대통령 별장 품은 거제 ‘저도’... 코로나19로 사실상 이제야 재개방, 사람들로 북적
Jeodo Island in Geoje off Korea's southeastern coast was popular for its role as a presidential retreat but off limits for 47 years until it was made available to the public last year.
The island remained mostly closed due to Covid-19, but is now open for visitors.
Our Kim Bo-kyoung takes us to Jeodo Island.
This ship is heading towards Jeo-do island, a small island off the coast of Geoje-do island in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, and an island that has long been off-limits to the public.
Few people have ever visited Jeo-do island,... because it was officially designated as the presidential summer vacation spot in 1972.
President Moon Jae-in announced last year that he would open the island to the public for a year,... but it had to close often due to COVID-19.
Managed by the South Korean Navy due to its geographical significance, the island also has to undergo a regular maintenance period,... but the Navy decided to shorten the period and re-opened the island earlier than scheduled for more people to enjoy.
“After Jeo-do Island’s reopening,... the visiting time has doubled to 2 hours, and the number of visitors allowed has doubled to 1,200 a day. People can explore half of the island, but the president’s summer house is still off-limits.”
The island opened to the public last year for the first time in 47 years,... and visitors can enjoy its forests and sea pine trees.
The oldest of these trees is 400 years old.
"On Jeo-do Island, people can see the natural scenery as they walk along the trekking trail the presidents have used."
The views include a suspension bridge that connects Geoje-do island to the mainland.
"I have come here to look around the island where the president's vacation house is,... and on my way here, there were many attractions such as Geogadaegyo Bridge and the fresh air is so nice."
Visitors can enjoy the president's beautiful summer spot until September 16th,... and there will be further discussions on whether to keep the island open.
Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News, Geoje.