2026 Wando Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

After enjoying the beautiful Wando sea, I craved a spicy bowl of jjamppong and decided to visit a Chinese restaurant nearby! The seafood jjamppong was packed with smoky flavors, and the rich seafood aroma in the broth was absolutely delightful. The noodles were perfectly chewy, making it an impeccable dish🔥. The jajangmyeon had a nostalgic, sweet, and savory taste that even picky eaters would love. Generous portions and great value for money! If you're visiting Wando, this is a must-try Chinese restaurant👍 ✅ Smoky-flavored seafood jjamppong ✅ Nostalgic sweet jajangmyeon ✅ Perfect for satisfying Chinese food cravings during your Wando trip!

#AdventureMoment During my trip to Wando, I visited a chogye-guksu restaurant perfect for the hot weather! The refreshing broth was topped with a generous amount of chicken breast and crunchy vegetables. With one bite, the heat was instantly lifted. ❄️ The broth is clean and has a sweet and sour flavor that really whets your appetite. The portions are generous, so one bowl is a satisfying meal! This is a restaurant I highly recommend when you're craving a bowl of refreshing noodles in Wando.👍 ✅ A must-try for refreshing chogye-guksu ✅ Generous portions of chicken breast + crunchy vegetables ✅ A bowl to beat the Wando heat! #DomesticTravel

If you're traveling to Wando, here's a must-visit Korean restaurant to check out! Enjoying a fresh seafood feast while gazing at the ocean was truly a delight 🦑🦀. From grilled abalone to seafood pancakes and soybean paste stew, every dish was prepared with the care and warmth of a homemade meal. The fresh abalone, in particular, filled my mouth with the taste of the sea, leaving me in awe👏. If you're looking for a great place to eat during your Wando trip, I highly recommend this spot! ✅ Fresh seafood feast ✅ A healing meal with ocean views ✅ Highly recommend the grilled abalone & seafood pancakes!

Suhyosa Temple Address: 37 Yeombu-gil, Gogeum-myeon, Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do. An agarwood tree discovered during a tidal flat construction project in August 2011. The tree's age is estimated to be about 1,700 years old. They say they dried it naturally for 6 years to make three Buddha statues. The scent is so strong that it will give you a headache if you go near it. If you pass by Gogeumdo, Wando, I recommend you take a look.

Revealing the answers! 🚆📍 1421 Wondong-ro, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do 🤳🏻📍 Samik Beach 100, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan 🏞📍 Cheongsando island, Jeollanam-do 🚗📍 Seopjikoji, 107 Seopjikoji-ro, Jeju

#FlowerViewing ♡Location: Filming location for the movie Seo-pyeon-je Cheongsando, where rape blossoms are in full bloom, is especially beautiful in mid-April. It was nice to walk along the rape blossom road and tour.

#Rapeflower It was full of yellow rape flowers, as if I had entered a fairy tale. It was so pretty that I was happy. It was really nice to walk along the rape flowers and see the Cheongsando sea. I recommend traveling to Cheongsando in April.

#Emotional Accommodation This was a really pretty accommodation. The sea view from the window was pretty, and the cosmos field ten minutes away by car from the accommodation was like a fairy tale. I usually don't go to places without beds, but this place was so cute that I ended up looking for it. I totally recommend it.

#Rapeflowers #Cheongsando #AprilTravel #CheongsandoRapeflowers Cheongsando, about 50 minutes away by boat from Wando, is really beautiful in April when the rape blossoms are in full bloom. There is no place that is not pretty in every corner of the small island!! Departing Friday night, arriving in Wando early Saturday You can take the first boat to Cheongsando and stay for one night, or you can return and come back the same day (it is a very tight schedule, so not recommended ㅎㅎ I recommend a travel agency package!) You can drive in and take a big turn, or you can feel Cheongsando while walking!!!

#Cafe with a good view Cafe Mar is right next to Sinheung Beach. It was a pretty cafe with a cute atmosphere. The drinks were delicious and the scones were really tasty. The road to the cafe was also nice, and the flowers and reeds along the road were pretty.

