When you think of South Korea, metropolises like Seoul and Busan come to our mind. But do you know South Korea is home to over 3000 islands many of which are protected marine national parks? Here is a list of some gorgeous islands that you can visit.
Jeju
Jeju island is considered South Korea’s crown jewel. Surrounded bydense pine forests, magnificent rock formations, and spectacular beaches, Jeju is famous among adventure lovers and beach bums as well. Jeju also has the highest peak in Korea, Hallasan. Other must-visit places includeSeongsan Illchulbong Peak, Hamdeok Beach, Halla Mountain, and Jeongbang Waterfall.
Hongdo
Hongdo island is on the southwestern tip of the Korean Peninsula and part of Dadohaehaesang National Park. This island has a small population of 800 people who mainly work in the fishing industry and a large chunk of locals visit Hongdo than tourists. Hongdo’s6.47 square kilometers are home to almost 270 subspecies of evergreen comprising rare reeds. Island also is home to about 170 species of animals.
Jindo
It is the third-largest island in Korea and is also famous for a gorgeous breed known for its unsurpassed loyalty, the Jindo dog. Jindo Island is also admired for the Jindo sea parting festival; during the festival, visitors can witness the sea mysteriously parting and revealing a 2.8-kilometer-long road between Jindo and nearby Modo Island. This magical occurrence is actually a natural tidal occurrence.
Geojedo
This is Korea’s second-largest island famously known for its enormous shipbuilding industryand mesmerizing beauty. Geojedo island has connected to the mainland via the Busan-Geoje Fixed Link bridge and tunnel. Island’s key attractions are Haegeumgang rock formations, “Hill of the Wind,” and Hakdong Black Pearl Mongdol Beach, a black pebble beach that comes to life in the summer.
Oedo
Known as the “Paradise of Korea”, Hallyeo Maritime National Park’s Oedo Islandis principally a huge botanical garden. Established in the 1970s by Lee Chang-ho and his wife, this exotic island is home to over 3,000 plant species including many subtropical plants, such as cacti, palm trees, and gazanias. This island is also famous forthe K-drama industry and hosts Mediterranean-style buildings and statues.
Seonyudo
This island is home to a 100-meter-high mountain, Seonyu Peak, which looks like two gods playing the Go game. Seonyudo is on the west coast of Korea and is a very popular destination with admired sites like the port of Munyeo, Jangjagyo Bridge, and Mangjubong Hill.
Don’t forget to visit these islands when you visit South Korea.
