Sirens Sound, Anxieties Rise on Tiny Island Near North Korean Shores
With inter-Korean ties sinking to their worst levels in years, concerns are running especially high on Yeonpyeong Island, the site of a deadly 2010 artillery attack. It is one of five South Korean islands sitting just below the two countries’ disputed maritime border in the Yellow Sea. Even on overcast days, North Korean land is visible.
Despite the elevated fears, residents remain deeply attached to the island, and many make a living fishing for crab, clams and octopus in nearby waters.
Excerpts from the story by Dasl Yoon and Timothy Martin with contribution from Jiyoung Sohn. Video by Diana Chan.
Commissioned and published by The Wall Street Journal.
March 2024
Photographed on Yeonpyeong Island, South Korea
Fishing boats dock at Yeonpyeong's port.
Park Tia-won, a fisherman and lifelong Yeonpyeong resident.
South Korean military personnel close the gates to Guridong beach.
Barbed wire line the walls at Guridong Beach.
Remnants of the 2010 attack have been preserved at an education center.
Metal spikes known as "dragon's teeth" protrude from Yeonpyeong's waters during low tide.
Workers prepare fishing nets.
Buckets of fresh catch on a truck at the port.
Resident Moon Sun-ki.
The sleepy island of Yeonpyeong is home to some 2000 residents.
The quiet streets of Yeonpyeong.
A woman exercises at the island's sports complex in the morning.
North Korean land seen from Manghyang Observatory at dawn.