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Islands of Korea, Islands of the World “I dearly look forward Our Treasure, Yeondo Island, Faces more than five emergency cases per year. With limited
Transportation and Emergency Medical
Challenges
to seeing the long-
Q. Can you tell us about Yeondo Island?
awaited support for
A. Yeondo Island is a truly special place, blessed with
natural beauty and rich resources. It’s home to 102 plant
Yeondo Island from
species and steeped in history, with 12 unique legends
tied to its name. Known for its natural windbreaks,
collaborative work the island boasts an abundance of seafood, including
abalone, black sea bream, rockfish, and flounder. Most
from KIDI and local of the residents here lead simple lives, relying on small-
scale farming and fishing. It’s truly a treasure island, full
government.” of breathtaking scenery and potential.
Q. As the head of the village, what challenges do you
face?
In December 2022, Yeondo Island in Yeosu City was
selected as the Island of the Month by the Ministry of A. Transportation is by far our biggest challenge. It takes
the Interior and Safety and KIDI. Despite its stunning about two hours by sea to get from Yeosu City to Yeondo
natural beauty and rich resources, Yeondo faces Island Port, with only two boat trips a day. Because
significant challenges such as an aging population we’re at the southernmost tip, even a little wind can halt
and limited transportation infrastructure. We spoke boat services, leaving us stranded. Storms and typhoons
with Kim Dong-geun, the head of Yeondo Island, frequently exacerbate these issues.
about the island’s struggles and his hopes for a Another major concern is our aging population—around
Vol.01 brighter future. 70% of our residents are elderly. On average, there are
Q&A with
Kim Dong-geun
Village Head of
Yeondo Island
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ISLAND Scene
transport options, we often resort to helicopters or coast
guard boats, but it takes over two hours to transport
emergency patients, missing the critical golden time for
care.
The community strongly believes that a helicopter base
ships for faster transport. Additionally, a sustainable
emergency response system must be developed to ensure
in the Yeosu area is essential, along with better-equipped
safety.
The planned bridge construction project could be
transformative for Yeondo Island. However, we’ve been
told that more than half the budget needs to be secured
before it can proceed. This project is crucial for our village’s
safety, and we’re determined to keep advocating to the
ministry and local authorities to see it through.
“Spare No Efforts to Evolve sustainable income, challenges remain. Our aging
Into a Must-Visit Destination” population limits the workforce, and our unique
geographical conditions make certain maritime
projects difficult. I believe that setting up a solar
Q. Yeondo Island was selected as the Island of the
power plant could be a practical way to generate
Month by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety
and KIDI, as well as the Island You Want to Visit in income for the community.
Jeollanam-do Province! How do you feel about this?
A. We’re thrilled and hopeful that this recognition will Looking Ahead
help attract more tourists. The launch of KIDI as a national : A Commitment to Progress
research institute and increased attention from various
initiatives are already paving the way for a brighter future.
Q. Is there anything else you’d like to share?
The Island You Want to Visit program has been a driving
force for improvement since 2020. We’ve been working A. I have about a year left in my term, and my focus
toward this recognition for five years, and the residents are is on leading by example. We can’t solve everything
excited to see the fruits of their labor. I hope this initiative at once, but I hope we can tackle the fundamental
will help address our island’s challenges and further issues affecting our village, like safety and sustainable
enhance Yeondo Island’s appeal. income.
Yeondo Island is a place of incredible potential, and
Q. What is your vision for Yeondo Island? I encourage people to take an interest in what we’re
doing here. Together with KIDI and local government
A. Being chosen as the Island You Want to Visit is a great
support, I’m optimistic that we can secure a brighter
honor, but my goal is for Yeondo Island to become a must-
future for Yeondo Island.
visit destination. To achieve this, we need to maximize
our tourism potential and improve the quality of life for
residents.
While we’re constantly brainstorming ways to create
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