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Silmido Island

3.7
·40 reviews·, South Korea

Historic training ground and film location, accessible only by a tidal road. Explore nature and a poignant past.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Low tide periods

Essential for access

CrowdMedium
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가족끼리 가까운 주말 시간을 보내기 좋은 곳

Silmido Island

Best Time

Low tide periods

Essential for access

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic training ground and film location, accessible only by a tidal road. Explore nature and a poignant past.

3.7
(40 reviews)

"A special place where you can experience both beautiful nature and the vestiges of history."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Tide Times First! ⏰

Crucial for access! The island is only reachable via a road that appears at low tide. Plan accordingly!

Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the island and its historical remnants. Sturdy footwear is a must.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Tidal Road

The Tidal Road

Causeway connecting to the mainland

Witness the dramatic appearance and disappearance of the road as the tide shifts – a unique natural phenomenon.

Film Set Remnants

Film Set Remnants

Various locations on the island

Explore preserved structures and sets from the iconic 'Silmido' movie, offering a tangible link to its cinematic past.

Coastal Rock Formations

Coastal Rock Formations

Island's coastline

Admire the uniquely shaped rocks and the clear blue waters that define Silmido's rugged and beautiful shoreline.

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Planning Your Visit

Tidal Access is Key

Silmido Island is only accessible by a road that appears at low tide. Check the tide schedule meticulously before you go to avoid getting stranded or missing your window to visit this historic site.

Beyond the Film Set

While the movie 'Silmido' brought fame, the island's natural beauty and poignant history are the real draws. Come prepared for a walk through both stunning landscapes and a significant historical event.

Best Times

When
Low tide periods
Why
Essential for access
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

£35 for all of this, is next level 🧖🏽‍♂️🌌 location : CIMER Spa 186 Yeongjonghaeannam-ro 321beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea 📍#southkorea #korea #seoul
@two.islam
24.8K likes • 273.6K views

Check Tide Times First! ⏰

Crucial for access! The island is only reachable via a road that appears at low tide. Plan accordingly!

Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the island and its historical remnants. Sturdy footwear is a must.

Another great cafe recommendation in Korea - this time in Incheon! 😍 ☕️ @forestoutings_songdo 📍 522-18 옥련동 연수구 인천 ⏰ 10am - 10pm #korea #incheon #cafe #seoul #koreacafe #incheoncafe #seouldaytrip #southkorea #korean #coffee #인천 #인천맛집
@nextstopkorea
21.8K likes • 441.9K views
#실미도 #탐험 #SilMiDo #Island #Adventure #간조 #물때시간 맞춰 들어가보자 #LowTide #IslandTreking #IslandBackpacking in #Korea 🇰🇷 #미친날씨 #미친하늘 #캠핑스타그램 #백패킹스타그램
ssyoo
10 likes • 229 views

Pack Snacks & Water 💧

There are very limited facilities on the island, so bring your own provisions for a comfortable visit.

Embrace the History 📜

Reflect on the island's past as a training ground and the events that inspired the famous movie.

#실미도(實尾島) #무인도 #겨울바다 #면적 253,594m²(7만 5870평) #무의도에 딸린 작은 섬으로 해발 80m 이하의 야산과 둘레 6km이다 #서쪽 해안은 많은 기암괴석으로 감탄을 자아낸다 #1960년대 중앙정보부가 창설한 공군 684부대의 훈련장으로 유명하다. #북파공작원들이 지옥 훈련을 했던 뼈아픈 역사의 현장 #영화 실미도의 촬영지로 많이 알려져 있고, 출입은 썰물 때에만 가능하다 #맑은 날은 멀리 백령도와 북한 땅까지 볼 수 있다 #Silmido Island
dreameroftravel20
79 likes • 224 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Tide Times First! ⏰

Crucial for access! The island is only reachable via a road that appears at low tide. Plan accordingly!

Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the island and its historical remnants. Sturdy footwear is a must.

Pack Snacks & Water 💧

There are very limited facilities on the island, so bring your own provisions for a comfortable visit.

Embrace the History 📜

Reflect on the island's past as a training ground and the events that inspired the famous movie.

What Travellers Say

3.7
(40 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Silmido Island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, particularly for those familiar with the film 'Silmido.' Visitors appreciate the dramatic tidal road and the chance to explore remnants of the past. However, some find the island lacks amenities and can feel a bit desolate if not for its historical context.

"Ok silmidon"

Шодия Хакимжонова

"Silmido, a small uninhabited island off the coast of Incheon, was once used as a training ground for special forces. It became famous as the backdrop for the film "Silmido," making it a popular tourist destination.
Review
Silmido boasts beautiful natural scenery. Connected to the mainland only at low tide, the island's bizarrely shaped rocks and azure waters along the coast were impressive. Within the island, film sets and parts of training facilities still remain, offering a glimpse into the past.
It was particularly fascinating to explore the island, recalling scenes from the film. It was hard to believe that the island was the site of arduous training and tragic events, yet it was so peaceful and beautiful.
However, the military facilities and training remnants scattered throughout the island reminded me of the pain of the past. The Silmido Incident was a dark chapter in our history, and I felt it was important to remember and learn from it.
Silmido was a special place where I could experience both beautiful nature and the vestiges of history. If you were impressed by the movie or are interested in history, I highly recommend visiting."

