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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 ISLAND Scene
transport options, we often resort to helicopters or coast
Transportation and Emergency Medical
guard boats, but it takes over two hours to transport
Challenges
to seeing the long-
emergency patients, missing the critical golden time for
care.
Q. Can you tell us about Yeondo Island?
awaited support for
The community strongly believes that a helicopter base
A. Yeondo Island is a truly special place, blessed with
natural beauty and rich resources. It’s home to 102 plant
Yeondo Island from
ships for faster transport. Additionally, a sustainable
species and steeped in history, with 12 unique legends
emergency response system must be developed to ensure
tied to its name. Known for its natural windbreaks, in the Yeosu area is essential, along with better-equipped
collaborative work the island boasts an abundance of seafood, including safety.
abalone, black sea bream, rockfish, and flounder. Most
from KIDI and local of the residents here lead simple lives, relying on small- The planned bridge construction project could be
scale farming and fishing. It’s truly a treasure island, full transformative for Yeondo Island. However, we’ve been
government.” of breathtaking scenery and potential. 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
Q. As the head of the village, what challenges do you ministry and local authorities to see it through.
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 “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
Q&A with and KIDI, as well as the Island You Want to Visit in income for the community.
Kim Dong-geun Jeollanam-do Province! How do you feel about this?

A. We’re thrilled and hopeful that this recognition will Looking Ahead
Village Head of help attract more tourists. The launch of KIDI as a national : A Commitment to Progress
Yeondo Island 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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