Seongsan Ilchulbong area offers strong event infrastructure and rich hosting experience

This year's ceremony runs Aug. 6–9 at the Yeosu World Expo site

Seongsan Ilchulbong in Jeju Island [Provided by the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage]
Seongsan Ilchulbong in Jeju Island [Provided by the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage]

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province has been selected as the host of the 8th Island Day ceremony, to be held in August next year.

The Ministry of Interior and Safety announced Thursday that it had chosen Jeju Island to host the 8th Island Day following a competitive application process that began in March.

Island Day is a national commemorative holiday observed on Aug. 8, designated to raise public awareness of the value and importance of islands. The date was chosen because the number 8, when doubled, resembles the infinity symbol (∞), representing the boundless value and potential of islands.

Around the holiday, commemorative events are held on a rotating basis across island regions. During the event period, a range of programs are offered, including an island exhibition hall, cultural and artistic performances, hands-on activities and academic events.

In the expert site inspections and presentation evaluations held to select next year's host, Jeju Island scored highly for its well-developed infrastructure suited to large-scale events, including a wide array of accommodation and convenience facilities.

The lawn plaza area around Seongsan Ilchulbong — the planned event venue — was cited as the most fitting location to showcase the beauty and value of islands both at home and abroad. The site is one of Jeju's most iconic tourist attractions and a natural heritage site of global significance.

The 7th Island Day ceremony will be held under the theme "Romantic Recharge, Islands" at the Yeosu World Expo site in South Jeolla Province from Aug. 6 to 9.

The event will feature participatory programs for all generations — including the "100 Islands, 100 Trails" walk, a children's island drawing contest and an academic conference on island development — along with a variety of exhibitions and hands-on activities drawing on island resources such as Odongdo, Geumodo and Hawado.

Jin Myeong-gi, director general of the Ministry of Interior and Safety's Autonomous Innovation Bureau, said Island Day "has firmly established itself as a signature summer festival where the public can share in the value and charm of islands," adding that the government would "continue to develop diverse policies and expand support so that more people can visit islands and enjoy them safely."


thlee@heraldcorp.com