KJH (조나킴)

"second visit
The weather wasn't cold so it was nice to walk around.

#just an island
There's nothing to see~"

traces of life

What People Like

Dramatic tidal road
Historical film sites
Natural coastal scenery

What People Dislike

Limited facilities
Can feel empty

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Silmido Island is accessible via a causeway that is only exposed during low tide. You'll need to check the tide schedule for Incheon and plan your visit accordingly. Driving is the most common method, with parking available near the island. Public transport options are limited, often requiring a combination of bus and taxi.

You can find tide times for Incheon online through various weather and maritime websites. It's highly recommended to check this information a day or two before your visit and again on the morning of your trip, as conditions can change.

Yes, it is possible to get stranded if you do not leave the island before the tide comes in. Always be mindful of the tide schedule and allow ample time to cross back over the causeway.

Direct public transportation to Silmido Island is scarce. Most visitors travel by car. If using public transport, you would typically take a bus to the Yeongjongdo area and then potentially a taxi to the island's causeway.

The journey from Seoul to Silmido Island can take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by car, depending on traffic conditions. Factor in additional time for checking tide schedules.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is typically a small admission fee to enter Silmido Island, which helps maintain the facilities. It's advisable to have cash on hand for this fee, as card facilities may be limited.

Silmido Island is generally open during daylight hours, but access is strictly dictated by the tide. It's best to confirm operating hours closer to your visit, keeping the tide schedule as the primary constraint.

Yes, there is usually a modest entrance fee for Silmido Island. This fee contributes to the upkeep of the island's natural environment and historical sites.

Advance ticket booking is generally not required or available for Silmido Island, as entry is primarily managed by the tide. You pay the admission fee upon arrival.

The primary restriction is the tide. Beyond that, visitors are expected to respect the historical nature of the island and refrain from damaging any structures or the environment.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Visitors can explore the remnants of the military training facilities, walk along the scenic coastline with its unique rock formations, and reflect on the island's history, especially its connection to the 'Silmido' movie. It's a great place for a peaceful walk.

Yes, Silmido Island is well-suited for walking. The terrain is relatively gentle, allowing for exploration of its natural beauty and historical sites. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Facilities on Silmido Island are very limited. There are basic restrooms, but don't expect cafes or shops. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks.

Silmido Island was a clandestine training ground for Unit 684, a special forces unit formed during the Cold War. The island is also the setting for the 'Silmido Incident' and the subsequent film, which brought its story to national attention.

Yes, photography is permitted on Silmido Island. The island offers scenic coastal views and historical structures that make for interesting photo opportunities.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Silmido Island offers a unique educational experience for families, blending natural exploration with historical context. The main draw for kids will be the novelty of the tidal road – a real-life adventure where the path to the island appears and disappears! It's a fantastic way to teach children about tides and the power of nature.

While the island has remnants of military training facilities, these can serve as conversation starters about history in an age-appropriate manner. Encourage them to imagine the movie scenes or the soldiers' lives. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are minimal. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for little explorers.

🚶 History Buffs & Film Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by South Korea's modern history or captivated by the film 'Silmido,' this island is a must-visit. You can walk through the actual locations that inspired the movie, seeing the remnants of the training facilities firsthand. It's an opportunity to connect with the narrative on a deeper level, imagining the intense training and the dramatic events that unfolded.

Beyond the cinematic and historical aspects, the island's natural beauty provides a stark contrast to its past. The rugged coastline and unique rock formations offer a serene environment for reflection. Visiting during low tide is crucial to fully appreciate the island's accessibility and its dramatic setting.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Tidal Phenomenon

Silmido Island's most striking feature is its unique accessibility. A road connecting the island to the mainland emerges only during low tide, creating a dramatic window for visitors. This natural phenomenon dictates the entire visiting experience. Travelers must meticulously plan their trip around the ebb and flow of the sea, as being on the island when the tide rises means being cut off until it recedes again. This temporal constraint adds an element of adventure and requires careful time management.

Planning your visit around the tide schedule is paramount. Missing your window means either a long wait or an inability to visit at all. This unique characteristic makes Silmido a destination that demands preparation and a respect for nature's rhythm. The visual of the road appearing and disappearing is a spectacle in itself, a constant reminder of the island's isolated nature.

History and Cinema: A Dual Appeal

Silmido Island holds a dual significance, deeply rooted in both historical events and popular culture. Historically, it served as a covert training ground for Unit 684, a special forces unit established during a tense period in South Korean history. The island bears the physical remnants of this past, including parts of training facilities, offering a somber glimpse into the arduous and often tragic experiences of the soldiers.

The island gained widespread recognition through the critically acclaimed film 'Silmido,' which dramatized the events that unfolded there. This cinematic portrayal has made Silmido a pilgrimage site for fans of the movie, eager to see the real-life locations. Visitors often find themselves recalling scenes from the film while exploring the island, creating a unique blend of historical reflection and cinematic tourism. The juxtaposition of the island's natural beauty with its heavy past and cinematic fame is a powerful draw for many.

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