Tourists invited to retrace WWII history at Tinian

By Jun Ji-hye

The Mariana Islands are a popular destination for travelers due to their beautiful views and travel attractions in addition to warm weather all year round.

Saipan, Tinian and Rota of the Mariana Islands have been especially popular among Korean travelers as the destinations can be reached within four hours by plane.

Although Saipan is the most famous island of the Marianas that consists of 15 islands, Tinian has recently received attention here after MBC's entertainment program, “Those Who Cross the Line - Returns,” introduced the traces of World War II in Tinian to viewers.

Located nine kilometers away from Saipan, Tinian is a pure island with its untouched nature. Tourists can reach the island via a light plane.

The Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) Korea said Tinian is the best place to relax, with spectacular natural attractions such as the Tinian Blow Hole, the Carolinas Limestone Forest Trail that offers beautiful views and Taga Beach, which provides a peaceful and special atmosphere.

The MVA Korea stated tourists can also face the hidden history of World War II by visiting related historical places on the island.

North Field Runway Able

North Field Runway Able / Courtesy of Marianas Visitors Authority Korea

Located in the north part of the island, North Field Runway Able is a 2.6 kilometer runway used for B-29 of the U.S. Army during WWII.

The two atomic bombs, which were dropped by U.S. forces on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, were loaded aboard bombers at this airway that was built by Koreans; forced laborers of the Japanese military.

Atomic Bomb Loading Pit

Atomic Bomb Loading Pit / Courtesy of Marianas Visitors Authority Korea

The Atomic Bomb Loading Pit is where the first atomic bombs in human history were stored.

Two atomic bombs, which were stored in this pit, named Little Boy and Fat Man, were loaded onto B-29 bombers and used to attack Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Aug. 6 and Aug. 9 respectively.

Travelers can learn stories about these events through the pictures and records in this place.

Korean Monument

Korean Monument / Courtesy of Marianas Visitors Authority Korea

There is Korean Monument in the northern part of San Jose Village, built by a private organization after the discovery of Koreans' ashes.

This monument, one of the must-visit places for Korean tourists, was built in December 1977 to honor Koreans who were mobilized for forced labor by Japan during the Japanese colonial era and never returned home.

Chulu Beach

Chulu Beach / Courtesy of Marianas Visitors Authority Korea

Chulu Beach is located in the northern part of the island, and is also called as Landing Beach since U.S. Marine Corps used this island for their landing.

The beach is famous for its star-shaped grains of sand and is a good place to relax and look at the beautiful scenery surrounded by lots of trees including palm trees.

TV show “Those Who Cross the Line ― Returns” that explored the Marianas was broadcast over three episodes, delivering the stories of Koreans who died in the Marianas during the war.

In particular, the third episode broadcast on July 5 recorded a 5.7 percent viewership rating for households in Seoul and the metropolitan area, according to Nielsen Korea.