kpop · Shinan
Purple Island, Korea: An 'I Purple You' Trip for ARMY
Drive Shinan's all-purple island and the Cheonsa Bridge islands from Seoul or Busan. A self-drive trip built for ARMY who live by V's 'I purple you', with real island routes.
9 stops1 day (5 stops) or 2 days (9 stops)car
Updated Jun 2, 2026
Stops
9 stops
Duration
1 day (5 stops) or 2 days (9 stops)
Difficulty
moderate
Best Season
Year-round
Built for this concert
In Korea for the ARIRANG Busan shows? Extend the trip to Purple Island
BTS play Busan Asiad Main Stadium on June 12 and 13, 2026, their first group tour since military service. Purple Island sits a long way from Busan, roughly three hours by train and car, so this is a plan for ARMY who are already in Korea for the show and want to add a day or two. The island's purple color has no official link to BTS, but for fans who live by 'I purple you' it is the natural place to spend the extra days.
Jun 12-13, 2026
Busan Asiad Main Stadium
I Purple You: ARMY Notes for Purple Island
Why this island became an ARMY favorite, and how to do it right
Where 'I purple you' comes from
BTS member V coined the phrase at the group's 3rd Muster fan meeting in November 2016. As the arena lights turned purple, he told fans that purple is the last color of the rainbow and means trusting and loving each other for a long time. It is a play on the Korean word borahae, swapping bora (purple) into saranghae (I love you).
The island's purple is real, and not about BTS
Purple Island adopted its color from 2019, inspired by the wild purple asters that grow on Banwol-do and Bakji-do. In December 2021 the UN World Tourism Organization named it one of its Best Tourism Villages. The theme has no official connection to BTS. ARMY simply found it, because of course they did.
Wear purple, walk free
The free-entry rule is the real deal, confirmed by Korea's official tourism authority:
- ·Wear purple clothing, shoes, a hat, or carry a purple umbrella and entry is free
- ·For smaller purple items like socks or a scarf, the free entry applies when two or more people in the group wear them
- ·Standard fees otherwise are 5,000 KRW adults, 3,000 KRW teens and soldiers, 1,000 KRW children
Pairing with the Busan concert
If you are in Korea for the ARIRANG shows in Busan on June 12 and 13, 2026, Purple Island is a separate trip rather than a day trip. Plan to travel to Mokpo, rent a car, and give the islands one or two full days. Stay overnight near Anjwa or Amtae between the two driving days.
Getting to the Start
How to reach 1004 Island Bonsai Garden from popular areas
From Seoul
Take the KTX from Yongsan Station to Mokpo, about 2 hours 30 minutes. Pick up a rental car at Mokpo Station and drive over the Sinan island bridges to Aphae-do. Mokpo Station to the first stop is about 35 minutes (22.8 km).
From Busan (after the ARIRANG concert)
There is no fast direct line from Busan to Mokpo. Expect about 3 hours by rail, usually with a transfer near Iksan, or a similar time by car along the southern expressways. Rent a car at Mokpo and continue to Aphae-do.
From Self-drive
If you are already driving in Korea, head for Mokpo and cross the Aphae Bridge onto Aphae-do, then follow the Sinan island chain. A car is essential for this route.
Estimated Total Cost
Admissions25,000 KRW
Total25,000 KRW(~$19 USD)
Best Start Time
09:00 AM
Estimated 1 day (5 stops) or 2 days (9 stops) to complete all 9 stops
Before You Go
- There is no realistic public transport between these island stops. Rent a car in Mokpo, the nearest KTX and bus hub, or bring your own. The whole route is built for driving.
- At Purple Island, wear something purple (clothing, shoes, a hat, or a purple umbrella) and entry is free. Smaller purple accessories count when two or more people in your group wear them. Otherwise it is 5,000 KRW for adults.
- The 1004 Island Bonsai Garden and 1004 Museum Park are both closed on Mondays. Plan around that if you travel early in the week.
- Day 1 covers Aphae, Amtae, and Anjwa islands and ends at Purple Island. Stay overnight near Anjwa or Amtae, then drive north to Jaeun-do for the Day 2 bridge and beaches.
- Fuel up in Mokpo. Gas stations are sparse on the smaller islands.
- Opening hours and fees for the bonsai garden, museum park, and Kim Whanki House can change. Check before you go if a stop is essential to your plan.
The map shows a suggested order of stops. Check Transit Guide for public transport details between each stop.
Don't feel tied to this exact route — visit the highlights at your own pace and enjoy the journey freely.
Check exact routes on Google Maps or Kakao Map
Don't feel tied to this exact route. Use Transit Guide for transport details. Travel at your own pace!
Check exact routes on Google Maps or Kakao Map
9 Stops
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