Hongdo (홍도 - Red Island)

 island, national park

Hongdo literally means "Red Island." Named for the reddish color of the cliffs, it covers an area of 6.47 square meters/2.5 square miles and consists of steep mountains, the highest peaks being Gitdaebong (깃대봉 378m/1240ft) and Yangsanbong (양산봉 231m/758ft), home to about 710 people.

There are no cars and few trucks allowed on the island but three-wheeled scooters designed to carry cargo abound on the island. About the only industry on the island is tourism.

Know to have some of the more perfect sunsets in Korea, it is favorite of lovers and honeymooners.

There are about 270 varieties of evergreens and 170 species of animals. The government wanted to preserve the natural state of the island, so Hongdo was designated a Natural Preserved Area becaming part of Dadohae Marine National Park. Because the entire island of Hongdo has been declared a Natural Monument, people are not allowed to enter areas other than the villages and designated tourist areas.