Incheon Baengnyeongdo to Become a 'Must-Visit K-Tourism Island' with a 10 Billion Won Investment

Baengnyeongdo, the northernmost island in the West Sea, has been selected in the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's contest for 'K-Tourism Islands You Want to Visit.'

The city announced on the 16th that it has secured a budget of 10 billion KRW, including 5 billion KRW in national funds, by being chosen for the project titled 'Star Terrace of the West Sea, Baengnyeongdo, a Tourist Resort Embracing 1 Billion Years of Nature,' to be completed by 2026.

The city plans to develop Baengnyeongdo, which not only boasts pristine nature but will also open a small airport in 2027, into a tourist destination frequently visited by foreigners.

The core project involves creating a tourism and cultural hub around the old Yonggipo Port area in Baengnyeongdo.

Three buildings formerly used as a seafood collection center and cold storage will be remodeled into a tourism and cultural information center, a startup promotion hall, and exhibition spaces. These will also serve as venues for programs aimed at strengthening local residents' capabilities, workforce training, and visitor ecotourism certification.

Additionally, a coastal trail called Haennuri-gil will be constructed to allow visitors to experience Baengnyeongdo's nature up close by the sea. This walking path will connect the old Yonggipo Port to Sagot Beach and continue to the Pebble Coast, providing spaces for sightseeing, hands-on experiences, and relaxation.

Development Plan for Baengnyeongdo, the Northernmost Island of the West Sea [Provided by Incheon City]

The city intends to develop the 'K-Tourism Islands You Want to Visit' project into an island attracting 150,000 visitors annually by 2026, by creating strategies that link accommodations, tourism, leisure, and medical services around Baengnyeong Airport to generate synergy.

An official from Incheon City stated, "Islands facing population decline can revitalize their economies through tourist visits," adding, "We will develop customized tourism content that encourages not just one-time visits but also repeat visits and longer stays."