HAENAM, Jeollanam-do — The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has announced a highly exclusive and anticipated "Off-Grid Camping" event on Dakseom, an uninhabited island located within the Hwawon Oceano Tourist Complex in Haenam. Scheduled to run from October 17 to 19, the three-day program offers participants a raw, unprecedented escape into nature, marking the first time the island has ever been opened to the public since the complex’s development commenced in 1992.
Dakseom, which translates literally to 'Chicken Island,' has preserved its primitive natural environment, making it an ideal sanctuary for experiencing the increasingly popular trend of "no-frills camping," where enthusiasts embrace the intentional inconvenience of wilderness living. The event is tailored for adventure seekers who wish to test their resilience and connect deeply with the natural world.
The camping experience is intensely immersive. Participants will make their own entry to the island via kayak, followed by rigorous backpacking to transport their gear across the untamed terrain. Essential survival skills will be the focus of bushcraft sessions, preparing campers for true off-grid camping, living entirely without external energy sources such as electricity or running water. At night, the absence of artificial light pollution promises an unforgettable ambiance, where the silence of the sea merges only with the brilliance of the starlit sky.
This pioneering event is strategically positioned to elevate the profile of the Oceano Tourist Complex, a sprawling destination already known as a camping pilgrimage site. The complex is a key regional tourism hub, boasting not only a major campground but also facilities like the prestigious Pine Beach Golf Course—often dubbed Asia's Pebble Beach—and the recently opened four-star Haenam 126 Hotel.
Lee Sang-hoon, Head of the Regional Tourism Development Team at the KTO, stated that the organization is committed to providing unique, experiential programs exclusive to the Oceano area. "Through this event, participants will be able to feel the very essence of camping with a unique experience that can only be enjoyed on an uninhabited island," he said, emphasizing the role such initiatives play in stimulating the local economy.
Adding to the regional buzz, the Dakseom event will run concurrently with the 2025 Jeollanam-do Camping Tourism Expo, also hosted at the Oceano Tourist Complex. Now in its fourth year, the expo is set up as a festival featuring thematic zones such as Local Food, Pet, and International pavilions. Visitors can look forward to diverse programs including camping gear DIY workshops and global camping culture experiences, cementing the complex's status as the premier destination for outdoor tourism this season.
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