Majang Lake

In Gisan-ri, Gwangtan-myeon, Paju, a 220 m suspension footbridge hangs over a reservoir ringed by wooded hills. Since the bridge opened in 2018, Majang Lake (Majanghosu) has become an easy lakeside outing from northern Seoul. Cross the bridge, walk the path around the water and you can spend a relaxed half day among forest and lake views.

The bridge that changed a reservoir

Work on the Majang Lake suspension bridge began in April 2017 and finished in February 2018, and it opened on 29 March 2018. It cost about KRW 7.9 billion and was billed at the time as the longest suspension footbridge in Korea. The 220 m by 1.5 m bridge is designed to withstand winds of 30 m per second and an earthquake of magnitude 7, and sensors constantly measure how it moves. An 18 m section in the middle is floored with bulletproof glass, so you can look straight down into the lake; if that feels too much, walk on the wooden boards or the steel mesh alongside.

What to do

• The suspension bridge: it sways gently as you walk, with forest and water on either side. Running, jumping and shaking the cables are not allowed.
• Lakeside path: a trail linked to the observation tower circles the lake. Sources differ on its length: 3.6 km or 4.5 km.
• Observation tower and Sky Stairs: a lookout gives a view over the whole lake, and the "Sky Stairs" climb a slope planted with wildflowers.
• Canoeing and camping: there is a water-sports area for canoes and kayaks, plus a forest campsite.
• Barefoot path: an earth path for walking barefoot, along with outdoor exercise equipment.

Beyond the bridge

When the bridge was built, about 98,000 m² around the lake was landscaped at the same time, adding a 15 m observation tower overlooking the whole lake, a waterside promenade, a canoe and kayak area and an auto-camping site. Ringed by hills, the lake is especially lovely around sunset, when the light on the water blends with the surrounding forest. After crossing the bridge, follow the lakeside path to the far shore and you can take in the whole length of the bridge stretched across the water.

Tripto tips

• Time needed: allow 90 minutes to 2.5 hours to cross the bridge and walk the lakeside path.
• Fees and hours: entry is free and the lake is open all year. The bridge and other facilities are open 09:00–18:00 in March–April, 09:00–20:00 in May–October and 09:00–17:00 in November–February.
• Parking: car parks 1–6 hold about 570 cars. Leaving within 20 minutes is free; after that there is a flat fee of KRW 2,000 for cars and KRW 4,000 for large vehicles, with 50% off for eco-friendly cars.
• Public transport: take bus 31 or 774 from Gupabal Station (Line 3), or bus 10 from exit 1 of Geumchon Station (Gyeongui–Jungang Line), to Gwangtan Samgeori. From there, bus 313 goes to the Majang Lake stop; bus 37 drops you in Gisan-ri, about a 20-minute walk away.
• Note: wheelchair access to the suspension bridge may be restricted. Reinforcement work on the reservoir embankment may close the path along the dam, so check the signs on site.
• Combine it with: the giant Goryeo-era rock-carved Buddhas of Yongmi-ri, Bogwangsa Temple and Byeokchoji Arboretum are all nearby, making a full day trip.