Gwangyang City Introduces 'Baealdo Island Garden' on Island Day

by Heo Seonsik

Published 04 Aug.2023 14:27(KST)

Updated 15 Aug.2025 11:10(KST)

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Gwangyang City in Jeollanam-do announced that it recommends spending a special day at Baealdo Island Garden, where the infinite value of islands can be discovered, in celebration of the upcoming 4th Island Day.

‘Island Day’ is a national commemorative day established in 2018 to build public consensus on the value and importance of islands, with August 8th chosen as the date to symbolize infinite (8=∞) possibilities.

[Photo by Gwangyang-si]

Baealdo Island in Gwangyang preserves the ecology and history of nature intact, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the infinite possibilities and freedom of an island surrounded by the sea.

With an area of 0.8 hectares and a length of 25 meters, Baealdo is an island floating where the Seomjin River meets the sea. It was once called Sado (Snake Island) as marked on Daedongyeojido and Yeojidoseo maps, but it got its current name from its shape facing Mangdeoksan Mountain like a bow.

The word ‘Baeal’ not only means ‘to respectfully and carefully meet a superior with a reverent heart,’ but also metaphorically refers to a ‘virtual place’ where one’s own thoughts reside.

Even before the emergence of the 3D virtual world called the metaverse, Baealdo was a philosophical space, a ‘virtual place’ where one could fully face oneself and surrender to the surroundings.

The Star Bridge and Sunrise Bridge crossing over the blue sea serve as gateways to Baealdo and romantic sea routes, boasting a gentle starlit night view at night.

The island yard, where thick old trees and green grass spread like a carpet over a long time, offers a sense of spacious beauty, and the elegant curves of the sea footbridge provide comfort.

When you climb up to Haeunjeong Pavilion at the summit, the four pillars supporting the pavilion frame the deep blue sea and the graceful pine trees like a picturesque painting.

Baealdo, famous for its beautiful sunrise and sunset, is also perfect for relaxing while watching the sunset dye the sea red.

Jung Gu-young, head of the Tourism Division, said, “Baealdo Island Garden is a living space that offers rest and healing to modern people tired of daily life, helping them find time and space that are easily lost.” He recommended, “On Island Day, plan a summer trip to Baealdo, a treasure trove of ecology and history, to create special memories.”