I’m taking a new approach to the blog these days. And that is to write posts when I feel like writing them. It sounds simple enough, but I tend to put way too much pressure on myself to write about and post things right after we do them. So things will likely be slowing down some, although I’m still enjoying documenting all of our wanderings. And today’s post is one I’ve been particularly excited about. It’s a suspension bridge – which, if you’ve been here a while, you’ll know I have a special love for.
Majangho Suspension Bridge in Paju
Stretching 220 meters across Majang Lake (hence the name, Majangho – with “ho” meaning “lake” in Korean), this bridge was the longest of its kind when it was first built in 2017. If you’ve been here a while, you’ll know that figuring out which suspension bridge is the longest in Korea has been a process. Each bridge claims to be the longest – and there are different lengths listed for each bridge depending on where you look. Still, I can say with ALMOST complete certainty that Majangho Suspension Bridge is the longest towerless suspension bridge in South Korea. It’s mountain counterpart, Gamaksan Suspension Bridge (which is also in Paju and is absolutely worth a visit while you’re up visiting Majangho Bridge) claims to be the longest – when in reality it’s either the exact say length or about 70 meters shorter.
Regardless of whatever records Majangho Suspension Bridge may hold, it’s absolutely worth the visit.
We visited right at the beginning of October and, because fall hits a little later on the Peninsula (in our experience), everything was still beautiful, lush, and green. And the weather was absolutely fabulous. Even so, I’d wager that right now would be the perfect time to visit the bridge – can you imagine the surrounding forests with all the fall colors!? Even in the winter when the lake is frozen over, this bridge would be an absolute sight to see.
One of our favorite parts of this bridge was how easy it was go get to. We parked at a small paid parking lot (which I’ll link in the “how to” section at the bottom of this post) and it was just a short walk up the hill to where the bridge was. There was a restaurant, bathrooms, and small cafe at the top, which we absolutely took advantage of.
While you’re visiting Majang Lake, check out the canoes and rafts that you can ride on the lake. They were not operating when we were there (I suspect they close for the cold season, although I couldn’t find any definitive information specifically on that), but it would be the perfect summer afternoon activity – especially if you’re already in the area.
Majangho was beautiful and relaxing (despite the weebles and wobbles of the bridge) and it was just the kind of lowkey adventure that we needed. The kids enjoyed themselves (mostly they enjoyed not being in the car anymore after the 2.5 hour drive… ha!) and it’s always a win when we can get out and spend time outside!
’til next time…
Ash
How to visit Majangho Suspension Bridge in Paju
Directions & Parking: Sitting right at about 2 hours from Camp Humphreys (if traffic is sparse), this bridge may take a little more planning to visit than some of the others I’ve shared. Still, it’s a great option for those wanting to get out of town for a bit. The drive is easy enough and parking is a sinch. There are multiple paid parking lots for Majang Lake, but I’ve linked the closest one to the bridge below. From the parking lot, finding the bridge is easy enough, but I’ve also linked the cafe at the top of the hill which is right next to the entrance for the bridge.
Naver pin: Majangho 2nd Parking Lot
Naver pin: Majangho Cafe (near the entrance to the bridge)
Cost:
Majangho Suspension Bridge
FREE
Parking
₩2,000 – CREDIT CARD PAYMENT ONLY (our AMEX was accepted)
Hours of operation:
March – October
Open daily from 9:00am – 6:00pm
November – February
Open daily from 9:00am – 5:00pm
Accessibility: You can easily bring wheelchairs and strollers up to the bridge, although you cannot bring them ON the bridge.
Amenities: There are bathrooms located in the parking lot I linked above, as well as bathrooms just outside the entrance to the bridge. There is a cafe and a restaurant that serve a variety of different drinks and snacks, and there are plenty of picnic tables near the bridge entrance. Also located in the parking lot are air-blowers to dust off your shoes before heading back to your car (which is just SO Korean and we aren’t mad about it).
Majangho Activities
Disclaimer: Information was lacking on the variety of activities available at Majang Lake. I tried my best to find as much information as I could, but some information (like closing time for the activities) was not available and there was nobody available to ask.
Transparent Canoe Rental
Hours
CLOSED MONDAYS
Open daily (during the warmer months) starting at 9:00am (no closing time listed)
LUNCH BREAK: 11:30pm – 12:30pm daily
Cost
₩15,000 *per canoe for 30 minutes
*Each canoe can hold 2 adults, or 2 adults and 1 infant
Kayak Rental
Hours
CLOSED MONDAYS
Open daily (during the warmer months) starting at 9:00am (no closing time listed)
LUNCH BREAK: 11:30pm – 12:30pm daily
Cost
₩15,000 *per kayak for 30 minutes
*Each canoe can hold 2 adults and 1 child, or 1 adult and 1 child
Raft Rental
Hours
CLOSED MONDAYS
No other hours listed
Cost
2 – seater raft: ₩15,000 for 30 minutes
4 – seater raft: ₩20,000 for 30 minutes
Looking for more Suspension Bridges? Check out these incredible places!
Gamaksan Suspension Bridge in Paju
Yedangho Suspension Bridge in Yesan
Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge in Wonju
