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Islands of Korea, Islands of the World Seonyudo Island
: The Play-and-Rest
Island at the Heart of
the Gogunsan Islands
Q&A with
Lee Geun-jung
Vol.01 Village Head of Q. Seonyudo Island has gained significant attention
as a tourist destination. What do you think makes
Seonyudo Island the island so appealing, and do you have any tips for
visitors?
A. The greatest appeal of Seonyudo Island lies in its
breathtaking views of the blue sea and the cluster of
jewel-like islands that surround it. These are sights you
won’t find elsewhere.
The Gogunsan Islands Bridges, which opened in 2017,
connecting Seonyudo to Munyeodo, Jangjado, and
Daejangdo Islands through the Saemangeum Seawall,
have brought in more visitors and revitalized the area.
In 2020, Seonyudo Island welcomed approximately Some of Seonyudo’s must-see viewpoints include
2.88 million visitors, making it the second most Seonyubong Peak to the south and Mangjubong Peak
popular domestic tourist destination (source: Korea and Namaksan Mountain to the north. These landmarks
Culture and Tourism Institute). Nestled within the create an iconic backdrop for the island. Myeongsasimni,
Gogunsan Islands, Seonyudo is transforming from a a scenic area around Seonyudo Island Beach, features
quaint community of fewer than 500 residents into stunning coastal sand dunes with white sand as fine
a vibrant must-visit location, drawing over 2 million and clear as glass, perfect for a swim in its calm waters.
tourists annually. To learn more about the island’s Visitors should also explore the Seonyudo District 1
charm and future, we spoke with Lee Geun-jung, the Beach Deck Trail and the Prayer Lighthouse.
village head who has devoted years to nurturing and For the best experience, I recommend cycling around the
safeguarding Seonyudo. island. In just an hour, you can explore Seonyudo and
nearby islands like Jangjado, Daejangdo, and Munyeodo.
Families should also try the mudflat experience during
low tide—it’s a fun and educational activity where kids
can catch clams and crabs.
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Q. The 3rd Island Day event in August 2022 took ISLAND Scene
place in the Gogunsan Islands, centered on Seonyudo
Island. What are your thoughts on the event and ideas
for future celebrations?
A. The event was a spectacular showcase of Seonyudo,
with highlights like fireworks and a drone show.
However, I felt that residents didn’t have enough
involvement in planning or leading activities. While
we managed booths offering crafts and experiences, it
wasn’t enough to capture tourists’ full interest.
For future Island Day events, I hope residents can play
a bigger role. This year’s contest on best practices for
resident-led island development was a good start, but
I’d like to see more seminars and workshops where
islanders can exchange ideas and build networks.
Ultimately, Island Day should represent the true spirit
of island communities, bringing together residents,
experts, officials, and the wider public to collaborate and
celebrate.
Q. The Korea Island Development Institute (KIDI)
launched last year as a national research institute. Do
you have any hopes for the institute?
A. I was thrilled to hear about KIDI’s launch last summer.
While much of the focus will naturally go to Jeollanam-
do and Gyeongsangnam-do Provinces, which have
many islands, I hope regions with fewer islands like
ours won’t be overlooked. My wish is for KIDI to act as a
bridge between the government, its policies, and island
residents. It should work in a way that benefits everyone
while amplifying the strengths of each island.
At the same time, we want Seonyudo to harmonize with
nature and retain its identity as an island. Expanding
roads and parking lots recklessly for increased traffic
Q. What’s your vision for Seonyudo Island’s future? won’t align with what visitors are seeking—a peaceful
Any plans or goals you’d like to share? and natural getaway.
A. Seonyudo has a rich history, from the Goryeo As residents, we are committed to preserving Seonyudo’s
Dynasty’s influence near Mangjubong Peak to remnants natural beauty, including tackling marine litter, which
of Gogunsanjin from the Joseon era, such as those near has become a growing issue. I hope Seonyudo continues
the post office. By uncovering and preserving this history to thrive as a harmonious, pristine destination where
and weaving it into our stories, we can make Seonyudo visitors can reconnect with nature and history.
even more attractive to visitors.
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