#Observation Deck You can take the monorail to Wando Tower Observation Deck, or you can walk there! If you arrive at Wando Tower, it's a good idea to go up to the observation deck and look down on Wando at a glance You can feel the unique charm of a seaside village #The best #Wando Tower Observation Deck #Wando Tower #Wando #Wando Travel #Places to see in Wando

Wando is where you can see the clean sea. You can taste abalone and fresh seafood💕 Have a fun trip while seeing the clean village that hasn't been damaged by time! #HotPlace

Cheongsando is an island famous for cosmos in the fall and rapeseed flowers in the spring. It's beautiful in the spring when rapeseed flowers are in full bloom, but there are a lot of people in the spring... In the fall, it's nice to be able to see cosmos and tour the island in a relatively quiet and secluded manner!❤️ #HotPlace

#Rapeflower #HotPlace Cheongsando, famous for being the filming location for Seopyeonje, Spring Waltz, and Pinocchio, is a beautiful island filled with rape flowers in spring and cosmos in fall. You can get there by boat from Wando and the fare is 7,700 won for adults. Be sure to visit the pretty cafe Mardo on Cheongsando! Two cute puppies will greet you^^

It would be a huge mistake not to visit Cheongsando in April, with its sea, mountains, canola flowers, and green barley. I really enjoyed this slow trip where we walked and walked again.

Wando and Haenam in Jeollanam-do, South Korea, have long been favorites among photographers and off-the-beaten-path travelers. This Wando-Haenam small-town route offers crowd-free escapes, boundless vistas, pristine tranquil bays, and plenty of sunshine and gentle breezes. Not only can you watch your kids run wild on the beach, but you'll also enjoy a healing getaway where culture and natural landscapes seamlessly blend. It’s less bustling than Jeju, yet packed with surprises—the perfect choice if you're looking to escape the city's hustle and truly unplug! 🌊 Itinerary Highlights · —Uncrowded towns with breathtaking scenery. Parks, beaches, architecture, and islands perfectly complement a slow-paced getaway. · —Ideal for family fun or artsy photography. From spectacular sunrises to evening strolls and starry night skies, every shot is Instagram-worthy. · —Incredible value-for-money accommodations featuring top-notch service. 📌 Wando-Haenam Must-Visit Spots 1. Wando P237 Pool Villa Address: 306-7 Daegok-ri, Sinji-myeon Step through the glass doors right into nature. Complete with a private pool and ocean views, the sunlight pouring through the floor-to-ceiling windows of this duplex instantly switches you into vacation mode. The fully equipped interior makes it incredibly family-friendly. Guests rave about the excellent soundproofing and the complimentary authentic morning coffee. Take an evening stroll outside to admire the quiet village and distant mountains—it's incredibly soothing for the soul. 2. Sinjido Island Address: Wando A quick 20-minute ferry ride brings you to this quiet, slow-paced island. You can cycle around the entire island or sit on the endless beach to watch the sunset. It’s perfect for quiet-seeking souls or a relaxing road trip with friends. Around any corner, you might stumble upon quaint trees against a blue sky, interesting rock formations, or a traditional Chinese-style stone temple. 3. Ireland Address: 71-25 Myeongsasimni-gil, Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do Highly recommended by local Korean travelers, this guesthouse is bursting with a cozy vibe. Featuring an outdoor garden and rooftop cafe seating, the rooms boast a sleek and elegant design. It’s the perfect spot to zone out, read a book, sip tea, or snap photos. On clear days, you can gaze out at the sparkling waters and distant mountains, making the blue sky and fluffy clouds feel close enough to touch. 4. Haenam Ttangkkeut Beach Address: Songho-ri, Songji-myeon Located not far from the main transport hubs on South Korea's southern coast, it's right next to a famous observation plaza and museum. It remains somewhat of a hidden gem with surprisingly pristine sands and uncrowded swimming areas—perfect for kids and adults to run around, build sandcastles, and splash in the water. The ground floor offers a free coffee bar and lounge area by the sea. If you're lucky, the enthusiastic hosts might even introduce you to some local hidden culinary gems. ⭐ Travel Tips & Insights · Most attractions around Wando are uncrowded. Slow down to truly appreciate the area's tranquil beauty. · Try sitting casually in a nearby park or on the beach early in the morning. Watching the slow-paced small-town life is incredibly healing. · We recommend adding an extra day or two to your itinerary—if the weather is perfect, photography lovers simply won't be able to put their cameras down! 🚞 Niche Routes, Transportation, and Food Guide · Direct buses run to Wando and Haenam from Gwangju and Seoul. Upon arriving at Wando Ferry Terminal, you can catch a taxi or rent a car to explore further. · Most local specialty seafood restaurants are clustered near the beaches and piers. Don't miss out on the seafood stew, grilled fish, and spicy braised octopus. · Be sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses, as the sun can be exceptionally strong on sunny days. · Many hotels offer free lounge areas and coffee. Don't miss the chance to enjoy some quiet alone time by the window at sunrise or sunset.

