Changing island society following the opening of the island bridge and Sustainable Development of Island Society of Korea

Abstract

When an island, an isolated space, is connected to land or other islands, it brings many changes. In other words, the change in traffic conditions is an important variable altering and determining the characteristics of the island. The objectives of this study were to examine the changes in the island region due to the construction of the land to island bridge and propose policy measures for the sustainable development of the changing island society. It is undeniable that the opening of the land to island bridge has a profound impact on the lives of islanders, the economic conditions of the island, and the environment. They change the island as fast as the dramatic change in transportation (from ships to cars). Although it is impossible to go against this trend, it is necessary to ponder the conservation of each island’s unique value, the ontology of the island, before constructing the land to island bridge. If so, what should be prepared to create a sustainable island society after opening the land to island bridge? First, sufficient discussion should be made on the construction of the land to island bridge. Second, when the land to island bridge will be constructed, it is needed to increase the receptive capacity of the islanders during the construction period. Third, a long-term development plan specifically for the island should be established before the land to island bridge is completed. Fourth, it is necessary to develop content using local resources instead of letting outsiders consume island space. Fifth, the changing island society must prepare a third place for maintaining the community.