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Islands of Korea, Islands of the World Establishing effective island policies starts with identifying the public < Economic Function > and anthropology. The calm and quiet of islands R&D Station
KIDI Island Policy Research 2

functions of each island through comprehensive resource surveys.
Islands generate value through the production and
also offer residents and visitors spaces for rest and
recreation.
processing of crops, seafood, and forest products,
When grounded in data, these policies can support
using their rich marine and terrestrial resources.
the systematic and sustainable conservation and
development of island regions. Their scenic landscapes and cultural heritage also
drive tourism. Additionally, the seas, tidal flats, < Environmental Function >
and forests surrounding islands offer significant Island environments—farmland, forests, tidal flats,
potential for renewable energy—including marine, and ocean—support ecosystem health by recycling
wind, and biomass sources. nutrients and stabilizing soil. Their isolation helps
Territorial, Economic, Social, and Environmental : preserve biodiversity by providing habitats for rare
and endemic species.
Classifying the Public Functions of Islands Guiding the Future
< Social Function >
Direction of Island Policy
Islands are not only homes to residents but KIDI emphasizes the need for a “selection and
also contributors to regional balance. Their concentration” strategy when creating policies to
- Serving as maritime basepoints and strategic hubs for national defense and security
geographical isolation fosters unique traditions, enhance these public functions.
- Contributing to balanced regional development and preserving biodiversity through
dialects, religions, and cultural legacies that differ
isolated island ecosystems
from those on the mainland. These rich cultures It is unrealistic to apply uniform policies across all
The Korea Island Development Institute and ecologies provide opportunities for research of Korea’s 3,400 inhabited and uninhabited islands.
Vol.03 (KIDI) has classified and defined the and education in fields such as science, ecology, Instead, policymakers should identify which
public benefit functions of islands as part
functions require urgent attention and which can
of its commitment to sustainable island be gradually improved.
development and conservation.

This foundational study, The Categorization of By prioritizing policies by function, governments
Public Benefit Functions of Korean Islands, can take a more strategic approach—maximizing
offers a new framework for future island the impact of limited resources and better meeting
policy. While past research, such as on
the needs of island communities.
Dokdo, has assessed the value of individual
islands, this marks the first comprehensive and
systematic classification of public functions
across island regions.

Islands represent a convergence of multiple
roles—including territorial, agricultural, < Territorial Function >
forestry, and fisheries functions—making
them complex spaces with diverse values. Many islands are critical to Korea’s sovereignty.
Of the 23 basepoints used to define the nation’s
Of these, their “public benefit functions” are territorial waters, 20 are located on islands.
particularly important, as they contribute
positively to society at large. These Islands such as Gageodo and Baengnyeongdo
functions can be broadly classified into four not only serve as maritime basepoints but also
categories: territorial, economic, social, and play key roles in national defense and security.
environmental.
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