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Gogunsan Islands, Blessing of Mother Nature
GOGUNSAN Islands, consisting of beautiful small and large islands, is a marine park naturally created. Here, a cruise ship is running for travelers. Gogunsan Islands consist of 16 inhabited islands such as Seonyudo, Munyeodo, Daejangdo, Sinsido, and Biando, and 47 uninhabited islands. Sinsido is connected to the land after the completion of Saemangeum Seawall. Seonyudo is the most popular island since it is connected to Munyeodo, Jangjado, and Daejangdo by the bridges. For the member cities coming to Gunsan this year to participate in the 6th UCLG ASPAC Congress, Seonyudo and Sinsido, the two signature islands, will be introduced in this volume.
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Seonyudo Seonyudo island is so beautiful, that it is said even gods came over and stayed a while. With the size of 2.13 ㎢, along with Sinsido, Munyeodo, Bangchukdo, and Maldo, it is the major island of Gogunsan Islands. The island is connected to other islands by bridge and a cruise ship running on a regular basis from Gunsan. Seonyudo is selected as ‘the must-visit domestic place for Korean’ by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Tourism Organization. In addition, CNN, a famous American news network, also selected this island as one of the most beautiful islands in Korea. It was initially called as Gunsando, however it was changed into Seonyudo since the two 100-meter peaks of northern part of island look like two gods playing go. It is connected to Jangjado, where a strong man was found, Munyeodo, where a shaman prepared a ritual and danced, Daejangdo, where a prophecy was made that a long and big bridge will be constructed. Travelers can enjoy the beauty of islands because these islands are connected each other. Continue to next page…
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Must-See Places Seonyudo Beach Located in Seonyudo-ri, Okdo-myeon, which is one of Eight Scenic View of Seonyu, Seonyudo Beach is a natural coastal dune with crystal like sands, so it is called Myeongsasimni Beach. Even if you walk into the water for 100 meters, the water only comes to your waist-high and you can enjoy swimming since it has few waves. Seonyu Sunset When the Sun sets down between small islands in the middle of West Sea, the sky and sea of Seonyudo are like on fire. If you see this scenery at beach in summer, you will never forget this in your heart. Sinsido Sinsido is a place where Choi Chi-won, a great scholar in Silla Dynasty, used to live. Choi Chi-won used to read books by stacking podiums in Sinchidan and his voice was so loud that it could be heard from China. A trail leading from Woryeongbong Peak to Daegaksan Mountain boasts its spectacular view. If you go up to the observatory in Daegaksan Mountain, you can see the panoramic view of Saemangeum Seawall, sea dike sluice, Gogunsan Islands at a glance. Now it is connected to the land, so access became easier than before. Must-See Places Daegaksan Mountain Observatory With free telescopes, travelers can appreciate the spectacular view of Saemangeum Seawall and Gogunsan Islands. Sinsido Fishing Village Experience Tourists can experience activities of catching clams, fishing with barrier nets, and fishing. They also can use a home visit system for accommodation to experience fishing village.
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Must-Do List Seonyu Skyline (Zip Line) Zip line tours are activity of falling from places to down. Seonyu Skyline is the highest place of 45-meter tower and 700-meter falling, and the longest facility in Korea. With a wire, people can experience of gliding the sky in Seonyudo Sea with a top speed of 80km/h. It started in the summer of 2015, and already more than 10,000 people experienced it. It is a must-do activity if travelers visit Gogunsan Islands. Cruise Tour If you want to see and enjoy the panoramic view of Gogunsan Islands, taking a cruise tour is probably the best option. With two departures of Port Bieung and Port Yamido, cruise tours take 3 to 7 hours according to the courses. Depending on the courses, 1 to 3 hours of free time will be given to the tourists in Seonyudo, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Gogunsan Islands in a day. Bicycle Hiking It is impossible to take cars to Seonyudo since most of the roads are narrow. It is recommendable for tourists to use bicycle since Seonyudo and neighboring islands are small with not many ups and downs in the land. Bicycle rental fee is very affordable and if you take a bicycle you can tour even Jangjado, Daejangdo, and Munyeodo with the help of small bridges.