Somaemuldo, Island in Tongyeong, South Korea
Somaemuldo is a small island off the southern coast of South Korea, part of the city of Tongyeong in South Gyeongsang province. Its coastline alternates between rocky shores and small beaches, and narrow footpaths wind through patches of green and scattered low-rise homes.
Somaemuldo has been a fishing community for centuries, with its residents depending on the sea for their livelihood across many generations. The lighthouse on the neighboring islet of Deungdaesum was built during the period of Japanese colonial rule to guide boats safely through the surrounding waters.
Twice a day, the tide drops low enough to reveal a gravel path connecting Somaemuldo to the small neighboring island of Deungdaesum. Visitors walk across during this window to reach the lighthouse on the other side.
The island is reached by ferry from Tongyeong port on the mainland, with boats typically stopping first at the larger nearby island of Daemaeuldo. There are very few shops on the island, so bringing enough food and water for the day is advisable.
The gravel path that appears at low tide between the two islands is locally known as the Miracle of Moses, a reference to the parting of the sea. The crossing disappears again within hours, so the timing of a visit makes a real difference.
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