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Islands of Korea, Islands of the World Yeonpyeongdo’s Island Story
Dreaming of

Tomorrow

At 21,the Youngest Leader of
an Island Specialization Project

Q1. How do you feel about being appointed
Leader of the Specialization Project
Promoters’ Committee for Yeonpyeongdo?
What are your thoughts on your term in
office?
Hello, I’m Yeonwoo Kim, currently serving as
Leader of the Island Regional Specialization
Project Promoters’ Committee for Yeonpyeongdo
Island. The title of “Leader” feels both weighty and
humbling, but more than anything, I feel a deep
sense of excitement—because what was once a
dream to help develop Yeonpyeongdo is now taking
Q4. How long have you lived on Yeonpye- Ultimately, I envision Yeonpyeongdo as a place
shape in reality. The duration of my term is still under Yeonpyeongdo
Island Specialization ongdo? Have you ever spent time away where different generations complement one
internal discussion and will be finalized through
Project Lead from the island? another, embracing diversity rather than division.
Vol.03 incorporation. That said, I hope to serve as long as I lived here as a child with my parents for a short
possible and will give my utmost effort in this role.
Interview with while, then moved to the mainland during middle Q6. What are your goals and plans moving
Kim Yeonwoo school. I returned during high school and have been forward?
Q2. You’re the youngest Leader among the
here ever since. In total, I’ve spent around 10 years
island communities. What motivated you to
on Yeonpyeongdo—nearly half my life. The first step of the 2024 project was forming the
take on such a challenging role? Promoters’ Committee and laying out a general plan.
During the pivotal years when I was deciding
That’s right. To my knowledge, I’m the youngest But the encouragement I received from the committee and my future path, my affection for the island only
person to serve as a Leader for any of the island the PM team gave me the courage to move forward. Their deepened. That’s why I chose to stay. That’s now largely complete. The next phase is to set
specialization project committees. It’s something message—“We’ll be your support, so trust us and give it a clear objectives and expand both the project and
the committee’s capabilities. There’s still so much to
I’m proud of, but it also comes with a great sense try”—was incredibly empowering.
do, and the scope is wide—but my ultimate goal is to
of responsibility. Initially, I had many concerns— Q5. What would you like to see from raise awareness of Yeonpyeongdo and contribute to
mostly because of my age. I worried about how KIDI, the central government, or local its growth. I’m fully committed to doing everything I
others might view me and questioned whether I was authorities? And what’s your vision for can to make that happen.
capable enough for the job.
the future of Yeonpyeongdo?
Thanks to the Island Specialization Project, we’re
Q3. Tell us something you love about Yeonpyeong- beginning to see progress toward revitalizing the Q7. Any message for people planning to
do and your village. What led you to settle on the local economy and realizing the goal of resident-led visit Yeonpyeongdo?
island? development. But from the perspective of a young
We’re working hard to make sure the Yeonpyeongdo
person living on Yeonpyeongdo, I would love to see
Yeonpyeongdo is a wonderfully quiet and peaceful place. you visit tomorrow is even more beautiful than it is
more diverse projects that actively involve youth.
Here, you can find the kind of calm that’s nearly impossible today. Please come and experience the charm of our
island firsthand.
to experience in today’s fast-paced society. That tranquility It’s disheartening to see so many young people
and warmth, combined with the closeness to nature, leaving the island. Also, since Yeonpyeongdo is Thank you!
deeply appealed to me—and it’s what made me stay. home to a military base, I believe it’s important to
create an environment where military personnel and
residents can coexist and support one another.
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