By: FUNDAY FRIENDS
Author: Marina Khe 

Our two-day, one-night journey to Myeongdo Island left an impression so deep, it felt as though we had been away for an entire week. Nestled along Korea’s west coastline, right in the middle of a five-island chain connected by bridges, Myeongdo offers a rare kind of peaceful escape - rich in nature, food, and heartfelt local warmth.

A Journey Through Land and Sea

Getting to Myeongdo was an adventure in itself - a smooth, enjoyable combination of nearly every form of transportation: train, bus, ferry, and even a small boat. Each leg of the journey added to the sense of anticipation, gradually transporting us from the bustle of everyday life to the stillness of the sea.

Mouthwatering greeting lunch

Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a truly satisfying lunch. The highlight was a beautifully baked 참돔 (red sea bream), tender and rich in flavor, paired with a comforting soup made from 아귀 (anglerfish). Thanks to the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island - where sunlight easily reaches the ocean floor - seafood here thrives, and every bite tasted like the ocean had offered us its finest.

Walking the Herbal Trail

Later that afternoon, we set off on a trek to gather herbs along the trail, soaking in the fragrant air and the gentle rhythm of island life. Myeongdo is often nicknamed “Herb Mountain” for good reason. The moment we stepped deeper into the hills, a calming scent surrounded us. It was a quiet, mindful walk - one that made us feel connected to the land. We later used the herbs we’d collected to make jumeokbap (Korean rice balls), turning our foraging into a meal we made with our own hands.

Boat ride at the Sunset

As the sun began to set, we took to the sea for a boat ride. Skimming across the waves, we watched the sky soften into gold and lavender as the sun dipped behind a chain of distant islands. One of the highlights was passing a striking rock formation known as “Book Rock” - its layers lie like books on a shelf. The views were cinematic, the sea breeze light, and the entire experience simply unforgettable.

Sashimi Feasts and Fireworks

When we returned from the boat ride, another surprise was waiting for us — two massive platters of fresh thickly-sliced raw fish. Even though we were still full from the jumeokbap, we couldn't resist the sashimi - delicate, silky, and unbelievably fresh. The locals, incredibly kind and generous, treated us with such abundance that it felt like we were dining with family. Their warmth made everything taste even better.

We ended the night with fireworks on the pier, laughing and watching sparks rise into the dark sky, the night breeze wrapping around us like a soft blanket.

A Morning Worth Waking Up For

The next morning, though our stomachs were still content from the night before, we were served another unforgettable meal. Soy-marinated crab, grilled fish, hot soup with rice, and new assortments of banchan covered the table. Even the kimchi - often taken for granted - was especially flavorful. Our Korean friends pointed out how good it was, reminding us that even common dishes vary beautifully from place to place.

Harvesting seafood like local

After breakfast, we explored another part of the island - a different mood, yet equally beautiful. This was the side where locals harvest seafood along the shore, and we had the chance to join them. Our simple seafood fishing experience turned out to be unexpectedly fun. From a scenic lookout nearby, a sweeping view of the sea opened up - quiet, vast, and completely calming.

A Tide-Woven Love Story

Myeongdo also holds a romantic legend. Long ago, a young couple lived on separate islands. At that time, there were no bridges, and they could only meet twice a month - when the tide receded and revealed a narrow path between the islands. Despite the distance, they stayed devoted and eventually married. Today, they still live on the island, raising their son and daughter - a living symbol of love that endures.

Island life and genuine togetherness

Life on the island, shaped by its distance from the mainland, comes with certain limitations - fewer conveniences, slower access to things we take for granted. But when viewed from another perspective, that very distance offers something cities often cannot: fresh air, wide-open views unbroken by buildings, and a quiet rhythm that allows your thoughts to settle.

What also stayed with us was the deep sense of community among the island’s people. When we arrived, a group of locals gathered at the village center to greet us - not just with smiles, but with warm hands busy preparing a meal together. Watching them cook side by side, chatting and laughing as they worked, felt like stepping into a way of life where human connection still truly matters. In a world where we’re often isolated by busyness and screens, it was moving to see how naturally they came together to welcome strangers as guests - through food, care, and genuine togetherness.