Places of interest #4 in Gangjin-gun

가우도 길

4.3 · 557 reviews
A serene, scenic island nature walk
South Korea, Jeollanam-do, Gangjin-gun, Doam-myeon, 가우도 길
Interesting facts
1

Gaudo is the only inhabited island among the eight islands located in Gangjin Bay.

2

The island's name, Gaudo, is derived from its geographical resemblance to a 'ga-u' (a traditional Korean musical instrument) or a head-shaped mountain peak.

3

The 'Together-Gil' trail was developed as part of a coastal eco-tourism initiative to minimize environmental impact on the island's landscape.

4

The sea fishing pier on the island is a popular destination for catching rockfish and sea bass.

5

The island's bridges feature a distinct cable-stayed architectural design intended to accommodate pedestrian foot traffic exclusively.

Overview

Gaudo Island is a small, inhabited island in Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do, connected to the mainland by two pedestrian-only suspension bridges. It serves as the midpoint of the larger Gangjin Bay and is accessible via the 'Gaudo Gil' coastal trail which encircles the island's perimeter. The trail features a wooden boardwalk that allows visitors to observe the marine ecosystem and mudflats at close range. The island is known for its designated 'Together-Gil' walking path, which is approximately 2.5 kilometers long. It houses an observation deck and facilities for sea fishing, including a designated fishing pier. The topography is characterized by gentle slopes and forest paths dominated by pine and camellia trees. As of August 2026, the bridges remain the primary access points for pedestrians, as no motorized vehicles are permitted on the island.

Photo spot

The mid-point of the suspension bridges looking back toward the island's forested coastline.

Insider tips

Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes, as the 2.5km trail is primarily composed of wooden decks and forest paths.

Bring sun protection such as a hat or sunscreen, as large portions of the bridge crossings are exposed to direct sunlight.

Check the local weather forecast specifically for wind conditions, as the bridges over the bay can experience strong gusts.

What to avoid

Attempting to drive a car onto the island, as there are no roads for vehicles and parking is restricted to the mainland bridge entrances.

Etiquette

No motorized vehicles or bicycles allowed on the pedestrian bridges; maintain quiet to respect the local residents.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Late afternoon in spring or autumn to enjoy cooler temperatures and sunset views over the Gangjin Bay bridges.
Address
South Korea, Jeollanam-do, Gangjin-gun, Doam-myeon, 가우도 길
34.534, 126.779
Get directions
Details
Trail length2.5 kilometers
AccessPedestrian bridges only

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late afternoon in spring or autumn to enjoy cooler temperatures and sunset views over the Gangjin Bay bridges..

The mid-point of the suspension bridges looking back toward the island's forested coastline.

Close by you'll find 가우도 청자다리, Dasan Chodang, 대한불교조계종 백련사(강진).

South Korea

About Gangjin-gun