Jeongseon County Creates Aura Bridge: "A Winter Journey Completed with Every Step"

On December 17, Jeongseon County in Gangwon Province announced that it has recreated the traditional Aura Bridge, a seasonal bridge with a long history in the region, to provide winter visitors with an opportunity to experience Jeongseon's culture and local characteristics.

Jeongseon County, 'A Winter Trip Completed the Moment You Walk' Aura Bridge Construction. Photo by Jeongseon County

The Aura Bridge is a seasonal structure installed only when river levels drop during winter. It originated from the traditional lifestyle of residents who built crossing paths using materials sourced from nature. The bridge constructed this year measures 120 meters in length and 1.5 meters in width, and was built in the traditional method using logs, pine trees, pine branches, and soil.

The Aura Bridge serves not only as a winter passageway for residents but has also become a landmark where visitors can appreciate both the natural environment and the local way of life in Jeongseon. Particularly when it snows, the surrounding mountains blend with the bridge to create a picturesque winter landscape reminiscent of an ink painting, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.

Photos and videos of the bridge are being shared on social media and blogs, introducing it as one of the region's signature winter destinations. Interest in Jeongseon's traditional culture, such as the customs of Aura Bridge and Jeongseon Arirang, is growing, and the number of visitors to nearby attractions like the Gariwangsan Cable Car and the rail bike is also increasing.

The county plans to strengthen safety measures and on-site management during the bridge's operational period, and will ramp up winter tourism promotion in Jeongseon to meet the rising demand for 'emotional local travel' that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of the destination.

Jeongseon County, 'A Winter Trip Completed the Moment You Walk' Aura Bridge Construction. Photo by Jeongseon County

Lee Deokjong, head of Yeoryang-myeon, stated, "The Aura Bridge is a traditional culture that embodies the wisdom and traces of life of local residents," adding, "We hope that visitors to Aura Bridge will be able to experience Jeongseon's traditions and unique local characteristics."

Meanwhile, Aura Bridge is located at Gujeol-ri in Yeoryang-myeon, where the Songcheon and Goljicheon streams meet. The unique geographical feature of the two waterways converging, combined with the operation of the Aura Bridge, has made it a beloved and special travel destination.