Geomundo island

Code: ac678092-0e32-11f1-8b4c-fa163ef8d720 Copied

Republic of Korea Art Culture Education Social work Art Culture +3 Fixed dates

About the project

Geomundo island

📝 Detailed information

🏢 About the local organisation

IWO is a non-profit, non-governmental organization established in 1999 with a
mission to promote world peace, global citizenship, youth and community
development, and cultural exchange through international voluntary service.
We actively participate in the global voluntary service community as a member of
the NVDA (Network for Voluntary Development in Asia) and the Alliance of
European Voluntary Service Organizations. We have also served as an Executive
Committee member of CCIVS (Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary
Service) at UNESCO Paris.

The main purpose of IWO STV and MTV projects is the so-called ‘Glocalization’
which is to bring the world to Korea and provide opportunities for international
exposure. Hence, the projects may enhance the cultural interchange between the
local residents and international volunteers and also influence positively the host
organization and local community by actively fulfilling the missions of each project.

💼 What the programme involves

Participants will spend a night in Yeosu, exploring the city before heading to
Geomun Island. There, they will collaborate with professional artists to create artwork
using marine debris, household waste, and natural materials. They will also take part in
producing artworks that benefit the local community. In addition to these creative
activities, participants will have time to enjoy Geomun Island’s stunning beaches and
beautiful ocean.
Participants will also have the opportunity to share their diverse cultures with local
elementary and middle school students through food, games, art, clothing, photography,
and more. This cultural exchange will allow both participants and students to experience
the joy of diversity and gain valuable insights from different traditions and perspectives.
This experience is perfect for anyone curious about life beyond the city, where the vast sea
meets a vibrant island community. It is also an ideal opportunity for those who wish to
contribute to local development and foster collaboration within the community.

All projects are conducted in cooperation with local NGOs, government bodies, civil
society, and local volunteers. Locals warmly welcome international volunteers from
diverse cultural and educational backgrounds.

🏠 Accommodation on site

- Meals and accommodation are provided during the project
- Rooms will be shared among participants, and they will sleep on the floor with a mattress (based on Korean culture)

Participants are responsible for always keeping the accommodation clean during the
project

🍲 Food

If you have unique dietary requirements, please inform us in advance. You may need to prepare for yourself in case the local hosts cannot support your specific needs.
- Participants may have to cook for themselves by turn with a given budget, which brings
the pleasure of tasting different foods from different countries.

📍 About the location

Geomun Island is a beautiful island located about 1 hour and 30 minutes
by high-speed ferry from Yeosu known for having one of the most picturesque harbors in
South Korea. While it may seem like a remote island from the mainland, from the
perspective of the sea, it holds a strategic position as a gateway to Korea. Because of this,
Geomun Island has historically significant, it was occupied by British forces from 1885 to
1887.
Despite being separated from the mainland, the island has developed its own unique
culture over time. Today, it is home to about 300 residents who enjoy a peaceful and
happy life. Volunteers come to this island to contribute to the well-being of the community
and help enhance the happiness of its residents even further.

🎒 Leisure activities

- Participants are responsible for organizing their own free time with the camp leaders
- During free days. Host organizations will share information about local attractions with
the participants

⚠️ Requirements

(Language) The primary language is English.
(Attitude) Be motivated and open-minded to local cultures. Be flexible and be ready for
sudden changes in the program according to the local situation.
(Age) From 19 to 40 years (Exceptions may be negotiated)
(Commitment) This is NOT a vacation trip nor cheap travel.
(Safety & Conduct) No illegal drugs, Smoking only in designated areas. No alcohol.
Verbal and physical sexual harassment and discrimination is a serious crime.
(Background Check) Should declare with the official document that there is no criminal
record related to children.

🤝 Meeting point

Meeting point: YEOSU Ferry Terminal
Participants will meet at YEOSU city. The train or bus runs
frequently from Seoul to YEOSU a day by KTX (High-speed
train, Yeosu EXPO KTX station) or express bus. It takes
about 2 hours and a half by KTX train. From the train station, take a bus or taxi. It will take a 20 min by bus and 10 min by TAXI.
After gathering at the meeting point, all participants will
move together to the project site by the bus and High-speed
ferry following day.(The ferry is big and ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for all
participants). The transportation fee from meeting point to project site by charted bus and
ferry will be covered by the Host organization.

ℹ️ Additional information

Insurance
- IWO provides insurance for accidents during the project only. This does NOT cover
dental clinics, illness, or third-party liability compensation. The insurance covers only a
percentage of the cost (co-pay) at a maximum of 40%, as per the insurance regulation
for foreigners in Korea.
- Therefore, participants MUST bring their own insurance covering health, travel, and
third-party liability compensation.
- A first aid kit is provided at the project site. Participants are also recommended to
bring own medicines if necessary.

Participant can get the transportation (Round-trip Ferry tickets) after the meeting point
and all the lodge will be covered related with the project during the project period.

Transportation
- Korea has a convenient public transportation network over the country. Therefore, all
participants are advised to arrive at Incheon International Airport regardless of the
location of their project site.
- By taking a subway and an airport bus, participants can conveniently arrive from the
airport to Seoul. There are many convenient public transportation systems from Seoul to
each project site.
- By taking the subway and airport bus, they can conveniently travel from the airport to
Seoul. From Seoul, take the KTX (high-speed train) to Meeting point. KTX trains run
frequently throughout the day with multiple time slots available.
- There are many convenient public transportation options from Seoul to each project
site. After gathering at the meeting point, all participants will move together to the project
site by chartered bus and high-speed ferry. The transportation fee from the meeting point
to the project site will be covered by the host organization.