Islands scattered across Korea's blue seas offer more than scenic destinations. They are places where people build lives at their own pace, far removed from the rhythm of the city. EBS1's documentary series Korean Journey presents a special five-part week titled Because I Love Islands, capturing both the landscapes and the people who have chosen to make these remote shores part of their lives.
Though each individual arrives for a different reason, they are ultimately connected by a common feeling—a deep affection for island life. Some moved after falling in love with the scenery, some returned after years away, while others chose to pause and reflect amid the quiet. Their stories differ, but they all share the same sense of peace found only on an island.
Rather than filling life with more, islands often encourage people to let go. Accompanied by the sounds of wind and waves, residents create new routines and discover a different sense of time. Through these encounters, Korean Journey invites viewers to slow down and rediscover the value of stillness.
Gogunsan Island Trail: Walking Across the Sea
In the Gogunsan Archipelago of Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, a series of pedestrian bridges links multiple islands together. Known as the Gogunsan Island Trail, the route transforms walking itself into the essence of travel.
A singer-songwriter couple, who have spent more than a decade exploring islands across Korea, finally visits a destination long on their wish list. As they walk across the sea, changing perspectives reveal new horizons, fishing villages, and coastal scenery at every turn.
The experience is further enriched by meals prepared by local residents using freshly caught seafood, offering a taste of island hospitality that leaves a lasting impression.
Daeokdaedo: A Life Built in Silence
Off the coast of Goheung in South Jeolla Province lies Daeokdaedo, often called the "Island of the Sun." Only two residents live on the island, maintaining a self-sufficient lifestyle far from urban distractions.
The couple settled on what was once an uninhabited island, cultivating mountain herbs and fishing the surrounding waters. Their daily routine follows the rhythms of nature, where sunrise, wind direction, and the changing color of the sea shape the flow of life.
When family members visit, the quiet island is briefly filled with laughter, revealing how this remote place has become the center of a deeply meaningful life.
Geumdangdo: Following Nature to a New Beginning
Geumdangdo in Wando is known for its dramatic cliffs and striking coastline. One resident first arrived on a fishing trip but eventually decided to stay.
What began as a temporary visit gradually became a permanent home. He built a house overlooking the cliffs and embraced a lifestyle guided by nature rather than schedules.
Friends who visit discover a landscape that feels almost otherworldly, while meals prepared with freshly caught fish and vegetables from the garden reflect the abundance of a simpler way of living.
Yeojado: A Life Chosen for Herself
On Yeojado Island near Yeosu, a woman has spent years building a life centered on loquat farming.
A visit during her youth left a lasting impression, eventually inspiring her to leave city life behind and settle on the island. Through patience and years of cultivation, her orchards have become both a livelihood and a reflection of her commitment to the place.
Equally important are the relationships she has formed with neighbors, whose shared meals and conversations demonstrate the strength of island communities.
Sapsido: Time Deepened Through Family
On Sapsido Island in Boryeong, two sisters have created a unique life together.
The younger sister originally arrived to visit her older sibling but ultimately found a new direction for her own life. Working as a photographer, she documents the island's people and landscapes, turning everyday moments into lasting memories.
Her older sister runs a guesthouse and restaurant, welcoming visitors to the island. Living and working side by side, the sisters have developed a deeper bond while becoming fully immersed in island life.
Through changing seasons, shared meals, and everyday routines, Sapsido has become more than a home—it has become a place where family and belonging grow stronger with time.
Korean Journey – Because I Love Islands airs on EBS1 from June 22 to June 26 at 9:35 p.m.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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