For many in Korea, summer getaways have involved packed ferry rides, crowded beaches and seafood dinners along bustling shorelines. But travelers are gradually turning their backs on sandy shores and venturing inland toward the quiet shade of island forests. According to a survey released Monday by the National Institute of Forest Science — a research agency under the Korea Forest Service — 47.4 percent of respondents identified forests and woodlands as their primary motivation for visiting an island. Beaches and coastal waters, historically the undisputed main attraction, trailed behind at just 28.9 percent. The survey, which polled 2,000 adults aged 20 to 75 nationwide, highlights a decisive pivot toward slow-paced tourism that immerses people in nature. This shift represents more than a cosmetic change in vacation itineraries. It signals a growing desire for deeper, restorative travel experiences. Nearly 63 percent of those surveyed noted that island forests possess distinct ecological and aesthetic qualities, such as isolated microclimates, unique coastal flora and panoramic oce