십리대밭교

Imagine an elegant structure soaring over the waters of the Taehwagang River. The Simnibat Bridge is more than just a pedestrian crossing; it is a true architectural symbol that the city of Ulsan takes pride in. This asymmetric arched bridge, located in South Korea, embodies the images of a whale and a white heron, highlighting the region's commitment to an ecological future and harmony with nature.

Simni Bamboo Bridge. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The bridge serves as a key link connecting parts of the vast Taehwagang National Garden. It was built with the support of Kyongnam Bank as a gift to the local community, making it a favorite walking spot for residents. Thanks to its unique shape and location right by the famous bamboo grove, the bridge is considered one of the city's most photogenic spots.

A special atmosphere can be found here during the evening hours. As twilight falls over Ulsan, the artistic lighting turns the structure into a glowing installation. The reflection of the lights in the river and the dark silhouettes of the bamboo create a romantic and mysterious setting that attracts tourists and photographers from all over the world.

If you need to clarify information or find your way on-site, you can use the official address of the site. The bridge is conveniently located with easy transportation access in the Nam-gu district.

The main reason to visit the Simnibat Bridge is for leisurely walks. You can stroll along the pedestrian paths that are part of a massive 11-kilometer route connecting the riverbanks. It is an ideal spot for morning jogs or a peaceful promenade surrounded by the lush greenery of the bamboo grove.

Be sure to stay until evening to catch the light show. The bridge's illumination is designed to highlight its unusual shapes, reminiscent of creatures from the sea and sky. This is the best time for photo shoots: shots against the backdrop of the glowing arches and the nighttime Taehwagang River are truly impressive.

Nearby lies the Taehwagang National Garden—the largest city park, where you can have a picnic on the grass, watch birds in ecological zones, or rent a bike. Exploring the bamboo labyrinths located just steps from the bridge will give you a sense of complete seclusion with nature in the heart of an industrial giant.

Reaching this scenic spot in Ulsan is quite easy. The bridge is located at Namsan-ro, Nam-gu, and is easily accessible by public transport. Most city buses heading toward the Taehwagang National Garden or the river of the same name will take you to the nearest stops, from where the bridge is just a few minutes' walk away.

If you prefer comfort, you can use a taxi. The ride from the city center takes very little time. For those arriving in the city by train (via Gimpo or Gimhae stations), the journey from Ulsan Railway Station to the bridge by bus or taxi will take about 30–40 minutes.

For active travelers, renting a bike is an excellent option. The Simnibat Bridge is part of an extensive network of cycling paths stretching along the river. You can pick up a bike at one of the rental stations in the national garden and ride comfortably to the bridge, enjoying the river scenery along the way.

The history of this place is inextricably linked to the city's ecological revival. The construction of the Simnibat Bridge was the result of a large-scale design competition won by a project inspired by the images of a whale and a white heron. Construction began in February 2008 and was completed exactly one year later. Notably, the project was fully funded by Kyongnam Bank as a gift to the city's residents.

The name of the bridge and the adjacent grove—"Simni"—has deep roots. The word "simni" (십리) refers to a traditional Korean unit of length equal to approximately 4 kilometers (10 ri). This is exactly the distance the famous bamboo grove stretches along the Taehwagang River. Interestingly, the first trees here were planted by local residents back during the Japanese occupation to protect their homes from frequent river flooding.

The Taehwagang River was a major industrial artery for a long time, but thanks to the efforts of authorities and citizens between 2004 and 2010, the area around it was transformed into a blooming oasis. Today, the Simnibat Bridge symbolizes the harmony between a modern industrial center and untouched nature, having become an important part of the national garden.

To simply cross the bridge and take a few souvenir photos, 30–40 minutes will suffice. However, given the beauty of the surrounding landscape, most tourists linger here for 1–2 hours to stroll leisurely along the pedestrian paths and enjoy the view of the Taehwagang River.

If you plan to combine seeing the bridge with a visit to the bamboo grove and a walk through the Taehwagang National Garden, you should set aside at least 3–4 hours or even half a day for this trip. This will allow you to explore all the ecological zones and enjoy a bit of rest in nature without rushing.

As a pedestrian facility, the Simnibat Bridge is accessible 24/7. You can come here at dawn to catch the morning mist over the river or late in the evening to admire the illumination. There are no entry restrictions as the bridge is part of a public recreation area.

Nevertheless, if you plan to visit information centers or related facilities within the Taehwagang National Garden, it is recommended to check their operating hours on the park's official website, as they usually close in the evening.

Exploring the surroundings of the Simnibat Bridge will allow you to delve deeper into the cultural and historical heritage of the region. Near the natural beauty of the bamboo grove, you will find quiet shrines and commemorative markers telling the stories of prominent figures and events of the past.

A walk through these areas is a great addition to visiting the national garden, allowing you to see traditional architecture and get to know local landmarks that often remain in the shadow of major tourist routes.