SINAN — Byeongpungdo, an island in Sinan County in Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City, is turning the colors of autumn.
In October, the entire island becomes a single garden. Cockscombs in many colors bloom across the island, blending with the blue sea to create an exotic landscape. Walking slowly along the flower paths brings the sea closer, and the quiet scenery of the island village unfolds ahead. Visitors can step away from busy daily life and take in the rest that nature offers.
The island's appeal does not stop at the cockscombs. Along with the cockscomb garden, natural and cultural attractions such as the Twelve Apostles pilgrimage trail and Byeongpung Rock add depth to a visit.
Byeongpung Rock, stretching 1.3 kilometers, is the landmark scene that gives the island its name. The trail and village set against the sea, together with the flower-filled garden, complete an autumn atmosphere found only on Byeongpungdo.
October on Byeongpungdo is a time when flowers and sea, trails and village blend into one another. Bright red cockscombs embroider the island, and the blue sea deepens the view. The "feast of cockscombs" that unfolds there is a scene unique to Byeongpungdo.
Byeongpungdo can be reached by ferry from Songdo Port in Jido-eup and Songgong Port in Aphae-eup. Ferries departing from Songdo Port have changed their port of call to the Nariseom ferry terminal because of construction at Bogi Port.
Sinan County is not holding a separate festival this year. Instead, it has designated the month of October as an intensive promotion period and plans to actively publicize the island's autumn scenery and tourism resources.
"In October, Byeongpungdo is a place where cockscombs and the sea come together, offering the full appeal of an autumn island trip," a Sinan County official said on the 30th. "Just walking slowly, staying and looking around will be enough of a rest for visitors."
Byeongpungdo is an island where visitors can leave behind busy routines and recharge in nature. This autumn, a special break awaits where red cockscombs meet the blue sea on Sinan's Byeongpungdo.
