This week on Jeju: A to Z, Todd Thacker takes a brief look at a small island off Jeju’s southwest coast that we just talked about.Marado Island, which is 11 kilometers from Moseulpo Port by ferry, is Korea’s southernmost point and last year drew visitors in record-breaking numbers.

Diminutive and oval-shaped, Marado Island can be described as being as flat as a pancake. Its 4.2-kilometer-long coast is subjected to a rugged mix of wind, waves and sunshine.

Given that it is located 11 kilometers off Jeju’s southwest coast, it’s fair to say that Marado is one of Korea’s more remote destinations.

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30-minute ferry trip to nation’s southernmost point

And yet, last year just over 1 million people made the 30-minute trip by ferry to see the nation’s southernmost point for themselves. Many take the opportunity for a photo-op alongside a large stone that marks the spot.

Despite its remoteness, though, last year Marado proved so popular it saw a 41 percent jump in visitors from 2014. This has prompted provincial officials to step up safety checks and inspections of the island’s ferry services and on-island services.

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Inhabited since late 1800s, now home to 90 people

Marado has been inhabited since the late 1800s. It’s original vegetation was cut down to make room for farming, but at the island’s center is a small clump of the black pine trees that offer up a glimpse of what the island looked like centuries ago.

Taking a stroll around the island takes about one hour. Marado is home to about 90 people and has a lighthouse, a school, and a number of restaurants selling dishes like noodles in black bean sauce.

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Todd Thacker

With such a dramatic increase in visitors, Marado is being carefully managed and environmental protections are in place. In July 2000, it was designated Natural Monument No. 423. And to protect its special mix of marine animals and plants, it is now a nature reserve.

Todd Thacker KCTV