Seomjin River Dam
Hyangga Amusement Park (향가유원지; map), located in Sunchang County is a key stop on the Seomjingang Bike Path. Once a partially built section of a Japanese colonial railway, Korea has transformed the area into a park that features a repurposed railway bridge and tunnel, drawing visitors with unique attractions like the Sky Walk.
History
During the Japanese colonial period, the area was integral to an ambitious railway project intended to connect key agricultural regions in Jeolla Province with export hubs. The railway was designed to transport grain and other resources but was abandoned following Korea’s liberation in 1945. Structures such as the Hyangga Bridge and Hyangga Tunnel, originally built for this purpose, remain as physical reminders of Korea’s colonial era.
These remnants have since been repurposed into key attractions on the Seomjingang Bike Path. The transformation of these colonial-era relics into recreational landmarks symbolizes Korea’s resilience and ability to reclaim and reinterpret its history.
Legacy
But Hyangga Park also predates its modern transformation. For centuries, it has been celebrated as a place of inspiration and retreat. The park’s name, “Hyangga,” which combines “Hyang” (fragrant) and “Ga” (beautiful), reflects its reputation as a sanctuary for poets and scholars. These intellectuals were drawn to the harmonious interplay of the Seomjin River’s gentle flow, the towering pines, and the rolling hills of Okchul Mountain.
In particular, Hyangga Park’s connection to the Seomjin River gives it cultural significance beyond its immediate landscape. The river has been a lifeline for the communities that have developed along its banks, shaping their livelihoods and traditions.
Key Attractions
Let’s explore some of Hyangga Amusement Park’s key attractions.
Hyangga Bridge and Sky Walk
Originally built during the Japanese colonial period as part of a railway project, Hyangga Bridge spans 219 meters across the Seomjin River. The project was abandoned during Korea’s liberation, leaving behind only pillars. Later, the local government completed the skeletal bridge and turned it into a pedestrian and cycling path.
Seated in the center of the bridge, find the Sky Walk, a glass-bottom section that offers views of the flowing river beneath. Visitors often pause here to capture breathtaking photos of the river and surrounding mountains, making it a highlight for cyclists and tourists alike.
The Hyangga Bridge is not just a link between past and present but also between Sunchang and Namwon Counties.
Hyangga Tunnel
The Hyangga Tunnel, a 390-meter-long passage carved through Okchul Mountain, also originates from the same colonial railway project. Once intended for the transport of grain from Korea’s fertile Jeolla region, the tunnel has been repurposed into a key part of the Seomjingang Bike Path. Its interior, naturally cool even in the summer, refreshes cyclists and walkers, making it a practical and enjoyable feature of the route.
The tunnel’s design has been enhanced with LED lighting and colorful murals. These installations recount the tunnel’s history and showcase its transformation into a recreational landmark. Art installations, often themed around the Seomjin River and its significance, add an educational and cultural layer to the experience.
Riverside Beauty
Hyangga Park’s natural charm lies in its 2-kilometer stretch of sandy riverbanks bordered by forested hills. The Seomjin River, at this point roughly 100 meters wide, flows gently through the landscape. The riverbanks are dotted with dramatic rock formations, sculpted over time, and towering pine trees that provide shade and habitat for local wildlife.
Cycling
As part of the Seomjingang Bike Path, Hyangga Park is a key stop for cyclists, marked by the Hyanga Park Certification Center (향가유원지 인증센터; map), where cyclists can stamp their Bike Passports.
The park is situated in one of the path’s most picturesque segments, where the historic Hyangga Bridge and the Hyangga Tunnel provide both scenic beauty and historical intrigue.
Camping
The nearby Hyangga Auto Camping Site (향가오토캠핑장; map) offers modern facilities that cater to campers of all experience levels. Designed with convenience in mind, the site includes:
- Tent Decks: Elevated wooden platforms to ensure a dry camping experience.
- Restrooms and Showers: Well-maintained facilities to make camping accessible.
- Cooking Areas: Communal cooking stations equipped with basic amenities.
- Playgrounds: Spaces for children to play.
The campsite, nestled along the riverbank, provides direct access to the Seomjin River’s waters and lush surroundings. Evenings by the campsite allow visitors to stargaze under the unpolluted skies.
Fishing and Boating
The Seomjin River is a hotspot for fishing enthusiasts, known for its abundance of freshwater species like stone perch, especially during the autumn months. The river’s clear waters and slow-moving currents make it an ideal location for casting a line.
In addition, the park supports a variety of seasonal water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and rafting.
Hiking and Nature Walks
Trails that wind through the riverbanks and nearby Okchul Mountain surround Huangga Park. The trails range from leisurely riverside paths to more challenging mountain courses. Visitors can observe native plants, including azaleas and camellias, and may spot local wildlife like herons and dragonflies.
Practical Information
- Address: 575 Hyangga-ro, Pungsan-myeon, Sunchang-gun, North Jeolla Province
- Access: Accessible by car and bike; parking is available near the park and camping area.
- Facilities: Camping grounds, picnic areas, restrooms, and the Sky Walk.
- Contact: +82 63-650-1632
