Ssuk Island

Ssuk Island, a small piece of land measuring just over a square kilometer, is situated close to Nara Island in Goheung, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City. In 2017, this island was transformed into the inaugural private garden in South Jeolla Province. Spanning a vast area of 30,000 square meters, the garden boasts an impressive diversity of flowers, thriving subtropical forests, and intricate stone walls.

The creation of this haven for flora can be attributed to the tireless efforts of Mr. Kim, a dedicated teacher, and Ms. Goh, a passionate pharmacist. Their love story began in 1996 when they married. However, what truly bound them together was the island's significance to Mr. Kim's mother, whose hometown was none other than Ssuk Island. This heartfelt connection ignited a dream within them - to bring life to the island by cultivating a beautiful garden.

With determination and sheer willpower, Mr. Kim and Ms. Goh made their dream a reality. They acquired land on the island and made frequent trips there on weekends to invest their own time and resources into transforming it into a lush paradise for plants. Their unwavering commitment to this project soon caught the attention of the media.

In 2016, Ssuk Island was prominently featured in various media outlets as a "desirable island" boasting a "beautiful garden." Its remarkable transformation caught the eye of Goheung County and the Korea Forest Service, who deemed it worthy of special attention. This recognition not only attracted more tourists to the modest island but also showcased the power of love, dedication, and hard work in creating something truly extraordinary.