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Islands of Korea, Islands of the World Building Sustainable Island Communities The project targets 188 underdeveloped islands KIDI Business
KIDI’s Island Community Development Project
designated as “Special Development Areas” under Article
4 of the Island Development Promotion Act. These islands
A Field Perspective on
face geographical disadvantages and development
restrictions. Villages apply individually, and between
2011 and 2021, a total of 60 villages nationwide received
support. In 2023, 25 new islands were selected—KIDI is

unfolds over ten years in four phases: foundational
The Island Community Development Project was launched in response to the growing crisis of island currently operating projects on 21 of them. The program
capacity-building, main project development, expanded
depopulation. Its goal: to turn islands people are leaving into islands they choose to stay on—or return to.
networking, and the final stage of self-sustainability. Each
Led by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and managed by the Korea Island
phase is tailored to the unique characteristics of the
Development Institute (KIDI), the project puts island residents at the center. island, laying a strong foundation for self-reliant local
Residents form their own organizations, draft development plans for their villages, operations.
and carry out income-generating and revitalization projects to build sustainable futures.
KIDI began piloting the model on Sapsido Island in 2022.
As of 2023, the project has expanded to 21 additional
islands. By rediscovering the value of island communities
and empowering residents to take the lead, KIDI aims to
create a more sustainable future—for the islands and for
Korea.

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Vol.
The First Step : Resident Information Session Empowering Islanders to Drive Their Own
Development Capacity-Building Workshop on
The first step in the project is always meeting with the
Jawoldo Island, Ongjin County, Incheon
residents. Since the success of the initiative hinges on
their understanding and motivation, resident engagement What’s the most important element in building
is critical from the outset. sustainable island communities? Previous
government efforts focused on infrastructure or one-
A briefing session was held on Jisimdo Island, famous for
off interventions. But these often failed to create
its camellia blossoms. It took place in a former research
lasting impact. Facilities built with subsidies fell
facility of the national defense agency and was attended
into disuse, and the islands remained stagnant and
by KIDI officials, Gyeongnam Province and Geoje City
isolated.
government staff, the island’s on-site management team,
and residents. The Island Community Development Project
recognized that the key lies with the people. When
Despite the village having only about ten households,
local residents—not outside experts—become the
over 80% of residents turned out—an indicator of their
drivers of development, progress continues even
high expectations. Because Jisimdo is located within a
after the official project ends. But for residents to
national marine park, development has been limited.
take ownership, they must first be equipped with the
Residents are now hopeful that this project will bring
necessary knowledge and skills.
meaningful change.
That’s why the project includes customized capacity-
Over tea made from local citron, residents shared their
building training programs tailored to local needs. In
ideas and concerns. KIDI promised comprehensive
the first year, four or more topics are covered with 3–5
support for Jisimdo, now entering the first phase of the
sessions each. In the second year, training expands
project: from training and consulting to publicity and
to six fields with 7–10 sessions each, building toward
networking.
20 deeper engagement. 21