[Joyongjun's Travel Journey] 10 Minutes by Boat from Yeongjongdo, 'Sinshimodo' Will Be Accessible by Car in 2025

Sido Sugihesu Beach, facing Dongmak Beach in Ganghwa Island, is a popular spot known for its clear water and fine white sand, but it is quieter now than before due to COVID-19.

Good ways to enjoy Sinshimodo include trekking or bicycle tours.

In 2025, if the waterways disappear, scenes like this will become stories of the past.

Salt fields in the province

[Asia Economy, Yongjun Cho, Travel Specialist] There is a travel trend rising after COVID-19. As social distancing has become routine, the desire to travel is growing stronger. However, visiting popular tourist spots or group tours have become difficult. As an alternative, more people are seeking quiet places that minimize contact with others. This is why contactless drives, hiking, forests, island trekking, and camping (car camping) are gaining popularity. Although these were enjoyed even before COVID-19, their explosive growth has now made them a significant part of travel. Among them, I visited a journey enjoyed on islands. These islands are geographically close to Seoul and the metropolitan area. Along the coast, you can see stunning scenery created by the sea and islands, and the peacefulness allows you to temporarily set aside worries about crowds. The islands are Sindo (信島), Sido (矢島), and Modo (茅島) in Ongjin County, Incheon. It takes only 10 minutes by ferry from Yeongjongdo to reach the islands. The three islands are connected by a series of bridges, earning them the nickname "Three Brothers Islands." Travelers are interested in the unique charm of being able to visit all three islands at once. While a leisurely walk is nice, nothing beats a bicycle for enjoying the islands. Riding a bike and feeling the sea breeze while circling the island clears the chest and refreshes the mind.

Early in the morning, I boarded a ferry at Sammok Port on Yeongjongdo, Incheon. Sammok Port is the gateway to the small islands located west of Yeongjongdo. The destination is the "Three Brothers Islands" connected by bridges. Sindo, Sido, and Modo lie in the middle of the Ongjin County sea. From afar, they look like separate islands, but they are connected by bridges, resembling brothers linking shoulders.

As the ship's horn sounded loudly, the heavy ferry surged forward, splashing the water. Seagulls resting on the wings took flight all at once. Stepping onto the deck, the fresh sea breeze brushed my face. When travelers threw snacks into the blue sky, seagulls swiftly snatched them. The acrobatics of the seagulls delighted the travelers. However, this scene will no longer be seen once the 4km Yeongjongdo-Sindo bridge is completed in 2025, allowing direct car access to Sindo.

The ferry ride takes less than 10 minutes since the islands are connected in a line, just needing to change the bow direction. Before long, we arrived at Sindo Pier. The short ferry ride is a bit regrettable, but the steps toward the island feel light.

"Sin-Si-Mo-Do" is a collective term for the triplet islands Sindo, Sido, and Modo. The islands are arranged in order of size: Sindo, Sido, then Modo. Even combined, their east-west length is only 6.3 km, and the total area is just 10.19 square kilometers.

Among the three brothers, the eldest Sindo is the largest in area. About 1 km along the road from the pier leads to Sindo 1-ri village. Walking along the signpost for "Gubongsan" on the right leads directly into a forest path. Gubongsan (178m), rising in the center of the island, is Sindo's pride. There is a well-maintained mountain bike trail to the summit, and several hiking trails that take 1 to 2 hours.

The path up Gubongsan is densely forested, creating a fantastic landscape, and in summer, the deep greenery offers a refreshing atmosphere. Passing through the forest and arriving at Gubongjeong pavilion, you can see Incheon International Airport right ahead. At night, it is a famous spot to enjoy the magical light show from the airport.

If you want to tour by bicycle, there are several bike rental shops at Sindo Pier. Although there are no dedicated bike lanes, the roads have little traffic, so following the road is fine.

Crossing the bridge connecting Sindo and Sido, the view of the sea, mudflats, and sky blending together is beautiful. Sido means "Arrow Island" and is also called "Sal Island." It is said that during the late Goryeo period, generals Yi Seong-gye and Choi Young practiced archery using Sido as a target from Manisan Mountain in Ganghwa Island, and since then, the island has been called Sal Island or Sido.

Sido, connecting Sindo and Modo, hosts major facilities such as the post office and police station. Its specialty product is solar salt. Although the salt fields have shrunk, they still maintain their legacy. If timed well, the sky reflects like a mirror on the salt fields. A bit further from the salt fields is Sugihae Beach, facing Dongmak Beach on Ganghwa Island. Although now demolished, it was also a filming location for the drama "Full House."

Sugihae Beach has pine forests and a wide white sand beach, making it perfect for a day trip. When the tide recedes, you can dig for clams and other shellfish in the mudflats. There is also a washroom next to the filming set, so if you bring tools like a hoe, you can experience mudflat activities.

Next to the convenience store on Sugihae Beach, an uphill path leads to the Three Brothers Trail. Walking about 15 minutes along the quiet forest path leads to a wooden deck observatory facing north. Hidden behind pine trees, it exudes a somewhat mysterious atmosphere.

The youngest of the Three Brothers Islands is Modo. The name means "Reed Island," named because fishermen casting nets caught only reeds (띠, 茅) instead of fish.

When visiting Modo, there is no need to worry about where to go. Following the path inevitably leads to the beautiful beach called "Baemikkumi." Named for its shape resembling the hole under a boat, Baemikkumi Beach features a wonderful sculpture park. It is the studio and caf? of sculptor Ilho Lee. A large granite stone engraved with "Modo and Ilho Lee" stands like a monument, surrounded by sculptures symbolizing love, pain, and reincarnation arranged freely.

Having been established over 10 years ago, the sculpture park feels somewhat worn, perhaps lacking the sleek "modern" vibe. Among the sculptures, an impressive piece is "Willow Teacher," installed about three years ago on a beach rock. Made of thick iron wires shaped into a willow tree over 3 meters tall, the contrast between the rocky shore and the cold metal willow creates a strange feeling. Ordering a drink at the caf? allows you to sit in a spot overlooking Baemikkumi Beach.

The beach lacks spectacular scenery or vibrant sea colors but has the simplicity of a small island with nothing special. That is its charm. Sitting on the beach, planes taking off from Incheon Airport pass overhead in a line.

Sindo, Sido, Modo = Text and photos by Yongjun Cho, Travel Specialist

◇ Travel Notes

△ Getting there = From Incheon Airport Expressway, pass Yeongjong Bridge and take the second IC exit. Drive about 5 km straight toward the cargo terminal, then turn right to reach Sammok Pier on Yeongjongdo. Ferries from Sammok Pier to Sindo run so frequently that you don't need to memorize the schedule. Two shipping companies operate 19 round trips daily on this route. During the day, ferries depart roughly every 30 minutes. The last ferry from Sindo leaves at 9:50 PM. Ferries run until late at night.

△ Trekking = Sindo Pier - Gubongsan Hiking Trail Junction - Sindo-Sido Bridge - Hae-danghwa Flower Path - Sugihae Beach - Observatory - Norumegi Pier - Sindo-Sido Bridge - Modo Baemikkumi Park (about 9.5 km, approximately 4 hours)

△ Food = There are not many famous restaurants, but conch rice bowl is available anywhere on Sin-Si-Mo-Do. The conchs grown in the clean seas here have chewy and firm flesh with great taste. Steamed conch and cold raw fish soup are also delicacies.