Travel
Jinju, Korea accelerates development of Mangyeong Park as heart of ‘Wonderful Namgang’ Project
haps Magazine Korea
February 23, 2026
Mangyeong Park (Photo by Jinju City/courtesy of haps Magazine Korea)
Jinju City is moving forward with the development of Mangyeong Park, a key project under its flagship “Wonderful Namgang” initiative, aimed at revitalizing the old downtown and transforming the area into a distinctive historical and cultural tourism destination.
The project seeks to expand green space in the city center while linking the natural beauty of the Nam River with Jinju’s rich heritage. At its core, Mangyeong Park is being developed as a “Bigeo (Flying Chariot) Theme Park,” inspired by Jinju’s legendary historical invention, creating a space where visitors can experience local history and culture in an immersive setting.
Bigeo Bridge Connects Tourism Belt
A major highlight of the project is the newly constructed Bigeo Pedestrian Bridge, which connects Somangjin Mountain’s Yudeung Park with Mangyeong Park, areas previously divided by road infrastructure. The 40-meter-long, 5-meter-wide steel bridge features aluminum panel exteriors and a wooden deck walkway, providing a safe and comfortable pedestrian route.
Designed to symbolize the dynamic image of the “Bigeo” soaring into the sky, the bridge enhances connectivity between key attractions and strengthens the tourism flow within the old city center. At night, perforated exterior panels glow with soft lighting reminiscent of floating lanterns drifting along the Nam River, creating a new nighttime landmark.
Bigeo Forest Trail Offers Scenic River Views
Completed last year, the Bigeo Forest Trail links the pedestrian bridge to the historic Mangjinsan Beacon Mound. The 560-meter trail upgrades aging walkways and offers close access to the Nam River’s scenery. Two observation decks provide panoramic views of the river, Jinju Fortress, and the surrounding cityscape.
Portions of the trail incorporate steel grating structures for durability and openness, while new lighting ensures safe evening access. The route establishes a continuous walking corridor from Yudeung Park to the beacon site, improving accessibility and enhancing the urban nature experience.
Observatory, Traditional Garden, and Visitor Facilities
Additional upgrades are underway to further elevate Mangyeong Park as a city landmark. A new open-air observatory, designed in harmony with Chokseongnu Pavilion and the Nam River landscape, is scheduled for completion this year. The structure will feature a traditional pavilion-inspired design that allows natural airflow while serving as a public gathering space.
A traditional cultural garden project, selected in 2024 as part of a tourism development initiative, began construction in December. The garden will include entrance gardens, water facilities, and forest zones, blending traditional Korean landscaping elements with modern interpretation.
To improve visitor convenience, the city is also developing parking facilities and widening access roads, with road expansion set for completion by 2026.
Phased Completion Through 2027
Jinju plans to complete the Mangyeong Park project in phases through 2027, opening finished sections sequentially to minimize public inconvenience and allow residents to enjoy the space as it develops.
Once finalized, Mangyeong Park is expected to reconnect a formerly underutilized area with the public, linking the Nam River, Jinju Fortress, and Chokseongnu Pavilion into an integrated tourism belt. City officials anticipate the project will serve as both a restorative urban green space and a catalyst for revitalizing Jinju’s old downtown.