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Islands of Korea, Islands of the World Islands of Korea, Islands of the World Story 3. Life Encounters on Heuksando and Hongdo ISLAND Scene ISLAND Scene

I first joined the program out of my love for islands and the rare
opportunity to not just visit but actually live on one, even if only
temporarily. I had already been to Ulleungdo, so I thought, “Why
not head west this time?” People often suggested I start a YouTube
channel to share my healing travel stories—this felt like a good
chance to begin.

But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. I had read troubling
accounts about Shinan’s islands and worried I might encounter
similar difficulties.

Yet the moment I stepped off the boat onto the island, all those
concerns melted away. It was like discovering another world
within Korea—both the scenery and the people were warm and
welcoming. Over my five-day stay (two days on Hongdo, two on
Heuksando), I met many people and felt deeply fulfilled.

Locals and travelers alike called me a “young traveler” or “writer.” I
had heartfelt conversations with elders and heard countless stories
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Though my experiences are limited, I couldn’t help but notice
how some islands suffer from unchecked tourism. In Ulleungdo, The innkeeper sadly told me, “There were over 100 kids when I attended that school
I saw how airport construction was impacting the landscape. 30 years ago.” Today, many families move their kids to Mokpo for school, and those
Some residents argued, “If you’re going to build a small airport children rarely return to live on the island as adults. While urban infrastructure offers
for 50-seat planes, you might as well go bigger.” On the other comfort, it comes at the cost of losing connection with the island’s unique natural
hand, in Heuksando, I heard concerns about increased waste and beauty.
overcrowding if tourism grows, even though others were hopeful it
might bring younger residents back. To some, an island may seem like nothing more than an isolated speck in the sea—but
to me, it’s a place filled with people who love where they live and warmly welcome
As a graduate student studying education policy, I couldn’t ignore others. I hope to return and spend more time with these communities, contributing
the large school building occupying prime space on the island. I in any way I can. I want Heuksando, Hongdo, and other beautiful Korean islands to be
learned from locals that Hongdo Elementary now has only three cherished not only by Koreans but by people around the world. Just as they are, they’re
students and will likely close once they graduate. already more than enough

By Park Jeong-eun

Island: Hongdo and Heuksando Island
Duration: August 14th~18th, 2023

Brunch: https://
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