April's "Island of the Month" Selected by Korea Island Promotion Agency is... Shinan Seondo

Transformed into the Nation's Largest Daffodil Colony
Originally Named "Seondo" for Its Cicada Shape, Now Reborn as a Flower Island
Bare-Handed Octopus Fishing in the Tidal Flats Designated as National Important Fisheries Heritage No. 6

Shinan Seondo Island has been selected as the 'Island of the Month' for April by the Korea Island Promotion Agency. The photo shows the entire village of Seondo Island in full bloom with daffodils. Photo by Korea Island Promotion Agency

The Korea Island Development Institute (KIDI) announced on the 14th that Shinan Seondo, widely known as the "Island of Daffodils," has been selected as the "Island of the Month" for April.

Shinan Seondo, a "flower island" cultivated by its residents, has established itself as a representative island that heralds the vibrant spring season. Seondo (meaning "Cicada Island"), which spans approximately 5.23 km² of gentle hills, was named for its resemblance to a cicada. However, it is now better known as the "Island of Daffodils" rather than the "Cicada Island."

There is a special story behind how Seondo came to be called the "Island of Daffodils." This transformation is deeply rooted in the affection and long-standing efforts of local resident Hyun Boksoon.

After finishing her life in Seoul, Hyun Boksoon returned to Seondo, her husband's hometown, and began planting daffodils in her yard and the surrounding area. Over the decades, these flowers blossomed into a beautiful flower garden, inspiring neighbors to follow her example and plant daffodils as well.

The daffodils gradually spread throughout the entire island, becoming a source of pride for the village. Later, with the support of Shinan County, Seondo was transformed into the largest "daffodil colony" in the country, with 2.34 million bulbs of 17 different daffodil varieties planted.

Before becoming known as the "Island of Daffodils," Seondo was originally famous as a main production area for octopus. It was an ordinary fishing village where octopus fishing, seaweed farming, and agriculture were the main livelihoods.

The "Shinan Tidal Flats," where Seondo is located, are part of the "Korean Tidal Flats," a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Additionally, the traditional bare-handed octopus fishing in these tidal flats has been recognized for its preservation value and was designated as National Important Fisheries Heritage No. 6 (2018).

Yang Younghwan, Acting President of the Korea Island Development Institute, stated, "Seondo is more than just a flower island; it is a representative island of humanistic ecology, cultivated by the hands of its residents. I hope you will experience the essence of spring and make precious memories on Seondo, where the daffodils are in full bloom."