Chagwido Island

Welcome, curious traveler and fellow student of the world, to the rugged, windswept shores of Chagwido Island. I am absolutely delighted to be your guide on this expedition into one of the most fascinating geological and…

Our journey physically begins here at Jagun-nae Pogu, the bustling little mainland port that serves as the only maritime gateway to Chagwido. Stand here for a moment and observe the frantic yet rhythmic ballet of maritime life. …

You have just stepped off the ferry and successfully planted your feet on the concrete steps of the Chagwido Pier. Take a deep breath. …

As we walk inland along the gentle incline, we arrive at a profoundly somber and historical site known as Yet Jip-teo, which translates simply to the old house site. Look closely at the ground before you. …

Leaving the melancholy ruins of the old house site behind, our path begins to ascend more sharply as we approach the elevated ridge known locally as Bollaegi Dongsan, or Bollaegi Hill. The physical exertion required to climb this…

Continuing along the exposed ridge of Bollaegi Hill, we arrive at one of the most iconic and visually striking landmarks on the island, the Muin Deungdae, or the Unmanned White Lighthouse. Standing tall against the vibrant blue…

Following the trail slightly upward and away from the lighthouse, a mere one hundred and thirty meters further along the ridge, we finally arrive at the Jeongsang, the absolute summit of Chagwido. Unlike the heavily…

As we carefully navigate the descending path from the summit, heading back toward the northern coastline and the vicinity of the pier, our route brings us to a spectacular geological feature known as Janggun Bawi, or the General…

Our exploration of Chagwido does not end the moment we step off the island and back onto the ferry. In fact, some of the most dramatic and culturally significant features of this natural monument can only be fully appreciated…

As our ferry completes its circuit around the towering cliffs of Chagwido and turns its bow back eastward toward the bustling mainland port of Jagun-nae, we enter a period of profound reflection. The loud roar of the outboard…