Wando

Wando, comprising over 200 islands, is the heart of South Korea's maritime industry and history. The city is inextricably linked to the legacy of Admiral Jang Bogo, who controlled a vast maritime trade network from here in the 9th century. Visitors can explore the Cheonghaejin historical site, where the 'King of the Seas' once established his headquarters. The Wando Tower provides wide-open views of the harbor and the surrounding archipelago. For nature lovers, the Wando Arboretum is a must-see as it is Korea’s only subtropical arboretum, housing unique flora found nowhere else in the country. Myeongasasimni Beach on Sinji Island is famous for its fine sand that 'sings' when walked upon and its exceptionally clean waters. The region is also a pioneer in eco-tourism, focusing on preserving its pristine coastal environments. Culinary-wise, Wando is nationally recognized as the capital of abalone. Almost every local restaurant serves this delicacy in various forms, from porridge to grilled specialties. The best time to visit is summer for beach activities or spring for the International Seaweed Expo. Wando is well-connected by express buses from Gwangju and has ferry services to welcoming nearby islands like the slow-city Cheongsando.

Nearby cities

Gwangju

Gwangju is Korea's sixth-largest city, renowned as a hub for arts, culture, and the Korean democratic movement.

Suncheon

Known as the 'Eco-Capital' of Korea, famous for Suncheonman Bay and its gardens.

Yeosu

A scenic coastal city consisting of a peninsula and over 300 islands, which hosted the 2012 Expo.

Mokpo

A port city in South Jeolla Province, serving as a ferry terminal to islands in the southwest.

Gwangyang

A major industrial city with one of the busiest seaports in the world and a large steel mill.

Naju

A historical city that was once the center of the region, now reinventing itself with the Naju Innovation City project.

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Hadong

Hadong is the cradle of Korean tea, famous for the Seomjin River, ancient tea plantations, and cherry blossom tunnels.

Gurye

Gurye is a tranquil retreat at the foot of Jirisan Mountain, famous for its ancient temples and bright yellow Sansuyu blossoms.

Buan

A coastal county featuring Byeonsanbando National Park, known for its unique cliffs, sandy beaches, and Naesosa Temple.

Jindo

Jindo is Korea's third-largest island, world-famous for the natural sea-parting phenomenon and its loyal Jindo dogs.

Goheung

Goheung is a picturesque peninsula known as Korea's gateway to space and for its fragrant Yuja citrus fruits.

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Myeonjeon-ri

A hidden gem on Jaeundo Island, known for its pristine white sand beaches and the tranquil West Sea scenery.

Baeksan-ri

A quiet coastal village in Sinan County, famous for its unique pine forests and vast beaches.

Namhae

Namhae, often called 'Treasure Island,' is famous for its terraced rice fields, German Village, and stunning coastal temples.

Heuksando

Heuksando, or Black Island, is famous for its dense evergreen forests and winding mountain roads.

History & landmarks

Namwon

Known as the "City of Love," Namwon is the setting of the famous Chunhyang legend and a major gateway to Jirisan National Park.

Gochang

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its vast dolmen sites, the historical Moyangseong Fortress, and Seonunsa Temple.

Damyang

Damyang is Korea's bamboo capital, famous for its lush groves, traditional gardens, and scenic tree-lined paths.

Boseong

Boseong is famous for its terraced green tea fields, offering some of the most spectacular and serene landscapes in South Korea.

Haenam

The southernmost point of the Korean Peninsula, known for its "End of the Land" village, majestic mountains, and historical temples.

Boseong Green Tea Fields

Spectacular, expansive tea plantations in Boseong, famous for producing high-quality green tea.

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Hampyeong

Hampyeong is an ecological gem, world-renowned for its colorful Butterfly Festival and sustainable agriculture.

Naganeupseong Folk Village

A fortress town from the Joseon Dynasty, remarkably well-preserved, where residents still live in thatched-roof houses.

Nature

Seomjin River

One of South Korea's cleanest major rivers, flowing through Jeolla and Gyeongsang provinces.

More places

Cheongsando Island

Designated as the first 'Slow City' in Asia, it's a place where the traditional way of life and unspoiled nature are preserved.

Goryeo Celadon Museum

Located in Gangjin, this museum is dedicated to the exquisite celadon ceramics of the Goryeo Dynasty.

Boseong Green Tea Fields

The largest and oldest tea plantations in South Korea, known for their terraced fields and high-quality green tea.

Battle of Myeongnyang Site

The strait where Admiral Yi Sun-sin achieved a miraculous victory with just 13 ships against a Japanese fleet of over 130 in 1597.

Yudalsan Mountain

A mountain in the port city of Mokpo.

Naganeupseong Folk Village

A well-preserved fortress town from the Joseon Dynasty.

Suncheon Bay Wetlands

One of the world's largest coastal wetlands, home to vast reed fields and a major habitat for migratory birds.

Port of Gwangyang

A strategic port specializing in container and steel transport, serving the POSCO Gwangyang Steel Mill.