Full-Scale Launch of Burae Island Tourism Development Project
Construction Begins on Burae Island Tourism Project, Targeting Completion in 2027
Suspension Bridge, Island Trail, and Ecological Programs to Transform Burae into the "Healing Island of the West Sea"
Gimpo City in Gyeonggi Province is accelerating efforts to boost tourism in its northern region, including Aegibong Peak and Daemyeong Port. Now, the city is embarking in earnest on developing the area around Burae Island, an uninhabited island located in the Yeomha River in Sinan-ri, Daegot-myeon, into a tourist destination.
With Aegibong Peak already established as a world-renowned attraction, and Daemyeong Port offering unique content, the addition of Burae Island-set to become the “healing island of the West Sea”-is expected to propel the region into a new tourism mecca in South Korea.
The city announced on September 3 that it has officially begun construction on the Burae Tourism Resource Development Project. Due to its military and geographical significance, Burae Island has been off-limits to the general public for decades. However, through this project, it will be transformed into an ecological and tourism hub where visitors can enjoy both nature and culture.
A total of 10.1 billion won (4 billion won from the provincial government and 6.1 billion won from the city) will be invested in the project, with completion targeted for June 2027. The main components include: the creation of an entrance plaza and a trail encircling the main island over an area of 17,217 square meters; the construction of a 1.5-meter-wide, 200-meter-long suspension bridge; and the development of rest areas and scenic spots.
Once completed, visitors will be able to explore Burae Island on foot and enjoy the sunset over the West Sea and its beautiful natural scenery. Gimpo City plans to minimize artificial development and preserve the natural environment, while creating a space where citizens and tourists can relax, experience ecology, and participate in educational activities.
After completion, Burae Island will not be operated as a simple tourist spot but as a “stay-type complex cultural island.” Plans include event-based tourism such as concerts in nature, cultural performances, and unique “Doing Nothing Contests”; a circular tourism course linking Daemyeong Port, the Battleship Park, and the Peace Nuri Trail; ecological programs like forest reading, migratory bird and wetland explorations; and the activation of nighttime tourism through landscape lighting and a simplified entry system.
The city also plans to finalize the operational plan for Burae Island and complete consultations with the military by 2026. After the project is completed and pilot operations are conducted in June 2027, Gimpo aims to enhance its brand value as the leading ecological and cultural complex tourism destination in the western region from 2028 onward.
Mayor Kim Byungsoo stated, "Just as Aegibong Peak has captured the attention of people worldwide, Burae Island will become another symbol of tourism in Gimpo. With Aegibong Peak, Daemyeong Port, and now Burae Island, Gimpo will establish itself as a leading tourism city in Korea, offering stunning scenery and unique content. The city will actively promote Gimpo’s resources externally while systematically building competitive tourism assets."
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