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Islands of Korea, Islands of the World Today, travel is more than just moving from place to place or taking time to rest. It has
Islands in the Digital Era: Unlocking New Possibilities
become an experience shaped by digital platforms and social media. Online resources
now play a vital role in planning trips, enabling travelers to access information easily and
tailor their journeys to personal preferences.
However, in this era of digital transformation, islands still remain on the margins. Due to
their inherent geographic isolation, islands face unavoidable limitations in both physical
accessibility and information availability. Tourism information about islands is often
shared only in limited communities or through outdated sources, making it difficult for
travelers to find up-to-date, reliable content. Platforms familiar to younger generations—
such as social media or mobile-friendly apps—are still underutilized when it comes to
island destinations. These gaps are critical challenges that must be addressed not only
to boost tourism but also to support the long-term sustainability of island communities.
Short-form content challenge for “Islands You Want to Visit” in collaboration with popular group QWER
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Island Plus
Saryangdo in Tongyeong City, selected as one of the “Islands You Want to Visit”
In response, the Korea Island Development Institute (KIDI) has been leading efforts to bridge
these gaps through the Islands You Want to Visit project. The initiative introduces a new digital
tourism approach tailored to the needs of the modern era. By embracing digital tools and
technologies, KIDI aims to expand awareness of the beauty and resources islands have to offer,
making them more accessible to all.
The project’s ultimate goal is to lower the barriers to island travel. Many islands hold great
appeal as tourism destinations—but due to a lack of accessible information, they often remain
overlooked. To counter this, KIDI has produced diverse online content to actively promote the
unique charm and value of each island.
In particular, large-scale public participation events held in conjunction with Island Day have
helped shine a national spotlight on island tourism. These efforts have not only increased public
interest but also encouraged more people to visit. Promotional strategies involving influencers
have successfully engaged younger audiences, and short-form content challenges have created
viral moments that highlight the excitement of island travel.
Starting in 2025, KIDI plans to launch dedicated websites for the Islands You Want to Visit
project. These platforms will make it easier for travelers to search for key information—such as
transportation access, lodging, amenities, and public facilities—for each island. Ultimately, the
goal is to empower people to plan their island trips more easily and confidently using intuitive,
user-friendly digital tools.
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