After Attack, S. Korean Island Is a Ghost Town

The tiny island of Yeonpyeong, eight miles from the coast of North Korea, is now a ghost town after its approximately 1,300 residents abandoned it for mainland South Korea. North Korea shelled the island in November, sending the South Korean residents scattering in fear. "It’s our home, but 80 percent of us don’t want to come back," one fisherman said. "We're in limbo." One town official said he is personally greeting residents as they return for belongings, hoping to persuade them to stay. He has been mostly unsuccessful, but says returning home will look more attractive as tensions relax. About 60 residents remain on Yeonpyeong, plus about 80 activists from anti-North Korean national groups.