'Seabirds' Sanctuary' Namhae Baekdo Selected as Uninhabited Island of the Month

‘A Sanctuary for Seabirds,’ Baekdo Island in Namhae has been selected as the ‘Uninhabited Island of the Month.’

On the 11th, according to the Korea Island Development Institute (KIDI, Director Odongho), the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (Minister Cho Seunghwan) recently designated Baekdo, located in Sangju-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongnam Province, as the ‘Uninhabited Island of the Month’ for April.

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Baekdo belongs to the category of quasi-protected uninhabited islands. Quasi-protected uninhabited islands refer to uninhabited islands with high conservation value, where certain activities are restricted or temporary access limitations can be imposed if necessary.

Located about 10.5 km from Mijo Port (Mijo-myeon, Namhae-gun), Baekdo is a small island with an elevation of 20 meters, approximately 80 meters in length, and an area of 1,274 square meters.

Baekdo is composed of tuff, a consolidated volcanic ash rock formed by volcanic activity during the Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic era.

The name Baekdo is said to have originated either from the white-colored rocks or from the island’s appearance, which looks white due to seabirds’ droppings, as it serves as a resting and breeding place for seabirds.

One distinctive feature is the white lighthouse (‘Baekseo Lighthouse’), which also serves as a reliable ‘navigator’s landmark.’ The Baekseo Lighthouse has been shining brightly since February 1, 1969, and continues to do so.

The surrounding waters are clean, supporting the distribution of fan-shaped corals, goose barnacles, seaweed, and agarweed. Additionally, the island is ecologically valuable as it is home to and a breeding ground for the goshawk, a first-class endangered wild animal.

Odongho, Director of the Korea Island Development Institute, stated, “We plan to continue various projects and collaborations with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, including joint promotion of the Uninhabited Island of the Month. With growing public interest in uninhabited islands, we aim to spread awareness of the value of our territory and its conservation.”

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