Address: 940, Sa-eun-ri, Chilseong-myeon, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
Website: https://www.korearank.com/tour/tour_detail.php?uid=51769
Entrance Fees & Usage Costs: N/A
Operating Hours: Summer: 09:00 – 18:00 / Winter: 09:00 – 17:00
Introduction:
The Yeonhahyeop Cloud Bridge is a suspension bridge, which connects Yangban Road with the hiking trail, Sanmagiyetgil. It is about 134 – 167 meters long, and just over 2 meters wide. It is a remarkable tranquil environment, and the view from the middle of the bridge is absolutely calming. The bridge is named Cloud Bridge, because, due to it being a suspension bridge, the shake of the bridge is meant to make it feel like you are walking on clouds.
It is challenging to get to- and from the bridge without a vehicle, but it is well worth it. There aren’t any restaurants in the direct vicinity, and few amenities could be found here. The few amenities are located in the Yeonhahyeop Bidge’s parking lot.
History & Culture:
The bridge was opened on September 26, 2016.
Highlights:
The sensation of walking on the bridge is what draws people, but the view is what makes them stop for a second and gaze at the Goesan Lake.
You can take boat rides on the lake, but if the lake is frozen during winter times, they obviously don’t operate.
Tips & Tricks:
There are 2 hiking trails you can conquer, if you’d desire it. The first is about 1.2 kilometers, the second is about 4.5 kilometers. It is advised to prepare some liquids and snacks if you are going to attempt the trails.
There is also a snail-mail post box, where you can send a post card to someone, or yourself.
If you plan on going on one of the boat rides, take a jacket with. The wind can be chilly.
Apart from the public toilets, there aren’t many facilities nearby. So, whether you plan on hiking the trails or not, it might be wise to stock up on snacks in any event. There are benches where you can eat and enjoy the view.
Without a vehicle, the closest you will get with public transport, is about an hour and a half walk. So prep up on those snacks. That will make it a 3 hour walking trip all together to and from the bridge.
Also very important to note. This area is considered rural, and therefore the nearest bus stop operates infrequently. You absolutely have to keep an eye on your navigation map, in order to catch a bus. I recommend Naver- or Kakao Maps for this endeavor. Trust me, it is a far walk if you miss the bus.
Accommodation:
Gallon Pension
Address: 184 Sa-eun-ri Chilseong-myeon Goesan-gun Chungcheongbuk-do
Contact: 010-9630-0511
Website: http://www.갈론펜션.kr
Rooms vary from 2 persons, to 8 persons. More people could fit in, but would have to be discussed with the Pension owner.
Dining:
The nearest good place I know of, is Sanae Deurae. The sell local Korean food, and has a modern layout.
Address: 충북 괴산군 칠성면 산막이옛길 323 산애들애
Contact: 0507-1379-1061
Operating Hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Challenge:
Eat an entire Kimbab from start to finish while your travel partner swings and rocks the bridge, OR down a bottle soju under the same conditions.
Conclusion:
The Yeonhahyeob Gureum Bridge, might not be the stairway to heaven, but it is definitely a walk on the clouds. The bridge is a hidden gem worth viewing.
Wandering Wentzel 