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Islands of Korea, Islands of the World The workshop on Jawol 2-ri, part of the first-phase Through Shared Action Plogging Event KIDI Business
2 2002233..
island group, was one such training event. Held at the
1 111.. 33..
village’s multipurpose center, the sessions included
communication strategies, local asset assessments,
and analog archiving.
Building Community
What made the training stand out was its emphasis
on real-life relevance. Because the topics were
on Wonsando Island, Boryeong
selected based on resident feedback, the workshops
avoided the fatigue often associated with repetitive A “community” is defined as a group sharing a
government programs—and instead received an space and a sense of mutual interest. In Korean, it
enthusiastic response. translates to “gongdongche.” The Island Community
Development Project supports community-building 2 2002233..
The village is working toward launching a “village
activities that promote communication, cooperation, 1 111.. 66..~~88..
hotel,” where the entire community operates as
and cohesion among island residents.
a guest experience. Training focused on branding
strategies to highlight tourism resources, alongside
On November 3, a plogging event (jogging while
sessions on ecological preservation to support future
picking up litter) was held on Wonsando Island, in Dreaming of a Work-Holiday Destination:
project development.
connection with a prior environmental education Eocheongdo Island Advanced Site Visit
session. The event brought together 30 participants, (Eocheongdo, Gunsan City)
including KIDI staff, project managers, city officials,
and local residents. In just one hour, the three teams When you hear “advanced site visit,” you might first think
collected over 80 kg of waste. of “travel.” But in the context of the Island Community
Development Project, it’s more about learning than
The residents—long troubled by marine debris—were sightseeing.
02 thrilled to see their village noticeably cleaner.
Vol. They expressed a desire to continue holding similar Eocheongdo Island, named for its mirror-like clear waters,
events. The day ended with a “village table” meal is the westernmost island in North Jeolla Province.
and a music and dance session to thank participants. Shaped like a horseshoe open to the south, the island
Residents joined in a lively fitness and singing class is encircled by mountains such as Seoksan, Dangsan,
before gathering to enjoy a hearty meal prepared by Gongchisan, Ansan, Geomsanbong, and Dogusan making
the management team. it a natural shelter for ships during rough seas. Its ports
used to glow through the night, crowded with fishing
For many residents, the event was a rare chance to boats and sailors seeking refuge.
connect with neighbors in a shared space. Though With that vision in mind, residents chose Jejudo Island
they live in the same village, work obligations often However, that once-bustling image is now fading. With as the model for their benchmarking visit. Attracted by
keep them apart. most residents engaged in fishing, recent shifts in marine Jeju’s rich natural environment, travelers regularly visit
environments have drastically reduced catches, sparking for workcations, month-long island stays, and work-
Through the project, concern. This prompted Eocheongdo’s community to holiday experiences—now a common lifestyle trend in
the Wonsando community collectively apply for the Island Community Development Korea.
hopes to build a cleaner, Project, viewing it as a much-needed turning point.
more sustainable During their visit to Harye-ri in Seogwipo City,
environment together. Residents now have high hopes. The island’s gentle Eocheongdo residents received training in ecotourism
trails lead to the iconic Eocheongdo Lighthouse, often village management and learned how to operate work-
named among Korea’s 15 most beautiful. Its red dome holiday programs. They also signed an MOU with the
atop a white tower draws photographers from across Global Jeju Cultural Cooperative to lay the foundation
the country. With postcard-like landscapes at every turn, for long-term cooperation. With the Island Community
Eocheongdo is a dream destination for those envisioning Development Project as a stepping stone, Eocheongdo
a peaceful life on an island. aspires to build a sustainable future that lives up to the
meaning of its name—“clear and blue.”
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