilities on the beach. Sugi Beach is also known as a filming location for the 2014 drama 'Beyond the Waves'. To go to the youngest island, Modo, one must cross the bridge, and at the edge of Modo, there is a spot called 'Bakjwig i' that resembles the shape of a bat. Walking about 10 minutes from here, one can arrive at 'Baemikkumi Beach', where unique sculptures harmonize with the sea. Baemikkumi carries the meaning of a hole under the bottom of a boat.

Changing Island Scenery and Travel Tips

As the island's transportation infrastructure improves, the scenery is also changing rapidly. In Sindo and Sido, cafes and convenience facilities for visitors are increasing, and in Modo, large cafes along with artistic sculptures are installed, offering a unique charm. The parking lot at the edge of Modo is currently operating for free, but there is a possibility it may convert to a paid system in the future. Additionally, the terminus of the newly established shuttle bus is located in Modo.

Due to the characteristics of the island's terrain, there are sections where uphills and downhills repeat, so bicycle travelers need to be careful. In particular, the bicycle course heading toward Modo has a gradient, so travelers may have to pull their bicycles up. On the other hand, the general roadway is relatively gentle with almost no slope, making vehicle movement easy. Currently, bicycle paths and sidewalks circling the entire island are under construction, and since road expansion work is also underway in Sindo, it is advisable to check the latest road conditions before visiting.