It takes a village: What a remote Korean island taught me about community
There’s an undeniable contrast between Korea’s national development and the quieter achievement of sustaining a remote village. During Chuseok, I had the opportunity to visit Gwansa Island, a tiny island off the southwestern coast. With a population of approximately 30 residents, the island is far removed from the fast-paced lifestyle that so often defines modern Korea. There are no grocery…
In Korea, the rapid national development is in stark contrast to the quiet achievement of maintaining a remote village like Gwansa Island. This island, located off the southwestern coast of South Korea, is home to around 30 residents and is a world away from the bustling lifestyle that characterizes modern Korea.
Visiting the island during the Chuseok holiday, I was struck not by the island's scarcity but by the remarkable achievements of its inhabitants. Unlike modern Korea, which boasts the famous "Miracle on the Han River" - a period of rapid technological and economic transformation that catapulted the nation to global prominence - Gwansa Island offers a different perspective on what it means to be a thriving community.
Living on the island without the conveniences of grocery or convenience stores, I was reminded of the adage that emphasizes the importance of community: "It takes a village to raise a child." However, the island's residents have demonstrated that a village can thrive even without the modern amenities that define urban life. Their history stretches back generations, and they have built a life centered around the sea, the mountains, and the bonds of community that have been passed down through the ages.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
