Sinan Purple Island Drive: Korea's Most Colorful Coastal Road Trip

In 2016, the tiny island villages of Banwol and Biyak in Sinan County were slowly emptying out. The population had aged, young people had left, and the islands were quietly fading. Then someone had a wild idea: paint everything purple. Today, Sinan Purple Island (퍼플섬) is one of Korea's most photographed destinations — and almost no English travel guide covers how to actually get there by car.

This guide walks you through the drive from Mokpo, the logistics of reaching the islands, and what to do once you arrive. It's a half-day from Mokpo or a full day from Gwangju — and it's unlike anything else in Korea.

What Is Sinan Purple Island?

Banwol Island (반월도) and Biyak Island (비약도) are two small islands connected to each other — and to the mainland — by a series of bridges and causeways. The purple theme was the result of a community revitalization project: the local government painted homes, fences, and roadsides in shades of violet, and planted purple catmint, lavender, and wisteria in every available plot. The results were striking enough to go viral on Korean social media within a year.

There's one quirk that surprises first-time visitors: you're required to wear purple clothing to enter the island. The rule is taken seriously at the entrance gate — purple scarves, vests, and hats are available to borrow or buy on-site if you arrive unprepared. It sounds gimmicky, but it works: photos of visitors blending into the purple-painted landscape have driven enormous social media traffic.

• Location: Sinan County, South Jeolla Province (전남 신안군 안좌면)
• Islands: Banwol-do (반월도) and Biyak-do (비약도)
• Best season: April–June (wisteria and catmint peak); September–October (aster)
• Entrance fee: 3,000 KRW (includes purple scarf loan)
• Purple dress code: Required — wear something purple or borrow at the gate

Getting There: Driving from Mokpo

The nearest city with car rental options is Mokpo (목포), about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Sinan Purple Island by car. From Gwangju, add another 50 minutes. The route takes you south and west through flat Jeollanam-do farmland before crossing a series of bridges onto the island chain.

From Mokpo, take National Route 2 west toward Amtae Island (암태도), then follow signs for Anjwa-myeon (안좌면) and Purple Island (퍼플섬). The final approach crosses three small bridges in quick succession. Navigation apps — both Naver Map and Kakao Map — handle the route well. Search for 퍼플섬 (Purple Island) or 반월도 (Banwol-do) as the destination.

• From Mokpo: ~1 hr 20 min (approx 75 km)
• From Gwangju: ~2 hr 10 min (approx 130 km)
• From Seoul: ~4 hr 30 min (via Honam Expressway to Mokpo, then coastal roads)
• Parking: Free lot at the island entrance gate
• Toll: Approx 11,000–14,000 KRW Seoul–Mokpo (Honam Expressway)

What to Do on the Island

The islands are small — you can walk the main loop trail on Banwol Island in about 90 minutes. The trail passes through the purple-painted village, along clifftops with views of the wetland mudflats, and through flower fields that peak differently depending on the season. Biyak Island is connected by a short bridge from Banwol; it's quieter and less developed, with more of a working fishing village feel.

The mudflat wetlands (갯벌) surrounding the islands are part of the Sinan Dadohae Tidal Flat UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 2021. At low tide, the tidal flats extend for hundreds of metres in every direction, and local haenyeo (해녀) — traditional female free-divers — can sometimes be seen harvesting shellfish. The combination of purple flowers, painted fishing boats, and silver mudflats is genuinely otherworldly.

• Walking trail: ~4 km loop, 90 minutes, mostly flat
• Bike rental: Available at the entrance (approx 5,000 KRW/hour)
• Best time to visit: Arrive by 10:00 for parking and photos before crowds
• Food: Small café and snack vendors near the entrance; bring your own lunch for a picnic
• Tidal timing: Check tide tables — the mudflat views are most dramatic at low tide

Combining with Mokpo: A Full Day Drive

Mokpo itself is worth a half-day. The city has Korea's best raw fish market (Mokpo Seafood Market/목포 수산시장) and the dramatically sited Yudalsan Park (유달산), whose rocky ridgeline overlooks the city and harbor. If you're driving from Seoul, spending the night in Mokpo and making Purple Island a morning excursion the next day is the most comfortable approach.

The other logical add-on is the Sinan salt flats (천일염전) on Jeungdo Island — Korea's most famous sea salt production area. Jeungdo is about 40 minutes by car from Purple Island and the salt flats stretch for kilometres along flat coastal roads. The combination of purple islands, mudflat wetlands, and snow-white salt beds is one of the most visually varied coastal drives in the country.

Quick Tips

1. 1Pack purple: A purple T-shirt from home is easier than the borrowed scarf at the gate — and better for photos.
2. 2Check opening hours: The entrance gate closes at 18:00; last entry is around 17:00. Confirm on arrival.
3. 3Avoid weekends in May–June: The island gets crowded during peak flower season. Weekday mornings are significantly quieter.
4. 4Fuel up in Mokpo: There are no gas stations on the island. Fill the tank before the coastal road stretch.
5. 5Bring cash: The entrance fee and some vendors are cash-only.

FAQ

Sinan Purple Island is one of those places that photographs beautifully but only fully makes sense when you're there — standing in a purple-painted village on a tidal flat island, watching the light change over the mud. Rent a car in Mokpo and make the drive. There's nothing else quite like it in Korea.