Hwahwado's Flower Island Trail: You've Got to Catch a Boat to Get There

Off the coast of Yeosu, countless islands—big and small—dot the sea, and among them is a small island belonging to Hwajeong-myeon called Hwahwado (下花島), known for having a pretty name right from the start. Hwajeong-myeon is said to be made up of two islands, Sanghwado and Hwahwado, and today Sudal wants to introduce you to Hwahwado. The island is said to have a trekking course that loops around it, and its name is just as pretty—the 'Flower Island Trail' (Kkotseom-gil). As the name suggests, there's word that flowers bloom across the island come spring. It's not a place you can just drive around and see quickly from the mainland—you can only reach it by boat, which seems to make it feel even more special. Today, let me walk you through the story behind this little island and its Flower Island Trail.

Why Is It Called the 'Flower Island'?

The name Hwahwado is said to be written with the characters for 'below' (下), 'flower' (花), and 'island' (島). Given that Hwajeong-myeon is divided into two islands called Sanghwado and Hwahwado, it seems likely this area has long been associated with flowers in its place names, though exactly how the character for 'flower' came to be attached is something several different stories seem to explain. Some say the island's terrain resembles a blooming flower, while others say it's because flowers bloom all over the island in spring. It's hard to say for certain which story is the real origin, but honestly, having several stories tangled up in a single name only makes the island more intriguing. And this pretty name carries straight over into the island's trekking trail, which is known as the 'Flower Island Trail.'

The Flower Island Trail: Walking with the Sea by Your Side

The Flower Island Trail is said to be a coastal loop trail that follows Hwahwado's shoreline. As you walk, the sea is said to stretch out on one side the whole way, with small harbors, a village, and the island's own modest scenery appearing in turn along the path. Rather than the wide, polished feel of famous mainland trails, it's said to have a humble charm, as if a path the islanders once walked has simply been tidied up over time. The course is reportedly divided into several sections, so you can supposedly pick and choose how much to walk based on your time and stamina—though exactly how many sections there are, and how long each one runs, seems to vary a bit depending on who you ask, so I'll be careful not to state that too definitively here. What does seem to come up consistently, though, is that you get to walk with the sea by your side the whole time, and that it's a small enough island to make for a manageable walk.

Check the Boat Schedule Before You Go

Like other islands off Yeosu, Hwahwado isn't connected to the mainland by a bridge—you're said to need a boat to get there. You'd take a ferry out from Yeosu, and since it doesn't run all day long, it's said to be a good idea to check the schedule ahead of time. Sailing times and the number of trips can reportedly shift depending on the season, weather, and day-to-day conditions, so I'd recommend double-checking the exact ferry schedule right before you head out. The island isn't very large, so shops and restaurants may be limited, or so it's said—it might be worth packing some water and a light snack before you go.

From what people who've walked the Flower Island Trail say, it seems to be less about a polished, done-up tourist attraction and more about an island holding onto its own quiet charm. Instead of big cafés or flashy facilities, it's said to be filled with the sound of waves, village scenery, and flowers and plants that bloom and fade a little differently with each season. Some accounts mention that it's not too crowded, which reportedly makes for a more relaxed walk—so if you're someone who prefers a quiet island trail over a bustling tourist spot, this might be one to keep in mind. That said, as mentioned earlier, details like the exact trail length, how long it takes, and the ferry schedule seem to be the kind of things that change depending on the season, so if you're planning a trip, it's worth checking the latest notices close to your travel date.

🦦 Real Photos, via Sudal