Surrounded by the Sea

I don’t know what it is about small ocean-side towns, but I love them. These small towns are usually comprised of a small population, family owned businesses, and rustic charm. Cheongsan Island, located 19km off the Korean coast, is no exception. Home to a small population of farmers and fishermen, Cheongsan Island is able to combine a small town feel with gorgeous beaches and wharfs. Cheongsan’s terrain is mountainous and is mostly used for harvesting garlic and rice. However, amongst the paddies and crop fields are narrow roads used for hiking by both locals and visitors alike. Walking up and down these roads, Eric, a colleague, her family, and I were able to take in views of land and sea. Looking inland, we could see a tall green mountain towering over the small town at its base. In the other direction we could see coves of crisp blue water being used as fishing grounds by the local inhabitants.

After finishing our walk, we made our way back to the main harbor for lunch. The harbor is littered with wooden boats, fishing nets, and Styrofoam buoys. There, lunch was comprised of spicy fish soup, kimchi, rice, dried anchovies, seaweed, and a few other side dishes. From lunch we made our way to the other side of the island so we could take in the various beaches the Cheongsan had to offer. The first beach we stopped at was a rock beach. Its ‘sand’ was completely composed of smooth black and gray rocks. Reaching the water’s edge proved to be a bit tricky, but once we were there the views and sounds were amazing. As the waves rolled in and out they moved the rocks back and forth, creating a sound similar to a rain stick. The water was moderate in temperature and was welcomed after our warm walk earlier. After spending some time playing in the water and sunning on the rocks we made our way to a flatter, sandier beach.



What makes the other beach so unique is it only a beach during low tide. When the tide is out, a quarter-mile stretch of sand is left behind for people to enjoy. When one finally reaches the water’s edge, they are greeted by calm waves and warm water. Furthermore, small tide pools are left spontaneously behind throughout the cove and prove to be a good opportunity to explore for small aquatic life. We stumbled across numerous hermit crabs and small fish.


After watching the tide come back in we decided to return to the mainland. After our thirty minute ferry ride we found ourselves back in the port city of Wando. By the day’s end I left with a sunburned face, a bag a garlic and a stomach full of fish. It was a great day.