How many islands does Korea have? Surrounded by the ocean on three sides, Korea has a total of 3,237 islands and islets that include 470 inhabited islands and 2,767 uninhabited ones.
These postcards will introduce you to 12 representative islands of Korea. What kinds of history and culture exists on these islands? Yeongjongdo is the gateway to Korea where the Incheon International Airport is located. Jindo has a rich heritage of Korean folk culture. Hansando has the legacy of Korea’s most beloved hero, Admiral Yi Sun-shin. Dokdo at the easternmost point of Korea is the most meaningful island to Koreans. These postcards will give you a glimpse of Korea’s beautiful islands with their unique history and culture.
In the past, islands have often been undervalued due to their lack of accessibility. In the 21st century, however, with convenient transportation, they are gaining new recognition. The natural resources, marine ecosystems, and distinctive culture and history of each island are valuable assets to humanity.
What islands do you know about? What history and culture do they have? Make Korean friends through the Friendly Korea Community (chingu.prkorea.com) and develop sincere friendships! New knowledge will help you grow and enrich your life.
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Marado
Marado is the southernmost island of Korea. It sits 11㎞ south of the Moseulpo port in Jejudo. The closest island to Marado is Gapado, 5.5㎞ away. It is only 0.3㎢ in size and is inhabited by only 137 people, as of 2015. Marado stretches from south to north in an oval shape. The entire…
Jejudo
Jejudo is the largest island in Korea with an area of 1,833.16㎢ in the South Sea. Jejudo was originally called Tamra because the Tamra kingdom ruled the island until it went under the control of Goryeo in 1105. In the middle of Jejudo is Mt. Halla, the highest peak (1,905 meters) in South Korea.…
Ulleungdo
Ulleungdo is a volcanic island in the East Sea. With a total area of 72.86㎢, it is the nineth largest island in Korea. It consists mainly of rugged mountains and steep coastal cliffs. Ulleungdo was incorporated into Silla in 512 by General Yi Sabu. The story goes that General Yi Sabu faced strong resistance…
Hansando
Hansando is an island of 14.72㎢, part of the Hallyeo Marine National Park, southeast of Tongyeong in the province of Gyeongsangnamdo. With a total area of 535.676㎢, the park encompasses scenic islands, coastal areas, and the sea, stretching from Goeje in Gyeongsangnamdo to Yeosu in Jeollanamdo. Hansando was Admiral Yi Sun-shin’s (1545 – 1598)…
Heuksando
Heuksando is an island of 21.26㎢, 97.2㎞ southwest of Mokpo, Jeollanamdo. It gained its name, meaning black mountain island, because its rugged mountain ranges make the island look black. The Heuksan archipelago consists of 68 islands and islets, including the main island of Heuksando and Hongdo, Daedundo, Yeonsando, and Damuldo. Heuksando plays a central part…
Jindo
Jindo is an island off the southwest coast of Korea. With a total area of 374.98㎢, it is the third largest island in Korea. In 1984, it was connected to the mainland with the Jindo Bridge. Jindo is known for its rich folk culture. It is home to the Unrimsanbang studio where the Southern…
Wando
Wando is an island to the south of Haenam. With a total area of 90.07㎢, it is the eighth largest island in Korea. In 1968, it was connected to the mainland with a bridge. The coast and ocean off Wando belong to the Dadohae Marine National Park. The park is the largest national park in…
Gogunsan Islands
Gogunsan Islands consist of 63 islands and islets, 50㎞ southwest of Gunsan in Jeollabukdo. Some of the islands, such as Sinsido, Munyeodo, Seonyudo, Jangjado, and Daejangdo, are connected to the mainland with the 33.9㎞-long Saemangeum seawall and bridges. At the center of the Gogunsan Islands is Seonyudo. Originally called Gunsando Island, Seonyudo earned this…
Anmyeondo
Anmyeondo is an island off Korea’s west coast. With a total area of 113.46㎢, it is the sixth largest island in Korea. Anmyeondo was originally a cape. Historically, the west coast of Korea served as a sea route to deliver grain, which was collected as tax from the provinces of Chungcheongdo, Jeollado, and Gyeongsangdo.…
Yeongjongdo
Yeongjongdo is an island off the west coast of Incheon. With a total area of 104.28 km², it is the seventh largest island in Korea. Present-day Yeongjongdo was made in a two-year project from 1992 to 1994 that connected Yeongjongdo with Yongyudo, Sammokdo, and Sinbuldo through seawall construction and land reclamation. Yeongjongdo is the…
Ganghwado
Ganghwado is an island on the western mouth of the Han River, which flows through the heart of Seoul, the South Korean capital. With a total area of 302.58㎢, it is the fourth largest island in Korea. Due to location at the mouth of the Han River and its proximity to Goryeo’s (918 -…
Dokdo
Dokdo is the easternmost island of Korea. With a total area of 187,544㎡, it consists of two main islands, Dongdo (East Island) and Seodo (West Island), and 89 surrounding islets. Despite its small size, Dokdo is inhabited by around 40 residents, including guards and light keepers. The entirety of Dokdo was designated as a…