Stay updated with the latest in Tech, Science, Culture, Entertainment, and more by following our Telegram channel here.
For the residents of the Banwol and Bakji islands in South Korea, everyday life is not filled with the usual, drab grey and black.
Instead, these two tiny towns are purple, literally.
Known as the 'Purple Islands', the residents of these two islands have painted just about everything purple. They even dress in purple.
If you can think it, it's probably purple as well. Okay, maybe not the trees and the water. But take a look at these adorable grandmas:
I'm mentally squealing at how wholesome this photo is. IMAGE: Reuters
The islands only have just over a hundred inhabitants, making for a very tight-knit community. They were picked for a tourism project by the South Korean government to boost visitations. And what better way to do that than to make the two towns highly-Instagrammable.
Roughly US$4.2 million was injected into the project since 2015. And since its official start in 2019, more than 487,000 people have been drawn to the islands, making it a real success.
Coffee from a purple trailer? Yes, please. IMAGE: Reuters
“Old people like us have a secluded life here, since all the young people left the town,” said 79-year-old resident Shin Deok-im, who has lived on Bakji island for over 60 years.
“I’m glad to see young people and kids visiting to see our town. They are all like my grandchildren.”
The bridge that links Bakji and Banwol islands is also purple. IMAGE: Reuters
The two islands are connected via three pedestrian bridges, making it extremely easy for tourists to make the best of their trip. But the whole purple theme isn't just limited to what you can see.
Apparently, some residents even dress in purple. Yes, including their underwear. And if that's not enough, a lot of restaurants on the two islands have purple-themed food, like purple rice served on purple plates.
IMAGE: Reuters
“Every morning I dress up in purple from head to toe, even including my underwear and shoes, and that makes me happy,” says 88-year-old Jung Soon-shim.
IMAGE: Reuters
And as a bonus incentive for visitors, anyone who wears purple is allowed free entry to the islands.
When this whole COVID situation starts clearing up, I know where I'm going. But first, I'll need to get purple clothes.
Read more culture stories:
Japan politician running for governor as ' the Joker' is the hero we need
US$24,000 fine for spreading fake news in Malaysia comes into effect
COVID-19 clusters are on the rise after schools reopen in Malaysia
Follow Mashable SEA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Cover image sourced from Reuters.
