Yeonpyeongdo, Scarred by Artillery Battle, Selected as 'Island of the Month' for November by Korea Island Promotion Agency

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Yeonpyeong Island in Ongjin, Incheon, has been selected as the "Island of the Month for November" by the Korea Island Promotion Agency.

According to the Korea Island Promotion Agency on the 9th, Yeonpyeong Island, located at the northernmost part of the West Sea of Korea, is the site where the Yeonpyeong Island shelling occurred on November 23, 2010, causing numerous casualties among island residents and military personnel, marking a place of sorrow.

The Korea Island Promotion Agency selected Yeonpyeong Island as the Island of the Month for November to commemorate the victims and reflect on the significance of peace during a time when the importance of peace is emerging both domestically and internationally.

The Yeonpyeong Island shelling is recorded as the first attack on a civilian residential area since the armistice agreement. Prior to this, the First and Second Battles of Yeonpyeong took place in nearby waters in 1999 and 2002, respectively.

Traces of pain can be found throughout the island. At the security education center, the site of the shelling is preserved in its original state, and debris is exhibited, allowing visitors to personally experience the horrors of war, the importance of security, and the preciousness of peace.

A space for memorial is also provided. The Peace Park (Memorial Park) was established to honor the spirits who led the victory in the Battle of Yeonpyeong and sacrificed their lives for the homeland. The park displays tanks, armored vehicles, and reconnaissance helicopters that evoke the scars of war, and a metal sculpture engraved with the faces of the fallen soldiers draws attention.

The island's beautiful scenery should not be overlooked. Natural attractions such as Papillon Cliff, Nangkari Peak (Ice Cream Rock), bizarre rocks, Face Rock, and the Guridong and Garaechilgi beaches captivate many tourists.

Oh Dong-ho, President of the Korea Island Promotion Agency, said, "Ahead of the 12th anniversary of the Yeonpyeong Island shelling, North Korea's military provocations continue, causing extreme anxiety and fear among island residents," adding, "By selecting Yeonpyeong Island as the Island of the Month, we aim to not forget the tragedy of that day and to once again reflect on peace."

Meanwhile, President Oh was serving as the Director General of Regional Development Policy at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety during the Yeonpyeong Island shelling in 2010.

He emphasized, "At that time, we promptly enacted the 'Special Act on Support for the Five West Sea Islands' to lay the foundation for the development of the Five West Sea Islands," and added, "We will do our utmost to create islands without discrimination that enjoy equal opportunities in the era of local autonomy, regardless of where people live."