Purple Island in Sinan Jeonnam, violet bridges & villages

Overview

Sinan Purple Island is a distinctive island attraction centered on Banwoldo and Bakjido in Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do, where the bridges and village spaces are decorated throughout in a purple theme. After being designated as one of Jeollanam-do’s "Islands I Want to Visit" in 2015, it developed into an iconic travel destination through an island regeneration project. The two islands floating on the sea are connected by a purple bridge, creating the feeling of a single artistic landscape, and it is significant as a place where visitors can see a creative example of regional revitalization in Korea. With natural island scenery and a unified design blending together, it is recommended for foreign travelers who want to experience a special atmosphere different from ordinary beach destinations.

Highlights

• Purple Purple Bridge
• Walking island trip to Banwoldo and Bakjido
• Village scenery in purple hues
• Picture-perfect island scenery over the sea

Best Time to Visit

Sinan Purple Island is best visited in spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant for walking. Summer can be hot and humid, making long walks difficult, and winter can feel very windy.

Within the day, late morning to early afternoon is most comfortable. Since you move around on foot across bridges, bright daytime hours are safer and easier than very early morning or around sunset. Also, if you visit during high tide, you can better enjoy the feeling of walking above the sea, so it is a good idea to check the tide schedule before departure.

A weekday visit is recommended. On weekends and holidays, visitor numbers increase and the bridges and main walking routes can become more crowded. For a relatively quiet visit, Tuesday through Thursday is the best option.

In short, a weekday daytime visit in spring or autumn, especially timed with high tide, is the best choice.

How Long to Stay

If you slowly explore only Purple Bridge and the nearby photo spots, about 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes is enough. Usually, setting aside 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours allows for a relaxed visit, and if you also tour nearby islands or driving routes in Sinan, it is better to plan for half a day or more.

How to Get There

Sinan Purple Island can be visited by public transportation alone, but the usual route is Seoul/Capital Area -> Mokpo -> bus toward Sinan -> Purple Island. For foreign travelers, going via Mokpo is the most practical option.

Getting there by subway/train

From Seoul, you cannot go directly by subway alone, so first take the KTX from Seoul Station to Mokpo Station. The travel time is about 2 hours 30 minutes.

After arriving at Mokpo Station, you need to transfer to a bus. From the station, go to the Mokpo Intercity Bus Terminal or a bus stop toward Sinan, and take a bus heading for Purple Island.

Getting there by bus

From the Mokpo Intercity Bus Terminal stop, you can take the Sinan local bus No. 2004 toward Anjwa-myeon.

Alternatively, from Mokpo Station, take an intercity bus to Amtaedo for about 1 hour, then from Amtaedo take a bus or taxi to Purple Island for another 30 minutes.

When boarding a local bus, the driver may ask whether you are a local resident or a general passenger. Foreign travelers can usually answer general passenger, and you can board directly with a postpaid transportation card. In many cases, no separate ticket purchase is needed.

On foot

Purple Island is reached by walking from the last bus stop or drop-off point to the entrance. Inside the island, you can explore the main points on foot. However, the tourist area may not start directly at the bus stop, so after getting off, it is a good idea to check the signposts or ask the driver once more for the "Purple Island entrance".

Tips for foreign travelers

• The easiest route is Seoul Station -> Mokpo Station (KTX) -> bus from Mokpo toward Sinan.
• No subway exit number information is provided. After arriving in Mokpo, transferring to a bus is key.
• Bus intervals may be long, so check the bus schedule before leaving Mokpo.
• Preparing both a transportation card and cash will be more convenient.

Photo Spots

• On Purple Bridge: The middle of the purple bridge connecting Banwoldo and Bakjido is the signature photo spot. Standing in the center of the bridge and looking toward the island side brings the purple railing and the sea into the frame together. Early morning or around sunset offers softer light and fewer people, making it ideal for photos.
• Verbena flower field photo zone: At the photo zones set up along the way, you can take pictures with the flower fields. Stand on the photo platform and face the flower field, or turn your back to the platform and face the bridge direction to highlight the purple theme. The flower colors look especially vivid from late morning to early afternoon.
• Banwoldo and Bakjido village alleys: Purple rooftops, window frames, and small warehouse walls throughout the villages are all photo spots. In the alleys, shots taken toward the end of the alley rather than straight ahead make the repeating purple elements stand out. In the morning, the building colors appear bright and clean.
• Street with purple props: Small details such as roads, trash bins, and restaurant bowls also show the Purple Island atmosphere. Lower your body and place the props in the foreground, then include the village or bridge in the background. In the late afternoon, long shadows add more depth to the scene.
• Island entrance and connecting sections: This is a great place to capture the feeling of walking through three islands at once. Taking photos along the connecting paths in the direction of the bridges shows the scale of Purple Island well. On a clear afternoon, the sea color and purple structures appear especially vivid.

Night View

The night scenery of Sinan Purple Island is best known for the purple lights along Purple Bridge. While the purple island scenery during the day is beautiful, after sunset the bridge and surrounding area are lit up, creating an even more magical atmosphere.

Especially when walking slowly across Purple Bridge, the starlight in the night sky and the purple illumination blend together, making it great for photography. The overall atmosphere is quiet and romantic, making it suitable for enjoying the night view on a stroll.

The recommended time is from just after sunset into the evening. It is best to visit before it gets too late and enjoy the moment when the sky darkens and the lights become more vivid.

Purple Island offers a night scenery experience during its nighttime opening period, providing a special evening walking experience. Before visiting, it is recommended to check in advance whether the night opening is available and what the operating hours are.

Seasonal Guide

Sinan Purple Island is a walking travel destination centered on Banwoldo and Bakjido in Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do, where the purple landscape shows a different charm in each season. It is accessed from Duriseon Pier in Anjwa-myeon, and it is a great place to enjoy the island atmosphere while feeling the sea breeze.

Spring: This is the season when the island paths and village scenery become especially fresh. The weather is mild, making it the most comfortable time for a walking trip, and it is nice to visit together with the spring flower season in the surrounding area.

Summer: Lavender clusters bloom on the hillside behind the village, making the identity of the purple island even more distinct. The sun is strong, so bring a hat, water, and sunscreen. Early morning or late afternoon walks are especially pleasant.

Autumn: The south beach promenade is full of bluish-purple cockscomb asters, making it one of the most impressive seasons. Thanks to the cool weather, it is a great time to walk around Banwoldo and Bakjido.

Winter: There are fewer flowers, but it is good for feeling the quiet and calm atmosphere of the island. The wind can be strong, so it is a good idea to bring a windproof jacket. Checking in advance whether light displays or seasonal events are operating will help you enjoy your visit more fully.

Travel tip: Since Purple Island involves a lot of walking, comfortable shoes are recommended. In summer, choose a cooler time of day, and in autumn, check the flowering season in advance before visiting.

Local Tips

For Purple Island, you park at the parking lot on Anjwa-do and enter via Purple Bridge. It is convenient to check the route in advance before setting out.

Because Purple Bridge connects Bakjido, Anjwa-do, and Banwoldo, you can walk and tour three islands at once. If you plan a walking trip, it is better to allow plenty of time.

The entire island is decorated with a purple theme, making it ideal for photography. Purple hanbok or dress experiences are available, making it especially suitable for travelers who want to take photos that match the theme.

If you want to explore the island slowly, consider renting a purple bicycle. You can enjoy the island breeze and scenery in a different atmosphere than walking.

Even the village rooftops, roads, trash bins, and restaurant bowls are unified in purple tones, so be sure not to miss the detailed decorations.