Hongdo island
Located 115 kilometres from the southwest coast of South Korea, Hongdo Island comprises one main island and around 20 other small isles. Hongdo (meaning “Red Island”) was declared part of the Dadohae Marine National Park in 1981. Known for its reddish hue whenever the sun sets over the island, Hongdo Island is regarded as a national monument.
Bordered by towering sea cliffs with diverse rock formations, the island is one of the most spectacular sights in the Yellow Sea. In addition to its incredible natural beauty, Hongdo is home to over 270 kinds of evergreens and 170 types of animals. In a bid to protect the wildlife and preserve the natural state of Hongdo, the government declared the entire island a natural monument, which means visitors are not allowed to enter areas other than the villages and designated tourist zones.
Featuring mainly cliffs, caves, jagged rock formations, and small islets, the island is often more popular amongst local travellers, many of whom travel to the island for a quick day trip to either take in the sights or embark on a hike for the day. One of the only ways (and probably the best way) to see most of the island is by boat. It is important to note that the locals living in the villages on the island are fiercely protective of the environment, so it is important to explore the island with caution, and treat it respect.
The government declared the entire island a natural monument, which means visitors are not allowed to enter areas other than the villages and designated tourist zones