Korean Archipelago
Korean Archipelago
the collective name for the 3,500 islands off the southern and southwestern coasts of Korea. The islands of Chin-do, Namhae-do, and Koje-do have areas of 300 sq km or more. Hills and low mountains predominate; the coasts abound with bays. Climate is subtropical and monsoonal. Evergreen forests and shrubs grow on the islands. The tides, up to 3 m in height, create powerful tidal currents (up to 17 km per hour) in the straits between islands, making navigation difficult. Fishing and mollusk gathering are important.