Ulleungdo island

Situated 120 kilometres off the eastern coast of South Korea, Ulleungdo Island is known for its majestic scenery of steep cliffs and rounded peaks along a jiggered coastline. Nicknamed “Mystery Island” by the locals for its mythical energy, Ulleungdo is believed to have been formed following volcanic eruptions over 2.5 million years ago.

It is believed that the island is sacred as it is where the rich energy of the land and clear energy of the sky – making it a marriage of yin and yang. Considered one of South Korea’s best off-the-beatentrack destinations, Ulleungdo has long been a popular destination amongst locals, and over the years, foreign travellers have been catching on.

For most of its history, the island has always been out of reach and uninhabited by people, which has naturally allowed for the island’s flora and fauna to prosper. The Chosun

It is believed that the island is sacred as it is where the rich energy of the land meets the clear energy of the sky – making it a marriage of yin and yang

Dynasty (1392–1897) implemented the “empty-island policy”, ordering islanders to evacuate the island for fear of Japanese invasion. It was only after the Japanese claimed the island for itself in the 1880s that the Korean government finally set into motion plans to reclaim the area back. Arriving in 1883, the first settlers made the island their home. Beginning with just 54 people, there are now just over 10,000 locals living on the island.