Taebaek City's 'Tower Bridge' Draws 37,000 Visitors in First Month, Becomes New Landmark

Established as a Landmark for Pedestrians
Increased Foot Traffic Expected to Revitalize Local Businesses

On December 30, Taebaek City in Gangwon Province (Mayor Lee Sangho) announced that the 'Taebaek Tower Bridge', which was created to organically connect urban tourism resources and residential areas, has established itself as a new pedestrian landmark, receiving an enthusiastic response from citizens.

'Taebaek Tower Bridge'. Provided by Taebaek City

The Taebaek Tower Bridge is a multi-purpose pedestrian facility featuring an observatory that offers views of tourist attractions in the city center and connects the Hwangji Pond and Hwangbuja Daughter-in-law Park areas. It was built to link previously disconnected cultural and tourism resources into a single pedestrian route, thereby improving accessibility.

In particular, considering the significant elevation differences between commercial and residential districts in the city, the project focused on creating a pedestrian-friendly environment that allows everyone to move conveniently.

Since its opening on November 17, the bridge has been used by up to 1,000 people per day on weekdays and 1,400 people per day on weekends. As of December 30, the cumulative number of visitors has reached approximately 37,000. Currently, the section connecting the Culture and Arts Center and Beonyeong-ro is open first, and it is being praised for fulfilling its original purpose of improving the pedestrian environment for citizens and revitalizing urban walking.

The tower is designed so that visitors can reach a height of about 29 meters via an elevator, making it easily accessible for seniors with mobility difficulties and families with strollers. The subsequent bridge section is also constructed as a level path for its entire 80-meter length, providing a safe and comfortable walking environment.

Moreover, the increase in users of the Tower Bridge has led to a noticeable rise in foot traffic around Beonyeong-ro, raising expectations for revitalization of nearby commercial areas. It is being evaluated as a new urban connector that goes beyond a simple passageway, adding vibrancy to the city center.

A Taebaek City official stated, "The Tower Bridge is not just a structure, but a space that connects citizens' daily lives, the city, and culture," adding, "We will continue to prioritize safety and strive for ongoing management and operation so that citizens can use it conveniently and with peace of mind."

Meanwhile, Taebaek City plans to continue creating a pedestrian-oriented urban environment that naturally integrates into citizens' daily lives, aiming to build a city where everyone wants to walk and stay.