Gageodo Island (Socheuksando)

Gageodo Island (Socheuksando) is the southwesternmost island of South Korea, so close to China that the crowing of Chinese roosters can be heard. With the high peak of Doksilsan (639m) and steep cliffs, it boasts magnificent scenery. The Seomdeungbando Peninsula on the west side is a peninsula-shaped terrain where the entire peninsula forms columnar joints along the coastline, also called Seomdeungbyeongpung Rock. The rocky peaks and sea cliffs spread like a folding screen create a spectacular view, especially the sunset scenery. The name Gageodo is said to mean 'a livable island' or 'an island where the end of the sea route is not visible no matter how far you go.' Gageodo is a very important island as a West Sea fishing forward base. It is a golden fishing ground contested by Korean, Chinese, and Japanese fishing boats, and due to its location at the southwesternmost tip of the country, it is also geographically, diplomatically, and politically significant. As various fish such as anchovies, croakers, hairtail, tuna, and sea bream gather, many anglers visit year-round. In the waters off the Gageodo Lighthouse lies Guheuldo (Guguldo), a natural monument and breeding ground for seabirds. Over a hundred species of migratory birds, including summer visitors like streaked shearwaters and horned grebes, nest and breed on this uninhabited island, resting or breeding on Gageodo in spring and autumn.