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Islands of Korea, Islands of the World Korea’s Must-Visit Islands Project Island Plus
88 Islands, Holding Endless Possibilities
Islands are places where unique ecosystems, breathtaking nature, and layered human stories
have accumulated over time. Yet, these very places are now facing existential threats from rapid
Project Background
urbanization and dwindling populations to underutilized tourism potential.
Islands are no longer isolated or remote places.
In response, the “Korea’s Must-Visit Islands” project was created to rediscover the significance of
Today, they are becoming vital spaces that connect our lives, nature, and future. islands and share their value more widely with the public.
The “Korea’s Must-Visit Islands” project was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of the Interior
and Safety as a response to the national challenge of island decline. Faced with issues Each year, candidate islands are selected through a comprehensive evaluation based on local
such as population decrease and economic stagnation, the project aims to secure the government demand and the island’s inherent charm. Selection criteria include accessibility,
sustainability of islands by uncovering local assets and transforming them into tourism availability of amenities, and the island’s cultural and ecological uniqueness.
resources.
Starting this year, in celebration of Island Day on August 8, the project designated 88 islands across
In its early stages, the project focused on identifying island tourism assets and conducting the country as “Korea’s Must-Visit Islands” with the goal of discovering and branding more tourism
small-scale promotional efforts. Each year, a selection of “Korea’s Must-Visit Islands” was resources and boosting public awareness.
Vol.03 introduced to the public, highlighting their unique charm and appeal. However, as the The number “8” visually resembles the infinity symbol (∞), representing continuity and endless
project progressed, it became evident that simply showcasing tourism potential was not
enough to prevent the gradual disappearance of island communities. potential. This symbolic message brings new hope to islands in crisis, highlighting their capacity for
limitless growth.
In 2021, with the establishment of the Korea Island Development Institute (KIDI), the
project evolved into a joint initiative with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. Together, While islands may seem isolated at a glance, they hold immeasurable promise. The number
they began shaping a more structured and comprehensive development strategy, “88” represents the meeting of two eights—one symbolizing infinite possibilities, and the other
significantly increasing the project’s impact. representing the drive to achieve sustainable development based on those possibilities.
Dokdo in Ulleung County (left) and Biyangdo in Jeju City (right), selected as “Korea’s Must-Visit Islands” Geomundo in Yeosu City (left) and Jawoldo in Ongjin County (right), selected as “Korea’s Must-Visit Islands”
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