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Islands of Korea, Islands of the World Together with KIDI, KIDI Business

We Are Committed to Building

a New Future for Sapsido

Island.

Sapsido Island,
Boryeong City:
A Pilot for the Island Regional
Specialization Project
The residents of Sapsido Island hold a deep connection to their home.
An Interview with
As a pilot site for the Korea Island Development Institute’s (KIDI) Island
Kang Dong-cheol,
Regional Specialization Project, they have actively contributed their ideas
Chairman of
and aspirations toward the island’s development. Kang Dong-cheol,
the Village Council
Chairman of the Village Council, expressed pride in Sapsido Island’s natural
beauty and immense potential, despite its small size. The future of Sapsido,
shaped by its residents’ vision, is now on the horizon.

The Key to Island Development Q. What improvements do you think
Vol.01 and Better Income Lies in Tourism Sapsido Island needs to become a popular
Infrastructure tourist destination?

A. To make Sapsido a place where visitors want
Q. Could you introduce yourself?
to stay longer, we need to offer more engaging

activities and quality food. Right now, tourists
A. I’m Kang Dong-cheol from Sapsido Island in
enjoy clam digging when the tide is low, but
Boryeong, Chungcheongnam-do Province. I served
there’s not much to do once the tide comes in.
as the village head for six years and was recently
This leads to short stays. Adding attractions and
appointed Chairman of the Village Council as part
activities to support at least a two-day, one-night
of the Island Regional Specialization Project. It’s a
visit is essential.
pleasure to meet you!
Another key improvement is food. Currently, we
Q. The Island Regional Specialization
have limited dining options, which limits the
Project started with Sapsido Island. What’s
appeal for tourists. Food plays a crucial role in
the reaction from the residents?
travel experiences, so expanding meal options is

important.
A. Expectations are really high now that we have a
way to address the issues we’ve long recognized.
Transportation also needs enhancement. While
Sapsido Island is not only beautiful but also holds
we have village buses, they only run at specific
immense potential. However, we’ve struggled to
times. A tourist train or similar solution could
develop as a tourist destination because there
greatly improve convenience, making the island
hasn’t been much for visitors to do. To truly boost
more accessible for visitors.
development and generate income for residents,
we need to build solid tourism infrastructure. I’m
hopeful this project will address these challenges
and open up new opportunities. Creating an
Island Where Visitors Stay Longer with Quality
Content and Food
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