Myeongdo Island (명도)

Myeongdo takes its name from the character “myeong,” which means “bright,” as its clear waters were likened to the union of the moon and the sun. It is also known as Yakdo Island, or “Medicinal Island,” for the wide variety of medicinal herbs that thrive there despite constant exposure to sea winds. Centered around Bangchukdo Island, visitors can enjoy sightseeing cruises and fishing by boat, and admire the island’s beautiful and unusual rock formations. In the mountainous areas of the island, dozens of medicinal herb species grow after enduring the harsh sea winds. The most well-known among them is laserwot, called  bangpung in Korean, which is traditionally believed to help prevent postpartum pain syndrome in pregnant women and to offer effects such as inducing perspiration, reducing fever, relieving pain, and alleviating neuralgia, purportedly expelling 36 types of pain. It is also said to be effective in improving concentration, particularly for students preparing for exams.