(Photo by Gyeongnam Province/courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
Gyeongnam province is promoting two of its islands as unique wedding and wellness destinations this summer, with special events held on Namhae’s Jodo Island and Geoje’s Jisimdo alongside environmental conservation activities.
The province aims to develop the islands into themed destinations that combine natural scenery with longer-stay tourism experiences while highlighting their ecological value.
As part of the initiative, 14 members of the Gyeongnam Island Supporters program took part in environmental cleanup campaigns and promotional activities at both events.
Volunteers collected litter along walking trails and public spaces while sharing the islands’ attractions through social media and official tourism channels.
Eco Wedding on Jodo Island
On June 14, Namhae hosted an eco-friendly small wedding at the Jodo Diet Treasure Island Center, using the island’s natural landscape as the ceremony backdrop instead of elaborate decorations.
The event featured live music throughout the day, on-site professional makeup services and locally sourced catering. Guests also received wellness gift packages featuring regional specialties, including citron products and bamboo trap anchovies, while local residents were presented with commemorative gifts.
Organizers said the event was designed to showcase Jodo as a private island destination for intimate weddings and relaxing getaways.
Romantic Self-Wedding Experience on Jisimdo
Geoje followed with the first session of its “Self & Picnic Wedding” program on June 27.
Participants photographed their own wedding-themed portraits at several locations around Jisimdo, including its famous camellia forest, grassy runway area and former research facilities. Picnic-style photo zones with parasols, blankets and decorative displays were also set up throughout the island.
An influencer couple, actor and model Lee Byung-wook and Yoon Seol-ah, participated in the event, producing promotional photographs and short-form videos highlighting the island.
Expanding Themed Island Tourism
The island wedding programs form part of Gyeongnam’s broader strategy to diversify tourism through themed island experiences rather than one-time events.
Provincial officials said the goal is to combine the islands’ natural landscapes with growing demand for unique travel experiences while encouraging sustainable tourism and supporting local communities.
Alongside the wedding events, the Island Supporters program continues to promote environmental protection through regular plogging campaigns while introducing Jodo and Jisimdo as emerging destinations for both weddings and leisure travel.