South Korea is home to over 3,000 islands, but few have captured global attention on Instagram and TikTok quite like Shinan’s Purple Island (Banwol and Bakji Islands). Located in Jeollanam-do province along Korea’s picturesque southwestern coast, this fairytale destination features purple-painted houses, purple bridges, purple lavender fields, and even purple phone booths.
For international travelers staying in Seoul, visiting this remote archipelago requires a bit of transport coordination. In this comprehensive 2026 travel guide, we break down how to visit Purple Island from Seoul, including high-speed train connections, local bus routes, free admission hacks, and essential photography tips.
1. What Makes Shinan’s Purple Island So Special?
Purple Island is actually made up of two neighboring islands—Banwoldo (Half-Moon Island) and Bakjido—connected to each other and the mainland by vibrant purple wooden pedestrian bridges over the mudflats.
The transformation began as a local community initiative to honor the native purple flowers (such as asters and lavenders) that bloom across the area. Today, nearly everything on the islands is themed:
- The Purple Bridges (Cheonsa Bridge & Banwol-Bakji Bridge): Iconic walking decks spanning the sea.
- Purple Roofs & Roads: Over 400 homes painted in vivid lilac and violet hues.
- Seasonal Blooms: Lavender fields in late spring and purple asters in autumn.
Recognized by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages, it offers a unique peek into quiet, rural Korean island life with a whimsical twist.
2. How to Travel from Seoul to Purple Island (Step-by-Step)
Because Shinan is an archipelago connected by modern suspension bridges, you do not need to take a ferry to reach Purple Island. However, getting there from Seoul involves a multi-leg journey via Mokpo City.
Step 1: KTX High-Speed Train (Seoul to Mokpo)
- Departure Station: Yongsan Station (서울 용산역) or Seoul Station.
- Arrival Station: Mokpo Station (목포역).
- Travel Time: Approx. 2.5 hours via KTX.
- Tip: Book your KTX tickets 2 to 4 weeks in advance via KORAIL or Trip.com, as weekend trains to Mokpo fill up quickly.
Step 2: Local Bus or Taxi (Mokpo Station to Purple Island)
Once you arrive at Mokpo Station, you have two options to reach the Purple Island entrance (located at Anjwa-myeon, Shinan):
- By Local Bus (Budget Option):
- Board Bus No. 200 outside Mokpo Station to Eupdong Bus Stop on Anjwa Island (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes).
- Transfer to the local Shinan Anjwa village bus heading directly to Anjwa-myeon Purple Island (Anjwa Bakji/Banwol).
- Total Time: ~2 hours. Cost: Under 5,000 KRW ($3.70 USD / ~NZD $6.00 / ~5,500원).
- By Taxi or Rental Car (Fast Option):
- Taking a taxi directly from Mokpo Station to Purple Island takes about 50–60 minutes via the scenic 1004 Bridge.
- Fare: ~45,000–55,000 KRW ($33–$40 USD / ~NZD $55–$65 / ~50,000원–60,000원). Sharing a taxi with fellow travelers makes this a very convenient route.
3. Admission Fees and the Famous “Free Entry” Hack
Visiting Purple Island requires a small entry ticket, but there is a fun trick every tourist should know!
- Standard Adult Fee: 5,000 KRW (approx. $3.70 USD / ~NZD $6.00 / ~5,500원).
- Youth / Children: 3,000 KRW / 1,000 KRW.
💡 The Free Admission Rule
If you wear purple clothing or purple accessories, your admission fee is completely FREE!
- What Counts: A purple shirt, purple hat, purple pants, purple umbrella, or even purple shoes.
- What Doesn’t Count: Small items like socks, purple cell phone cases, or hair ties may be rejected by ticket staff.
- Didn’t bring purple? Gift shops at the entrance sell purple hats, socks, scarves, and umbrellas for around 3,000–8,000 KRW.
4. Key Sights and Photography Tips on the Island
When exploring Banwoldo and Bakjido, leave yourself at least 2 to 3 hours to walk around comfortably.
- Walk the Purple Bridge (Cheonsa Bridge): This long wooden pier connects the mainland to Bakjido. It is flat and easy to navigate on foot.
- Rent a Bicycle or Electric Cart: Near the island entrance, you can rent bicycles (approx. 5,000 KRW) to ride along the coastal paths around Banwol Island.
- Visit the Elderly Couple Wall Mural: On the drive onto Anjwa Island, stop at the famous house mural where two trees form the hair of a smiling local elderly couple.
- Try Purple Snacks: Grab a purple sweet potato ice cream or a purple taro latte at the coastal cafes!
5. Day Trip vs. Overnight Stay: Practical Planning
- Can you do it in one day from Seoul? Yes! Take an early 7:00 AM KTX from Yongsan to Mokpo, explore the island from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, return to Mokpo for a local seafood dinner, and catch an 8:00 PM KTX back to Seoul.
- Recommended Overnight Option: Spend the night in Mokpo City. Mokpo is famous for the Mokpo Marine Cable Car, fresh octopus dishes (Nakji), and historic retro neighborhoods.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Shinan’s Purple Island takes you off the well-trodden tourist track and immerses you in the tranquil, coastal charm of South Korea’s southern seas. Pack your favorite purple outfit, charge your camera, and make this vibrant island destination a standout highlight of your Korean travel itinerary!