Travel Journal: Chilcheondo & Ssireungdo Island

An island where the wind sings and nature rests.



It takes about an hour by car from Bongpyeong-dong, Tongyeong. I feel truly blessed to have such a beautiful island located so close by. This was already my fourth visit, yet Ssireungdo offers a fresh and moving experience every single time.

The journey begins by crossing the stunning suspension bridge that connects Chilcheondo Island to Ssireungdo. The blue waters of the Southern Sea viewed from the bridge instantly open up your heart, while the gentle waves and sea breeze bring an infinite sense of peace to a traveler's mind.

Upon entering Ssireungdo, you are greeted first by a dense bamboo forest. A lovely legend is passed down here, telling of a daughter of the Jade Emperor who was once exiled and stayed in the human world. Whenever she played her geomungo (traditional zither) to soothe her loneliness, a clear, resonant sound of "ssireung... ssireung..." echoed across the entire island—giving Ssireungdo its name.

Walking through the bamboo grove while thinking of this legend, the island maintains such a mystical and peaceful atmosphere that you can almost imagine hearing the sound of the zither whispering through the wind.

The walking trails are beautifully designed while preserving nature as much as possible, drawing natural admiration with every step. The forest paths and coastal routes flow seamlessly into one another, offering countless spots where the picturesque scenery of the Southern Sea invites you to pause. It is not flashy, but rather an ultimate healing space where you can feel the unadorned charm of raw nature.

The absolute highlight of Ssireungdo is its three-story observation deck. The moment you step up to the deck, the blue Southern Sea, Chilcheondo, and the waters of Geoje unfold before your eyes like a painting. Taking in the view against the cool breeze delivers an emotional resonance that photographs simply cannot capture.




Another impressive spot was the pine forest overlooking the beach. Comfortable reclining loungers were placed there, and as I lay down for a moment to listen to the sounds of the wind and waves, all the fatigue in my body and mind seemed to melt away. Here, you naturally encounter a sense of leisure that is hard to find in a busy everyday life.




The lovely rugosa roses (haedanghwa) blooming gracefully along the walking paths added even more radiance to Ssireungdo’s beauty. Looking around at the well-maintained trails, resting areas, and thoughtful landscaping, I could feel how much care Geoje City puts into tending this place. The way it was built so anyone can walk comfortably without harming nature makes the description of a "masterpiece tourist destination" feel entirely well-deserved.

Ssireungdo is not a place with flashy amusement facilities or bustling crowds. Instead, it is a special island filled with the comfort and beauty of nature, alongside living legends. Perhaps that is why those who visit once always find themselves returning.

Just over an hour away from Bongpyeong-dong, Tongyeong, this beautiful island is always a sanctuary for my heart. Having visited four times already, Ssireungdo is a place I want to return to again, and one I would gladly recommend to family and friends.

A quiet sea, green forests, a gorgeous suspension bridge, a mystical legend, and nature-embraced walking trails.

If you are traveling to Geoje Island, Ssireungdo is a must-visit path—a beautifully memorable island that will stay with you for a long time.

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