[10,000 Steps a Day] Mountains, Sea, and the Bridge on the River Kwai... Changwon 'Jeodo Beach Road'

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‘Jeodo’, located in Gubok-ri, Gusan-myeon, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon Special City, is, as its name suggests, an island. The name comes from the fact that the shape of the island resembles a pig lying down, using the character for 'pig' (jeo) and 'island' (do).

Even those unfamiliar with Jeodo immediately recognize it when they hear about the 'Bridge on the River Kwai.' The Jeodo Yeollyuk Bridge, which connects the mainland of Gusan-myeon to Jeodo, became popular after being nicknamed the Bridge on the River Kwai, and it allows visitors to walk all the way to Jeodo Island.

View of the Yeollyuk Bridge 'Bridge on the River Kwai' from Yongdusan

The Jeodo Beach Road (Jeodo Coastal Trail) was created in 2010. The greatest appeal of this trail, which circles the island, is that you can walk with the mountain on your right and the sea on your left, side by side. The refreshing scent of the sea, gentle waves, fresh breeze, and swaying trees naturally evoke admiration and awaken all your senses.

The Jeodo Beach Road consists of three sections, divided according to the distance you choose to walk. Section 1 is a total of 3.7 km and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Section 2 is 4.65 km and takes 2 hours, while Section 3 is 6.35 km and takes about 3 hours.

All sections begin at the Gubok-ri bus terminal (Jeodo Beach Road parking lot). The first viewpoint you encounter is so close that you might wonder if you've already arrived. The path is gentle enough for children to walk comfortably. Less than 1 km further along, you reach the second viewpoint, where you can feel as if you are floating above the blue sea beneath the observation deck. There are a total of four viewpoints along the three sections where you can enjoy ocean views.

View from Beach Road Deck Road

From the end of Section 2 to Section 3, as the name ‘Bada Gukyeong-gil’ (Sea Viewing Path) suggests, you can enjoy long, uninterrupted views of the sea. From the first to the third Sea Viewing Path, the area is shaded from sunlight, making it a pleasant and leisurely walk. At the peak of Yongdusan (202 meters above sea level), located in the middle of Jeodo and the highlight of Section 3, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the sea, as well as Geoje Island and Goseong in the distance.

If you have been captivated by the treasure-like scenery where the sea and mountains harmonize, you won't want to miss the thrilling experience of crossing the Bridge on the River Kwai. The bridge, 80 meters long and 1.2 meters wide, is made of reinforced glass, allowing you to look down at the sea through the transparent floor as you walk across. Looking down at your feet, you might feel a bit dizzy. <Provided by Changwon City Hall>