The Westernmost Southernmost Island of the Nation, Gageodo, Designated as a Scenic Climb Island

The westernmost and southernmost end island of the country, Gageodo Island and Deomdo Island (Photo by Sinan-gun)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] On the 28th, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do announced that Gageodo, the westernmost island of the Korean Peninsula, has been designated as Nationally Designated Cultural Heritage Scenic Site No. 117, "Sinan Gageodo Seomdeungbando (新安 可居島 島等半島)".

Located at the southwesternmost tip of the Korean Peninsula, Gageodo is 420 km away from Seoul on the mainland, 355 km from Okinawa, Japan, and 390 km from Zhejiang Province, China. It serves as both the end and the starting point of Korea’s borders, acting as a stronghold protecting our territory.

The island’s central mountain, Doksilsan (639m above sea level), extends into the sea, forming spectacular rock formations, groves of camphor trees, and a variety of rare plant species. Numerous migratory birds use the island as an intermediate stopover while crossing the West Sea during spring and autumn.

Additionally, 47 km southwest of Gageodo lies ‘Gageocho,’ an underwater reef where Korea’s second comprehensive marine science station was established in 2009.

Records about Gageodo can be found in ancient texts such as the "Sinjeung Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam" and old maps including "Yeojidoseo," "Haedongjido," and "Jeju Samhyeondo."

During the Joseon Dynasty, the original name was Gagado (加佳島), and there are also records with alternative Chinese characters such as ‘加可島’ (found in the Seungjeongwon Ilgi, among others).

The name ‘Gageodo’ first appeared in the local administrative records and has been used ever since. Positioned on a route frequented by international trading ships, it served as an intermediate port for trade with China since the Unified Silla period. It holds high historical and cultural value, with sites such as Jeollanam-do Monument No. 130 Gageodo Shell Midden and Jeollanam-do Intangible Cultural Property No. 22 "Gageodo Anchovy Fishing Song" still preserved.

In particular, Seomdeungbando, located northwest of Gageodo, is a peninsula-shaped landform extending eastward from the island. It features rocky peaks formed by sheer cliffs and wave-cut sea cliffs that spread like a folding screen, creating a magnificent landscape. The sunset views here are especially highly praised for their beauty.

The designation of "Sinan Gageodo Seomdeungbando" as a scenic site is especially significant as it marks the national cultural heritage designation of the last "end island."

Gageodo, at the southwesternmost tip of the Korean Peninsula, is well known as one of the "end islands" that surround our territory, along with Dokdo (Natural Monument No. 336) at the easternmost tip, Baengnyeongdo (Scenic Site No. 8, Natural Monument No. 391) at the northernmost tip of the West Sea, and Marado (Natural Monument No. 423) at the southernmost tip.

With the recent designation of Gageodo as a scenic site, all four symbolic "end islands" protecting our maritime territory have now been designated as cultural heritage sites, which is expected to lead to their active preservation, utilization, and a renewed recognition of our national territory.

County Governor Park Woo-ryang expressed, "We are grateful for the efforts of the local residents who protect the territory and live at the southwesternmost tip of the country. We plan to prepare measures to preserve and utilize Gageodo’s diverse historical and cultural resources so that they can live with pride."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.