Mancheonha Skywalk | The Spectacular Danyang Landmark with 3 Soaring Wings

Breathtaking views of majestic Sobaeksan Mountain and the flowing Namhangang River valley await you from the soaring wings of the Mancheonha Skywalk in Danyang, South Korea.

Stunning views from Mancheonha Skywalk in Danyang

This spectacular Danyang landmark was selected as one of the 100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots of Korea in 2019, and it’s easy to see why. Views from Mancheonha Skywalk are astonishing and unexpected.

Mancheonha Skywalk | 만천하 스카이워크

Built in 2017, the Mancheonha Skywalk is a unique observatory constructed in the shape of a slanted egg that’s simultaneously yearning towards both the heavens and the Namhangang River below.

Mancheonha Skywalk reaches for the heavens and the river © Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

The observatory is made from a sturdy metal frame, but still has a light and airy feel, due to its naked exposure to the environment and use of transparent materials. You’ll be able to see stunningly gorgeous views in every single direction, from literally every single spot on the Mancheonha Skywalk.

Take a meandering 10-minute stroll up a spiral walkway, and you’ll reach the peak of the observatory. The entire level is constructed with tempered glass flooring, and steel grids. Dare to look down, and see the earth 130-metres below, peeking through your toes.

Dare to walk out onto the 3 suspended arms of the observatory.

The 3 suspended arms of the Mancheonha Skywalk are perhaps the most thrilling and photogenic places on the observatory. Sticking straight out into the air, there’s the slightly unnerving feeling of walking into the sky, without anything to support you.

Not to worry though, because its triple-tempered glass is strong enough to carry the weight of an elephant.

The Mancheonha Skywalk can carry the weight of an elephant… or 3 generations of women. 😉

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Best Time to Visit Mancheonha Skywalk

There’s probably no bad time to visit, but autumn in Danyang is particularly beautiful. Skies are clear, the river is flowing, and fall foliage paints all of Korea in a spectacular kaleidoscope of colour.

Autumn in Danyang is simply stunning.

We visited Mancheonha Skywalk last year, from November 9th to 11th, and while there was still a bit of autumn colour to be seen, I’d say we missed the best of it by about a week.

Other parts of Danyang, like Guinsa Temple, were still absolutely stunning, but the colour around Mancheonha had mostly faded by the time we got there.

Guinsa Temple was void of tourists and beyond beautiful when we visited.

According to locals, the weeks before had been rammed with visitors, with waits to get up to the observatory stretching into the hours. Mancheonha Skywalk was pretty much deserted when we went, with lots of space to explore and get great pictures.

I’m pretty happy about our timing. Sure, we might have missed some autumn colour, but there’s nothing worse than trying to enjoy such a stunning place, surrounded by crowds of people. At least in my book.

We had plenty of space to take photos at Mancheonha Skywalk.

How to go to Mancheonha Skywalk

Address: 10, Otbawi-gil, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do | 충청북도 단양군 적성면 옷바위길 10

To reach Mancheonha Skywalk, you’ll first have to get to Danyang – a small town in North Chungcheong Province.

It’s relatively much easier to get to Danyang from Seoul than Busan, but don’t let the transit connections stop you. It’s worth a visit, and there’s plenty more to do in the area, including a hike to gorgeous Guinsa Temple, a tandem paragliding experience, or a visit to the Dodamsambong Peaks.

Danyang is one of the most popular places in Korea for paragliding © U Je-yong, Korea Tourism Organization

Seoul to Danyang

By car | Danyang is located approximately 180-km southeast of Seoul. It takes just under 3 hours to drive from Seoul Station to Mancheonha Skywalk.  Renting a car could be worthwhile if you want convenience and comfort to tour other sites in the Danyang area.

By Bus |  The most direct intercity bus to Danyang is from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, located across the street from Gangbyun subway station on Line 2. It costs around 20,000 won each way, and takes just over 2 hours to reach Danyang. Once there, you’ll have to catch an additional local bus or taxi to reach Mancheonha Skywalk. It’s best to search for exact routes on Naver Maps.

By Train | If you love train travel, it’s also possible to get to Danyang using the KTX high speed rail. It’s best to board the KTX at Cheongnyangni Station in Seoul. It’ll arrive at Danyang Station in around 80 minutes. A one-way ticket costs about 19,000 won. From the train station, it’s easiest to take a taxi to Mancheonha Skywalk.

The best way to get to Mancheonha Skywalk from Seoul is KTX train, then taxi.

Busan to Danyang

By car | Danyang is located approximately 265-km north of Busan. It takes a little over 3 hours to drive from Busan to Mancheonha Skywalk, with perfect traffic conditions.

By Bus | Taking a bus from Busan to Danyang would be time-consuming and challenging, since it requires multiple transfers and a lot of time. The fastest route I could find via bus from Busan Bus Terminal required 4 separate transfers. I wouldn’t recommend this mode of transport for this particular trip.

By Train | The train routes between Busan and Danyang are slightly better, but still require at least one transfer, and take anywhere from 4 to 5 hours or longer. If you can afford it, renting a car is definitely the best way to get to Mancheonha Skywalk from Busan.

Lost in the reeds at Mancheonha Skywalk.

How to Visit Mancheonha Skywalk

After purchasing your admission ticket, you can take either a monorail (2,500 won each way) or board a bus (free) and make your way up a winding road to reach the base of the observatory. Mancheonha Skywalk sits on a hillside perch 90-metres above the Namhangang River valley below.

