Shall We Go Take a Trip to an 'Island'?

Korea Tourism Organization's Recommended Islands to Visit in August

Oeyeondo Harbor Village

Naitae Rock at Nongye Beach, Daecheongdo

Saryangdo Daehang Village

Hedgehog, the symbol sculpture of latitude

Udo Hagosudong Beach

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Yong-jun, Travel Specialist] Islands are perfect travel destinations to make the most of the scorching heat in August. Coincidentally, the Korea Tourism Organization also introduced island-hopping trips as recommended places to visit in August.

◇Boryeong Oeyeondo - The Mysterious Island Shrouded in Sea Fog

Among the 70 or so islands belonging to Boryeong City, Oeyeondo is the farthest from the mainland and means a mysterious island hidden by sea fog. When the sea fog clears, the gently rising Bonghwasan Mountain (238m), dense evergreen forests, and the colorful Oeyeondo Pebble Beach appear like magic, creating a fairy-tale scenery. The Oeyeondo evergreen forest (a natural monument) has been protected as a forest that guards the village since ancient times, preserving its original form well. From here, if you cross a low hill to the north, you reach Oeyeondo Pebble Beach. From this point, you can walk around the island along the Oeyeondo Trail or climb to the summit of Bonghwasan. The coastal scenery along the trail is beautiful, and the village view from the top of Bonghwasan is artistic.

◇Ongjin-gun Daecheongdo West Wind Shelter - The Island Guardian That Has Blocked Winds for a Billion Years

Daecheongdo Island boasts higher mountains and vast beaches compared to other islands, offering outstanding scenery. A notable spot is the West Wind Shelter, a rock formation that blocks the west wind. It has been a grateful presence protecting the island from the fierce winds blowing since Daecheongdo was formed a billion years ago. The West Wind Shelter trekking, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, is easy for anyone to walk. If just walking the West Wind Shelter feels insufficient, try connecting it with Samgaksan Mountain for a grand trekking experience. From the 343m-high Samgaksan summit, you can enjoy a refreshing panoramic view of every corner of Daecheongdo, as well as Sochengdo, Baengnyeongdo, and even the northern lands.

Okjukdong Coastal Sand Dunes evoke images of a desert. In the middle of the dunes stands a double-humped camel sculpture, making it look unmistakably like the Gobi Desert.

◇Tongyeong Saryangdo - Falling in Love with the Island

Saryangdo, part of Hallyeohaesang National Park, is considered a representative island of Tongyeong. It became famous especially because of Jirimangsan Mountain, named for its view of Jiri Mountain. Now simply called Jirisan, the mountain and sea can be enjoyed together, attracting continuous visits from hikers. There are four routes to climb Jirisan. Route 4, which ascends from Daehang Village to Oknyobong Peak, is recommended for beginner hikers. Oknyobong, one of Tongyeong’s eight scenic spots, is composed of majestic rocky formations, offering thrilling excitement. The rugged ridge of Gamabong features two suspension bridges that add to the attractions. Daehang Beach is the only beach on Saryangdo, where the clear water and fine sand are perfect for washing away the summer heat.

◇Buan Wido - A Healing Trip with Cute Hedgehogs

Wido is a healing island inhabited by cute hedgehogs. Hedgehog sculptures, which inspired the island’s name, are placed throughout the island, serving as popular photo zones. Wido allows visitors to fully enjoy nature and ecology, including the sea, mountains, forests, and tidal flats. Driving along the coastal road that stretches over 20 km, you can encounter several beaches and coastal cliffs, including Wido Beach. You can also revisit old stories at Daeri Village, where Wido Ddibae Nori (a national intangible cultural heritage) was performed, and Chidori Village, which prospered enough to hold early fish markets. Wido Healing Forest is the only healing forest located on an island, excluding Jeju Island.

◇Jeju Udo - An Island within an Island and the Most Jeju-like Island

Udo offers a different landscape from the main island, blending primeval mysterious coastal cliffs and unique beaches with lush green fields cultivated by humans and colorful-roofed villages. The Hongjodan Coral Reef Beach, with its emerald sea and white sand, represents Udo. This beach, one of Udo’s eight scenic spots, was once called Seobin Baeksa or Coral Sand Beach, but it was later found that the sand grains forming the white beach are not coral. The heart-shaped stone fence (doksal) recreated next to the white Duksenggot Lighthouse is also popular among travelers. This traditional fishing method uses a stone net to trap fish carried in by the tide so they cannot escape. Hagosudong Beach has a gentle slope and mild waves, making it ideal for family swimming. Udo is known for its abundant peanut cultivation, and peanut ice cream is delicious at any caf? on the island.

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