Incheon Yeongjong?Cheongna "300-ri Bicycle Connection Route" to Be Completed This Year

The "300-ri Bicycle Connection Route," a project enabling cyclists to travel along the coastline around Yeongjong and Cheongna in Incheon, will be completed in December this year.

According to the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority on January 13, this project is a large-scale bicycle path construction initiative that will connect Yeongjong International City (Jungsan-dong, Jung-gu) and Cheongna International City (Cheongna-dong, Seo-gu) into a single circular eco-friendly transportation network encompassing coastal, urban, and island areas. The project is timed to open in conjunction with the launch of the Third Link Bridge.

The route starts at Jeongseojin in Seo-gu, Incheon, and connects the Third Link Bridge, Haeannam-ro, Muuido, Yongyu Beach, Haeanbuk-ro, Bukdo, Midan City, the Third Link Bridge again, Cheongna Lake Park, and the Ara Waterway. Of the total 130 kilometers, about 20 kilometers of new bicycle paths will be constructed in uncompleted sections such as the northern part of Yeongjong Island, linking them to the existing routes.

300-ri Bicycle Connection Route Map. Provided by Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority

The total project cost is 33.6 billion won. Incheon City, Ongjin County, Jung-gu, and Seo-gu are jointly participating in the project, planning to install three rest areas and scenic viewpoints so that cyclists can conveniently enjoy the views.

Ongjin County is currently constructing a 3.5-kilometer bicycle path between the newly built intersection and Sindo Branch School, aiming for completion in December this year. Jung-gu began construction in September last year on the 4.45-kilometer section from Haeannam-ro to Muuido, Yongyu Beach, and Haeanbuk-ro, and is scheduled to complete it by June. A dedicated bicycle rest area will also be established within the year.

Seo-gu carried out the project in phases, focusing on the section connecting Jeongseojin, Cheongna Lake Park, and the Ara Waterway. The first phase (8.11 kilometers) was completed in January last year, and the second phase (6.02 kilometers) began in March last year and was finished in November.

With the opening of the Third Link Bridge on January 5 and its connection to the bicycle route, a circular bicycle network covering the West Sea region, including Yeongjong and Cheongna, will be completed. This will allow citizens and tourists to travel freely by bicycle to major tourist destinations and along the coastline, such as Jeongseojin, Muuido, and Sindo, without the need for a car.

An official from Incheon City stated, "The '300-ri Bicycle Connection Route' project is expected to energize marine tourism and the spread of bicycle culture, reduce carbon emissions, revitalize local businesses, and expand leisure and tourism-related content, creating multifaceted synergy effects. We will do our best to create a safe and pleasant cycling environment."