A bus will take you up this winding road to the base of Mancheonha Skywalk.

From there, you’ll walk up a gentle upward spiral that’s open to the elements on all sides of the tilted egg. It’s an extra 30-metres or so to reach the top, but you won’t feel it, because you’ll be completely distracted by the immersive 360 degree views that surround you at every turn.

Up, up, up and around the curves of the slanted egg.

At the peak, you’ll find 3 observatory decks, like soaring wings that float out over the stunning landscapes far below. The floors are made with tempered glass, and if you’re afraid of heights, each step could feel like a brave, new world.

If you dare it though, you’ll be rewarded with a truly spectacular view that’s worth all the effort it took to get there.

Spectacular landscapes in absolutely every direction.

Zipline, Alpine Coaster or Slide?

The thrills don’t end at the suspended wings of Mancheonha Skywalk however. After getting your fill of those spectacular views, instead of boarding the bus back down, you can choose to make the descent to earth via zipline, alpine coaster, or slide.

When you’ve had enough of this extraordinary view, zipline, slide, or coast back down.

Zipline

Starting at a height of 120-metres, the Mancheonha Zipwire will get you down to the Namhangang River bank at speeds of 50-km/hour, on 2 separate wires totalling 980-metres long.

• Height Restrictions: individuals 135 to 200-cm can ride
• Weight Restrictions: individuals 35 to 92-kg can ride
• Cost: 30,000 won per person.

The Mancheonha Zipwire is a fun way to get down to earth © Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

Alpine Coaster

The alpine coaster, on the other hand, follows a 960-metre long track through trees and forest at a max speed of 40-km/hour.

• Children under 48 months, and seniors over 65 years are prohibited from using the alpine coaster.
• Children aged 5 to 8 can only ride with a parent
• Children over 120-cm tall must ride themselves.
• Cost: 15,000 won per person.

READ NEXT: 11 Glorious Things to do in Gongju, the Gem of the Baekje Kingdom

Mancheonha Slide

This is the first and longest mountain slide in Korea. It’s a 264-metre long cylindrical slide that utilizes a mat to slide down. There are 12 curves, and 32 transparent windows, to you can still enjoy the beautiful scenery as you zip past at max speeds of 30-km/hour.

• Only 1 person can ride at a time
• Cost: 13,000 won per person

Not the real Skywalk. 😉

Reed | 갈대 Field at Mancheonha Skywalk

Galdae or reeds commonly grow near riversides, and Mancheonha Skywalk has a huge field nearby. There are literally thousands upon thousands of super tall reeds to explore.

There’s a number of walking platforms set amongst the reeds, but the nice thing about this particular reed field is that you can walk right into the middle of them, with nary another soul to disturb you.

Reed fields are best seen in autumn.

READ NEXT: 15 Surreal Spots to See Pink Muhly Grass in Korea

Where to Stay in Danyang

Danyang is a small town, with a population of less than 30,000 people, so there are not a ton of big hotels or recognizable names there.

The view from our room at Sono Moon in autumn.

The location you choose however, is quite important, because public transit in Danyang is few and far between. If you don’t have your own car, you’ll likely end up taking taxis or walking to your destinations.

Sono Moon Danyang

We stayed at Sono Moon Danyang. This is one of the few “resort” type hotels in Danyang. It has an indoor swimming pool / water park. restaurants, and other facilities available on site. There are a number of different types of lodging available to book, from apartment style to hotel rooms to larger family rooms.

Sono Moon has a moon installation out front (of course).

Sono Moon is one of the few big hotels located right in city centre (Danyang Tourist Hotel Edelweiss is the other one), so it’s walking distance to a number of restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, and more. This is super convenient, since public transit isn’t as reliable as in Seoul or Busan.

A word of warning though: this hotel has seen better days, and while clean, it’s a bit rundown feeling. I found rates to be affordable though, particularly if you’re traveling off-peak.

Us On Earth

Us on Earth is an adorable guesthouse located in downtown Danyang. With an excellent location, wonderful hosts, and a comfortable atmosphere – many travelers consider it a home away from home.

Book early if you’d like to stay at Us on Earth – there’s just a single 2 bedroom apartment available, and it regularly sells out far in advance.

Check out Danyang Rio 127 Guesthouse, if you’re looking for a lower budget stay with gorgeous views of nature. It’s has an excellent location and amenities, for about half the price.

Danyang Pine Caravan Camping

If you’ve ever wanted to try out the whole glamping / caravan camping thing, Pine Caravan Camping in Danyang is a good bet. Surrounded by incredible scenery, spotlessly clean, with BBQ facilities so you can get your Korean BBQ on, it’s a peaceful place from which to explore.

It’s a bit far out of city-centre though, so it’s best to stay here if you have your own car for transport.

Mancheonha Skywalk | Essential Info

Opening Hours

• Summer: 9:00 to 18:00
• Winter: 10:00 to 17:00
• Ticketing ends 1 hr before closing
• High season waits can be up to 1 hour due to high volumes of visitors

Admission Prices

• Adults (19 – 64): 3,000 won
• Children (3 – 18) and senior citizens (65+):  2,500 won
• Preschoolers (2 and younger): Free

A gorgeous late autumn day at Mancheonha Skywalk.

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Are you brave enough to walk out onto the soaring wings of Danyang’s Mancheonha Skywalk?