Purple Islands of South Korea: A Colourful Destination Filled With Flowers, Coastal Views and Local Charm

Purple Islands: Imagine visiting a place where rooftops, bridges, telephone booths and even restaurant tableware are covered in shades of purple. That is the experience awaiting visitors on Banwol and Bakji Islands in Sinan County, South Korea, popularly known as the Purple Islands.

The distinctive colour theme began as part of a tourism initiative inspired by the purple Campanula flowers found in the area. The project helped transform the quiet fishing communities into a unique tourist destination.

But the islands offer much more than their eye-catching purple appearance. Visitors can explore car-free village paths, seasonal flower gardens, tidal flats, coastal scenery and a long pedestrian bridge at a relaxed pace.

With World Tourism Day observed on September 27

, the Purple Islands provide an example of how a strong local identity can become part of a wider tourism experience. Travellers coming from Seoul can make the journey easier by spending a night in nearby Mokpo before exploring the islands.

Why Are Banwol and Bakji Called the Purple Islands?

The islands’ signature colour was inspired by the Campanula, a purple flower native to the region. A government-supported tourism project launched in 2015 aimed to revitalise the ageing island communities and attract more visitors.

More than $4.25 million

was invested in the transformation. Around 150 local residents took part in the project, with more than 400 rooftops, roads, phone booths and other public spaces painted in lilac and violet shades.

The purple concept has also become part of the local dining experience. Some restaurants serve purple-coloured rice using matching tableware, extending the theme beyond the streets and buildings.

Best Time to Visit

The islands can be particularly attractive during the flowering seasons. May

is a good time to see spring blooms, while October brings autumn flowers.

Top Places and Experiences on the Purple Islands Purple Bridge

The approximately 1.4-kilometre Purple Bridge stretches across the sea and connects Bakji and Banwol with the mainland. The pedestrian bridge allows visitors to walk above the tidal flats while enjoying views of the surrounding coastline.

Seasonal Flower Fields

Flowers add a natural element to the islands’ famous colour scheme. Around 21,500 square metres of lavender

bloom during spring. In autumn, more than 30,000 New England Aster chrysanthemums bring colour to the landscape.

UNESCO-Listed Mudflats

Banwol and Bakji are located within the Sinan tidal-flat ecosystem. At low tide, visitors can observe the expansive mudflats and the marine environment surrounding the island communities.

Kim Whanki’s Birthplace

Art enthusiasts can travel to nearby Anjwado, where they can visit the preserved traditional home associated with Kim Whanki

, a pioneering Korean abstract artist.

How to Reach the Purple Islands From Seoul

A public transport journey from Seoul generally takes around 4.5 to 5.5 hours. Improved bridge connections have made the islands accessible by road, meaning visitors do not need to depend on a ferry.

By KTX: Travellers can take a KTX high-speed train from Seoul Station or Yongsan Station to Mokpo. The train journey takes approximately two and a half hours.

By bus or taxi:

From Mokpo Station, visitors can take a local bus towards Anjwa-myeon and then change to a shuttle heading towards the Purple Bridge entrance. A taxi from Mokpo takes roughly one hour.

By car: Travellers renting a car can use Naver Map to reach the visitor entrance. Since the internal island roads are narrow, outside vehicles cannot use these pathways. Cars need to be left in the designated visitor parking area.

Two-Day Itinerary for a Purple Islands Trip

Since travelling from Seoul takes several hours, staying overnight in Mokpo can make the island visit more convenient.

Day 1: Explore Mokpo

Late afternoon:

Take the KTX from Seoul to Mokpo and check into accommodation near the railway station or harbour.

Evening: Ride the Mokpo Marine Cable Car around sunset to enjoy views of the surrounding archipelago. Later, visit Mokpo Seafood Market to sample local seafood.

Day 2: Explore the Purple Islands

8:30 am to 9:30 am: Leave Mokpo by bus or taxi and cross the Cheonsadaegyo Bridge towards the Purple Islands entrance.

9:45 am:

Visitors can wear purple before reaching the ticket counter. Those dressed in purple may qualify for free entry instead of paying the ₩3,000 admission fee.

10 am to 11:30 am: Walk across the Purple Bridge towards Bakji Island. Bicycles are available for approximately ₩5,000 per hour, allowing visitors to explore the roughly 4-kilometre coastal trail and nearby flower fields.

11:30 am to 1 pm:

Continue towards Banwol Island and stop at the popular “I Purple You” benches before exploring more of the island.

1 pm to 2 pm: Enjoy lunch at a village-run café. Local options include purple rice, seafood pancakes and purple red-bean soft-serve ice cream.

2:30 pm: Head back towards the mainland. Visitors can also consider stopping at Kim Whanki’s birthplace on Anjwado before returning to Mokpo or continuing towards Seoul.

The Purple Islands turn a simple colour concept into a complete travel experience. Beyond the distinctive purple rooftops and bridges, Banwol and Bakji offer flower fields, coastal walks, local cuisine and peaceful, pedestrian-friendly villages, making them a destination with plenty to explore.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general travel and informational purposes. Travel times, admission fees, transport schedules, seasonal conditions and local arrangements may change. Visitors should check the latest information with relevant local authorities and transport providers before planning their trip.