Cheongsando, Island in Namhae-gun County, South Korea
Changseondo is a small island in Namhae-gun County, in the South Gyeongsang Province of South Korea. It features rocky shores, wooded slopes, and narrow paths running through its interior, with small boats often resting along the coast.
The island has long been home to fishing and farming communities. A major naval battle took place at Gwaneumpo Harbor in 1598, marking the end of the Imjin War, and Admiral Yi Sun-sin's body was first brought to rest on the island.
Old stone walls and small shrines are still visible around the island, left by past generations who lived and worked here. Fishing remains central to daily life, and early mornings bring boats back to shore with fresh catches that are sold nearby.
The island is connected to the mainland by bridges, so it can be reached by car or bus without needing a boat. Comfortable shoes are helpful, as the paths along the coast and through the interior tend to be narrow and uneven.
The island is home to a settlement known as the German Village, built by Korean workers who had emigrated to Germany in the 1960s and 1970s and later returned. The houses are built in a European style, and an Oktoberfest is held there every October.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
