The name Hong-do means "red island," but no one knows for sure if the name came from the island's red soil or because it seems to turn red when the sun sets over the ocean. Whatever the case, the island is an ecological wonder and is now part of Dadohae Maritime National Park. Because of its protected status, visitors are allowed to go only to villages and designated tourist areas. Hong-do is composed of about 20 small islets, but the main island (which is said to be shaped like an ant) has two villages, one in the pinched waist center and one on the northern section. The middle village is where the wharf is and several minbak are clustered around it. A sightseeing ferry around the island takes about 2 1/2 hours. If you have the time, visit nearby Heuksan-do, which is about 30 minutes away by boat. Some parts of the island (like the lighthouse) are accessible only by boat. You can rent a private boat for about W60,000 round-trip. Ask at the ferry information booth on the wharf.