Ulleung's Dokdo Observatory Cable Car resumes service after safety inspection, makeover

The Dokdo Observatory Cable Car on Ulleungdo has resumed normal operations after completing a safety inspection and vehicle renovation, Ulleung-gun in North Gyeongsang Province announced Monday.

The county replaced the wire ropes and underwent an inspection by the Korea Transportation Safety Authority between April 27 and May 29.

The cable car vehicles were also given a fresh look, painted in the orange of the ulleung pumpkin — a local specialty — and decorated with Haeorang, the county's official mascot.

The cable car runs from Dodong Mineral Water Park in Dodong-ri, Ulleung-eup, to the summit of Manghyangbong. Riders at the top can take in panoramic views of Ulleungdo and, on clear days, catch a glimpse of Dokdo in the distance.

"We expect the newly renovated cable car to bring fresh energy to tourism on Ulleungdo," said Lee Seok-hee, head of the county's facilities management office.