What started as a national tourist attraction has become a global one
Far from suffering the consequences of a sharp drop in tourism, the South Korean island of Banwol broke visitor record in 2020, with a 20% increase . The restrictive measures of the Asian country to prevent the spread of the virus within its borders had a lot to do with the fact that visits will not decline.
What is an island dyed purple doing in South Korea?
That and the sharpness of the department of korea tourism made the island sneak into the list of essential destinations for 'instagrammers'. In total, more than 100,000 tourists visited the island in 2020.
Photography and Instagram lovers find a unique opportunity in Banwol to capture a village dyed entirely in purple . The Asian island offers the option to unleash creativity to get spectacular photos that combine the small village, dyed purple, with the green of nature in the background.
Purple Island, South Korea
The project took off in 2015 with the aim of attracting more local tourism to the South Korean islands of Banwol and Bakji. . Both are linked by a bridge through which you can walk from one destination to another, but the total journey is close to two hours (and yes, the bridge is also purple) . Total, the region disbursed 3.5 million euros to make this colorful dream a reality.
“When you think of Korea, what color comes to mind? Most people will think of the dull and gray tones of the city, but Korea has a lot of color, "they say from the platform. Visit Korea.
More than 100,000 tourists visited Banwol
The island has only a few 100 inhabitants who are mainly engaged in agriculture and who now live among 400 buildings whose roofs have been dyed purple . Their houses are not the only ones impacted by the initiative: the sidewalks, benches, highways, lampposts, bridges and even telephone booths have also been painted the same color. All this means that the destination has become a unique claim.
The fusion of the town with the color purple It is not only visible in its infrastructure: nature has been adapted, little by little, to this color with the aim of achieving an even more impressive visual effect. The citizens of Banwol, flaunting their virtues with agriculture, they threw themselves into the project planting fields of beets, radishes, daisies and 21,500 square meters destined for lavender plantations.
Banwol Purple Hotel
The visitor should also not be surprised if he sees the villagers dressed in clothes of the same color : They have taken their role very seriously and have welcomed this initiative with open arms. This remote corner of South Korea seemed stuck in time and now, thanks to its colorful revolution, has been filled with young visitors.
The increase in tourism has led Banwol to build a hotel for visitors . A small purple caravan has also been opened that serves as a cafeteria. Another new tourist attraction is the Bakjidō restaurant , which specializes in serving typical Korean food and where pork and seafood dishes stand out. And if you thought that the thing was there, nothing is further from reality: even the rice can be cooked in purple, as long as the visitor wishes so.
Bakjido Restaurant, in Banwol
The island has a bicycle rental service to tour the center of Banwol , as cars are not allowed in the heart of the purple village. Electric vehicles are available for people with accessibility issues. In addition to the curiosity aroused by the elements dyed in this color, there are murals and artistic monuments scattered throughout the agricultural village.
Street Art on every corner in Banwol
The visual spectacle continues into the sunset. In the evening a special lighting is turned on on the bridge that connects the two islands . The lights ensure to perpetuate the magic in the place.
Banwol Island can be reached by car or bus from the capital, Seoul. The road trip is about six hours.
If the island has managed to capture your attention with its mesmerizing color, take note: if you go dressed in purple, admission is free.
Sunset on Purple Island