Baengnyeong Island

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Baengnyeong Island
Hangul 백령도
Hanja 白翎島
Revised Romanization Baengnyeongdo
McCune-Reischauer Paengnyŏngdo

Baengnyeong Island (sometimes spelled Baekryeong) is an island in Ongjin County, Incheon, South Korea located near the Northern Limit Line, which is the maritime demarcation between North and South Korea. It lies at 37°58′N, 124°39′E.

The meaning of its name is "Island of the white wings", since the island resembles an Ibis flying with the wings spread.[1]

Numerous North Korean defectors have boated here to escape economic and political conditions in their homeland.

South Korean Natural Treasures #391–#393 are located on Baengnyeong Island.

Contents

[edit] Overview

Baengnyeong Island is the westermost point of South Korea. Travel time by boat to the island from Incheon is about four hours.[2]

[edit] Environment

The Chinese egret, which is considered to be one of the fifty rarest birds in the world, can be found here. Seals also make their homes on the beaches. [2]

[edit] Religion

Owing to the geographical location, Christianity went through Baengnyeong Island ahead of other Korean regions. Aftern the Gabo Reform, Kim Seong Jin, who was accustomed into the civilization and enlightenment of westerners, was exiled to this island, and the first church in Koreaa was established in 1896. There are 10 churches in this small island at the present time.

[edit] References

  1. ^ 네이버 :: 백과사전. 네이버. Retrieved on 2006-05-16.
  2. ^ a b (Korean)한국의 섬 (Islands of Korea)

[edit] External links

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