Exploring Haengdamdo Rest Area: A Hidden Gem by the Sea
- Original source
- blog.naver.com
Having visited numerous rest areas across the country,
stopping by one with a view of the sea feels like
a brief break, transporting you to a journey in Dangjin.
There is a rest area along the West Coast Highway
that touches the sea.
When you reach the Seohae Bridge,
a road branches off in the middle of the bridge,
leading to Haengdamdo Rest Area.
While most visitors enjoy food, coffee, and restrooms,
few realize they are standing on an island.
This small island, covering 0.45 square kilometers,
is administratively part of Sinpyeong-myeon, Dangjin-si,
and has become one of the busiest rest areas in the country.
However, it wasn't always a rest area; it was once inhabited.
The name 'Haengdam' reflects the stories of the sea.
The term 'Haeng' comes from the time when
the tidal flats would be completely dry, allowing people to walk to the island,
while 'Dam' refers to the area usually submerged.
Though accessible by foot at times,
most of the time, the land is covered by water.
In the past, it was referred to as 'Gachinae',
meaning once trapped, one could not escape.
According to research, the tidal range here can reach 9.2 meters.
When the tide goes out, the surrounding mudflats emerge,
doubling the island's size, rich with clams and fish.
The island would grow and shrink twice daily.
Its historical significance began in 1868
when a German merchant ship anchored nearby,
and its crew attempted to retrieve a royal tomb.
Though the attempt failed, it prompted Joseon to lock its doors tighter.
No residents lived on the island at that time.
In 1935, author Shim Hun visited,
depicting it as a remote isle resembling a lying calf.
By the 1980s, 24 households with over 100 residents had settled.
Children attended a local school,
while adults traveled by boat for supplies.
However, the completion of the Seohae Bridge in 2000 changed everything.
Residents gradually left, and by the late 1990s, only about 20 remained.
In 2001, the Haengdamdo Rest Area opened,
and now, the island belongs to the Korea Expressway Corporation.
Today, visitors can enjoy shopping and dining,
and the area features electric and hydrogen charging stations.
People come to refuel, relax, and shop.
If you visit, take a moment to walk towards the windmill,
where a beautiful view of Asan Bay awaits.
The island now serves as a stepping stone for the bridge,
a brief pause for travelers crossing.
With clear skies, the sunset over the bridge and sea is stunning,
drawing many photographers.
Most visitors stay for about thirty minutes,
a far cry from the island's past.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/dangjin2030/224435230725
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