Interior Ministry announces Island Day event in Yeosu

South Korea's Ministry of the Interior and Safety will hold the seventh Island Day celebration at the Yeosu World Expo venue from Aug. 6 to 9, with cultural and hands-on programs centered on the country's islands, according to a ministry release.

The ministry is hosting the celebration alongside Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City and Yeosu City, under the theme "Recharge Romance, Islands." The theme is intended to offer respite and excitement to people tired by busy daily lives, and foster pride and vitality among island residents.

Island Day is observed on Aug. 8 to promote the value and importance of islands, and the government has held annual commemorations since 2019.

An Aug. 6 ceremony at 7:30 p.m. will bring together about 3,000 people, including island residents, according to the ministry. Ten island residents and public officials who contributed to island development will receive government awards, followed by performances from Ha Hyun-woo, Rescene and Kim Yong-bin.

Programs include an interactive exhibition where visitors build a personal "romance wish" bucket map, alongside activities designed for children, younger people and middle-aged visitors.

Activities include a public broadcast of Park Myung-soo's Radio Show on Aug. 7 and Baekseombaekgil walking events on Geumodo, Gaedo and Hahwado through Aug. 9. An evening Romantic Youth Concert on Aug. 8 will feature Lee Chan-won and Ahn Sung-hoon, while the independent film Pasi will be screened that night. From July 1 to Sept. 27, the ministry's 88-island campaign offers Onnuri gift certificates, while August hometown love donation participants can enter 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo ticket draws.

Vice Minister Kim Min-jae said the government would continue supporting islands as destinations people want to visit and communities where residents can live more comfortably and happily.