🇰🇷There are over three thousand islands scattered across South Korea’s coastline, and most travelers never make it past Jeju. That’s a shame, because tucked away at the southern tip of Jeollanam-do, about 19 kilometers off the coast of Wando, sits an island that quietly earned a title no other place in Asia had before it — Cheongsando, the continent’s very first Slow City. The name itself tells you everything. Cheongsan (靑山) means “green mountain,” and the island earned that name back in 1483 because no matter what season you visit, the hills stay impossibly green while the sea around them runs deep blue. Ancient Koreans actually had another name for this place — Seonsan, meaning “where a Taoist hermit lives,” because the scenery looked too beautiful to belong to the ordinary world. Honestly, once you step off the ferry, you’ll understand why they thought that. Getting here takes some commitment, but that’s part of the charm. From Seoul, you’ll need to make your way down to Wando first — either by express bus from Seoul Central City Terminal (about five hours on the Honam Line), or by flying into Gwangju Airport and catching a bus from there to Wando (roughly two more hours). Once you reach Wando Coastal Passenger Terminal, ferries to Cheongsando run about six times a day, and the ride takes around 50 minutes. The ferry schedule can shift depending on weather, so always double-check before you go. When you arrive at Docheong Port, you’ve officially left the fast lane behind. What makes Cheongsando truly special is the Slow Walk. The island has eleven walking courses that together stretch 42.195 kilometers — yes, exactly a marathon distance, which I’m told is intentional. These trails were originally just the paths that locals used to get around, but they earned global recognition in 2011 when Cittaslow International designated them as the world’s first official Slow Walk. Course 1, called Mihang-gil, runs about 5.7 kilometers from Docheong Port through some of the most photographed scenery on the island. If you’re visiting in April, this is where you’ll see those famous canola flower fields blazing yellow against the ocean backdrop — it’s the kind of view that stops you mid-step. But Cheongsando isn’t just about pretty walks. Beneath the surface, there’s a story of survival and ingenuity that most visitors never hear about. The island’s terrain is steep, rocky, and the sandy soil drains water almost instantly — terrible conditions for growing rice. So starting in the 1600s, the islanders invented something extraordinary called Gudeuljangnon. They stacked stones of various sizes to create underground culvert systems that could both channel and drain water, then layered red mud and soil on top to form terraced rice paddies. It was a way of literally engineering farmland out of rock. This system was so remarkable that it was named Korea’s Important Agricultural Heritage No. 1 in 2013, and the following year, the FAO recognized it as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System. You can still see working Gudeuljangnon paddies around Sangseo-ri and Buheung-ri villages — they look like ordinary stone-walled terraces until someone explains the hidden engineering underneath. The island also carries serious cultural weight. In 1681, a naval fortress was built here to defend Korea’s southern coast against invasions, and traces of that military past are still visible. Fast forward to modern times, and Cheongsando became famous across Korea as the filming location for Seopyeonje (1993), the first Korean film to surpass one million viewers in Seoul alone. Director Im Kwon-taek chose the island because he wanted a place that felt deeply traditional and untouched, and the winding stone-wall paths of Dangni Village delivered exactly that. The hill where the key scenes were shot still has a traditional thatched-roof house where you can sit, order some jeon and makgeolli, and just take in the view. Later, the KBS drama Spring Waltz and SBS drama Pinocchio also filmed here, each one drawing a new wave of visitors. For the best experience, I’d recommend spending at least one night on the island. Most accommodations are clustered around Docheong Port — simple guesthouses and minbak-style places where the owners are genuinely warm and full of local tips. Wear proper walking shoes, bring sunscreen, and don’t rush. The whole point of this island is that speed gets you nowhere. If you can, hike up to Beombawi Rock for a panoramic view — on a clear day, you can see all the way to Jeju Island in the distance. Cheongsando was designated part of Dadohaehaesang National Park in 1981 and has since been named one of the 50 most beautiful places to visit in Korea by both the Korea Tourism Organization and CNN. About 2,600 people still call it home, living at a pace that most of us have completely forgotten exists. It’s not easy to reach, and that’s exactly why it’s worth reaching. #Cheongsando #korea

