Gaudo Island Gangjin Guide: Suspension Bridge & Zipline

Hey there, fellow travelers! It's Nabri.

Today, I’m sharing my experience visiting Gaudo Island in Gangjin, a beautiful destination I explored during a road trip through South Korea's Jeolla Province in March 2026. This day-trip itinerary is perfect for anyone looking to experience a peaceful yet exciting half-day escape.

While I originally touched on this spot in my 3-Day Jeolla-do Itinerary, I wanted to create a dedicated guide for those who want to visit Gaudo Island as a standalone destination. If you are traveling around the southern coast of Korea, dedicating just half a day here is a fantastic choice.

Gaudo Island is a tiny, picturesque gem floating right in the middle of Gangjin Bay. Interestingly, its name comes from the island's unique shape, which is said to resemble an ox's yoke.

What makes this island particularly special is that it is entirely car-free; you can only access it by walking across beautiful pedestrian bridges. It feels incredibly peaceful to leave your car behind on the mainland and walk straight into island life.

I entered the island by walking across the Cheongja (Celadon) Bridge from the Jeodu side in Daegu-myeon.

The island itself is quite compact, meaning you can easily walk the entire perimeter and enjoy the main attractions in just half a day. Walking over the ocean with the sea breeze in your face is the absolute highlight of this trip.

📍 Gaudo Island
Doam-myeon, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do

📍 Cheongja (Celadon) Bridge
Singi-ri, Doam-myeon, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do

Before heading over to the island, I decided to fuel up with a traditional Korean full-course meal (Hanjeongsik) in downtown Gangjin.

When the table was completely covered with dozens of side dishes, I truly realized, "Ah, I am finally in the food capital of southern Korea!"

Starting the day with a hearty lunch was a smart move because it allowed me to focus entirely on walking and exploring the island without worrying about finding a substantial meal later.

While there are a few local snack bars and small restaurants on Gaudo Island, they are quite limited. I highly recommend eating a big meal in Gangjin town before heading over.

I chose a highly recommended local restaurant called Yehang, which is famous for its authentic southern-style Korean feast.

Please note that their set menus are priced and portioned for groups of four, which is standard for traditional Hanjeongsik dining.

Yehang Restaurant

Closed every Monday

Ye Set Menu (4 people): ~$90

Hyang Set Menu (4 people): ~$115

*Prices are based on a 4-person table setting

📍 Yehang
11-1 Boeun-ro 3-gil, Gangjin-eup, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do

To get onto the island, I crossed the Cheongja Bridge.

The name "Cheongja" translates to Celadon, paying homage to Gangjin's rich history as the historic heart of Goryeo celadon porcelain production.

Looking back at the mainland from the middle of the bridge, the open views of Gangjin Bay were absolutely refreshing. It’s amazing how crossing a simple footbridge can make you feel like you've entered a completely different, peaceful world.

Once you cross over to the island and walk a bit further, you will encounter another bridge: the famous Gaudo Suspension Bridge.

True to its name, this bridge actually sways! As soon as I stepped onto it, I felt the movement and instinctively grabbed the handrail.

It felt a bit like being on a gently rocking boat, which made the walk incredibly fun and memorable.

Aside from the scenic walking trails, Gaudo Island also offers an exciting zipline and a scenic monorail.

While I didn't have enough time to try them myself, I spotted the zipline tower rising high above the island. Fittingly, the launch tower is shaped like a giant celadon vase!

Standing 82 feet tall, this "Celadon Tower" launches riders across a 0.6-mile flight over the ocean at speeds of 43 to 50 mph. The thrilling ride takes about one minute and costs ~$16 for adults.

The zipline operates daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, weather permitting.

Gangjin Gaudo Zipline

Adults: ~$16

Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily

*Operations may be suspended during inclement weather

If you prefer a more relaxed experience, the Gaudo Monorail is a great option. It runs every 15 minutes, taking about 5 minutes one-way or 10 minutes for a full round trip.

This is highly recommended for families traveling with children or elderly companions who want to enjoy the panoramic views of the bay without the steep climb.

The round-trip ticket is very affordable at ~$2 for adults. During the peak summer season (April to August), the monorail operates until 6:00 PM, with the ticket office closing at 5:30 PM.

Gaudo Monorail

Adults (Round-trip): ~$2

Hours: Seasonal variations apply (Ticket office closes 30 minutes before end time)

- October to February: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

- March & September: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

- April to August: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

While the coastal walk alone is deeply rewarding, adding the zipline or monorail to your itinerary makes for a perfect, action-packed day.

📍 Gangjin Zipline
49-9 Gaudo-gil, Doam-myeon, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do

📍 Gaudo Monorail
2-87 Gaudo-gil, Doam-myeon, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do

If you're planning a day trip to Gaudo Island, my biggest tip is to start with a delicious lunch in downtown Gangjin. It keeps your logistics simple and guarantees a great culinary experience.

Also, keep in mind that the suspension bridge has a noticeable wobble, so be prepared for a bit of excitement as you cross!

One of the best parts about visiting Gaudo Island is that parking, island entry, and crossing the pedestrian bridges are completely free. It’s an incredibly budget-friendly destination.

If you plan to ride the zipline or monorail, I'd suggest budgeting a solid half-day to enjoy everything at a leisurely pace.