Exploring Jukdo Island: A Hidden Gem in Gijang
[Gijang County SNS Supporters "Song Ji-ae"]
Jukdo, which is classified as the second of the eight scenic spots in Gijang, is the only island in the area. It is said that the island resembles a turtle floating on water, measuring 40 feet in length and 20 feet in width, and is home to bamboo. This is why it has been called Jukdo, or Bamboo Island, until today.
Currently, the island is also referred to as Camellia Island due to the lush camellia trees growing there. I visited recently to see the beautiful wisteria flowers blooming near the bridge connecting the island.
Originally, Jukdo was an isolated island accessible only by boat, but now the Yeonjuk Bridge has been constructed, allowing visitors to easily reach it. To the left of Jukdo is Daebyeon Port, and to the right is Seoeam Port. I visited on the morning of April 27 (Monday). Plans are underway for the tourism development of Gijang, with construction set to begin soon. The barbed wire from when it was private property is still present, and access to the interior of the island is restricted. However, I was able to enjoy the purple wisteria flowers at the edge of the island near the Yeonjuk Bridge.
The wisteria flowers hang like clusters of grapes. I could smell their fragrance from the abundant blooms. Although they were already in full bloom and some petals were falling due to the heat, the vibrant purple still felt alive.
The view of Yeonjuk Bridge from Jukdo is stunning, reflecting beautifully in the sea, and you can also see the World Cup Lighthouse beyond Jukdo.
In Yeonhwar-ri, Gijang, there is a seafood market village, with many restaurants serving fresh seafood and abalone porridge. Most establishments open around 9 or 10 AM, bustling with activity, and the sight of seaweed being dried in the wind captures the essence of a fishing village.
After exploring Yeonhwar-ri, I moved to Seoeam Port to see the Baby Bottle Lighthouse. This lighthouse was established to overcome the low birth rate era, and I have visited it before, wishing for a child.
At Seoeam Port, you can find both the Baby Bottle Lighthouse and the Rooster Comb Lighthouse. The sea reveals the Jangseung Lighthouse and the World Cup Lighthouse beyond Daebyeon Port, all in one view.
The strong currents and pristine water quality in Gijang create optimal conditions for seaweed growth. Between winter and spring, you can see seaweed being dried in various spots around the village, and the scent of seaweed carried by the wind reminds me of a warm bowl of Gijang seaweed soup.
This might be the last time I see the wisteria flowers blooming on Jukdo this year. There are plans to transform it into a nighttime themed media island using the storytelling of 'The Heart of the Dragon,' featuring a multi-cultural space, coastal deck, suspension bridge, night media art, and a grassy plaza.
I highly recommend a visit to Gijang in May, the month of family, where you can enjoy abalone porridge and seafood with your family, and experience the unique Jukdo and lighthouses of Gijang.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/bskijang/224274550527
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