A Special Trip to Goheung Islands: Experiences Best Enjoyed by Boat

When you unfold the map of Goheung, you’ll see a large island and several smaller islands connected in layers beneath the peninsula. The methods of accessing these islands differ — whether by bridge to Sorokdo and Geogeumdo, short boat rides to Yeonhongdo and Aedo, or following departure times for Sisan-do. This variety makes Goheung’s islands not just simple attractions but distinct worlds that travelers must enter by managing their pace and route.

This collection doesn’t just list island names; it also considers where to walk from the ferry dock and what to see and dwell upon. The murals and galleries of Yeonhongdo, the flowers and subtropical forests of Aedo, the memories of Sorokdo, and the coastal roads of Geogeumdo all gaze upon the same sea, yet they create entirely different experiences. The smaller the island, the closer the local life and private lands are to the tourist facilities, making visiting etiquette even more crucial.

The success of an island trip doesn’t lie in seeing a lot but in having a well-planned return. Ferry schedules change depending on the weather, tides, and the number of passengers, and even islands connected by bridges don’t have frequent public transport. Therefore, it’s safer to explore one island in-depth in the morning and then connect to nearby ports or coasts in the afternoon. By calculating the time for vehicles, boarding, and walking, and setting the last ferry's departure as a base, you’ll have some buffer in case of unexpected changes. Small docks might lack waiting areas and facilities, so it's better to prepare for restrooms, water, and cash on the mainland. Within the islands, prioritize official routes guided by local signposts and residents over the shortest path suggested by navigation apps.

The islands of Goheung each slow down travelers in different ways. On Yeonhongdo, one stops to see a mural on a wall, while on Aedo, one’s gaze shifts as the height of flowers and trees changes. On Sorokdo, one becomes contemplative in front of history, while on Geogeumdo, driving along the coast helps appreciate the island's size. Knowing these differences solidifies that even repeat visits to the same Goheung can lead to varied experiences.

If it's your first time, get a feel for the connections between Sorokdo and Geogeumdo through the bridge, and for your next trip, consider visiting Yeonhongdo or Aedo. Even small islands that require a boat can take more time and preparation. Be sure to pack food, water, and any necessary medicines in advance, accounting for parking at the ferry dock and ticket purchasing time. It's always clearer to plan for enough walking and resting on one island rather than trying to combine two at once, which helps create a more vivid memory of the island.

Fishing villages are living spaces for locals, and the forests and coastlines of the islands change easily with the weather and tides. It’s the most basic etiquette of island travel not to trespass on private land and to be cautious with drones, litter, and noise while walking along open paths. Choose one island and a specific space within it, then slow down and walk. You will encounter the lasting expressions of Goheung that remain longer than the effort of crossing the sea. Within the islands, prioritize official routes guided by local signposts and residents over the shortest path suggested by navigation apps, and prepare for facilities on land.