Korean island where time stops

Only 30 of them are inhabited, and a boat ride through the islands show glimpses of sleepy shoreline villages and bays dotted with fishing boats.

In the heart of the 545-square-kilometer park, off the main tourist route, is an island shaped like a barbell, called Bijindo.

Bijindo has a unique geographical feature -- a powdery white strip of sand tethering two ends of the island together, Kazinform cites CNN.

Locals call the island Miindo, which means "beautiful island."

Different universe

On Bijindo, time seems to stop.

There's a single road on the island -- it connects the two villages of Waehang and Naehang -- but not a car in sight.

Older villagers rest beneath the shade of trees while dogs walk by without care. Small waves break against a beautiful empty beach.

Island life

Time on the island is simple.

Visitors relax on the beach. Hike a few trails. Try out some of the best fishing in the country.

Other than that, the most popular thing to do is watch the sun rise and set over the islands.

Lee Jeong Mi, of the Tongyeong Tourist Information Center, considers off the beaten track islands like Bijindo to be national treasures.

"It's the best way to experience real island life," she says. "The view from the islands is also different from other places in Korea.

"On most islands you look out over the sea at an open horizon. It's an almost lonely feeling. But here, the islands in the marine park are so close together that they almost seem like friends."

More travel spots

Travelers is often passe by Bijindo in favor of more popular islands in the marine park.

Somaemuldo and Deungdaeseom islands feature spiking rock formations and cliffs. Yeonhwado is known as the Buddhist island -- its temple is a pilgrimage site for devout Buddhists.

Another island worth seeing is Hansando, which houses a shrine devoted to one of Korea's most venerated naval commanders, Yi Sun Shin.

It was near here that in 1592 Admiral Yi and his troops won the decisive Battle of Hansando against attacking Japanese.

Yi used special ships akin to floating tanks, known as dragon boats or turtle ships, that were covered with spiked iron plates. Each had a large wooden dragon's head at the bow.

Island hopping

The ferry terminal to get to the Hallyeohaesang Park islands is located in Tongyeong, a city full of cultural sites, making it a good place to spend time in before or after the islands.

The Tongyeong International Music Festival takes place every March.

In August, the city celebrates the Great Battle of Hansan Festival with a street parade.

Fresh seafood is a huge draw.

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