South Korea's canola flower season lasts from March to the end of May, but the canola flower festivals usually peak in April when vibrant yellow canola fields bloom all over the country. This is the perfect time to travel to South Korea, join the canola flower festivals, enjoy the fresh spring atmosphere, and appreciate the beauty of nature. Let's explore 8 famous canola flower festivals this year that you absolutely cannot miss. 1. Jeju Seogwipo Canola Flower Festival Jeju has always been an ideal destination for nature lovers, and the Jeju Canola Flower Festival is one of its most spectacular spring events. Located in the southern part of the island, Seogwipo is famous for its bright yellow canola fields that harmoniously blend with majestic mountains and ancient villages. Attending the Seogwipo Canola Flower Festival, you will be immersed in a romantic atmosphere full of natural colors, creating unforgettable moments. 2. Jeju Udo Canola Flower Festival Also located on Jeju Island, the Udo Canola Flower Festival offers a completely different experience. Udo is known for its vibrant yellow canola fields spread across the entire island. The tranquil scenery, fresh air, and natural beauty will make you feel as if you have stepped into a stunning spring painting. 3. Jeollanam-do Cheongsando Canola Flower Festival If you are looking for a unique destination, the Jeollanam-do Cheongsando Canola Flower Festival will surely leave a deep impression. Vast canola fields dotted with walking paths create a dreamy and peaceful atmosphere. Besides canola flowers, Cheongsando is also famous for fresh seafood such as tuna and abalone, offering visitors a unique culinary experience. 4. Busan Daejeo Ecological Park Canola Flower Festival Busan’s Daejeo Ecological Park is a must-visit spot for South Korea’s canola flower festivals. This ecological park, located along the Nakdong River, is not only the venue for the canola flower festival but also an ideal place to admire sunflowers, cosmos, and many other flowers. You can combine this with other areas along the train route for a truly enjoyable trip. 5. Gyeongju Cheomseongdae Canola Flower Festival If you appreciate the blend of nature and culture, the Gyeongju Cheomseongdae Canola Flower Festival is the perfect choice. Gyeongju is an ancient city in South Korea, known for its historical sites and charming canola flower fields. The Cheomseongdae Canola Flower Festival offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the beauty of canola flowers in a historically significant setting. 6. Gyeongsangnam-do Namji Canola Flower Festival Located in Namji, Changnyeong County, Gyeongsangnam-do, the Namji Canola Flower Festival is one of South Korea’s largest canola flower festivals, covering an area of up to 60 hectares. Bright yellow canola flowers bloom along the Nakdong River, creating a magnificent natural landscape. It is also an opportunity to participate in bullfighting and other unique cultural activities, bringing you unforgettable experiences. 7. Seoul Seorae Island Canola Flower Festival Seorae Island in Seoul is an ideal destination for the Seoul Canola Flower Festival. Situated between Dongjak Bridge and Banpo Bridge, Seorae Island is known for its tranquil atmosphere and canola flowers blooming from April to May. It is a great chance to relax, enjoy fresh air, and explore the unique cultural activities in the area. 8. Gyeonggi-do Guri Canola Flower Festival Guri City in Gyeonggi-do also hosts one of South Korea’s most famous canola flower festivals. Guri Canola Flower Park is the perfect place to admire the golden canola flowers and cosmos fields. By joining the festival here, you can immerse yourself in the fresh spring air while exploring exciting entertainment and food activities. South Korea’s canola flower festivals are not only an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature but also a chance to participate in unique cultural activities, taste local delicacies, and create wonderful memories with family and friends. Spring, especially April and May, is the ideal time to travel to South Korea and join these festivals. Plan your trip now and don’t miss these wonderful moments! April and May are the golden months to attend South Korea’s canola flower festivals and enjoy the magnificent views of vibrant canola fields. Don’t forget to prepare well for this spring trip to not only enjoy the natural scenery but also experience Korea’s unique culture.

A trip to Wando with my family

#WinterTravel

A day in Cheongsando flows more like a sensory experience than a planned itinerary. As you walk without a fixed route, a new scenery unfolds at the end of each path, prompting you to pause for a moment. Time spent gazing at the sea blends seamlessly with moments wandering through the village, creating a complete day. In spaces untouched by excessive human intervention, the changes in nature become even more vivid.

📍Cheongsando is a place where the scenery speaks first. As you walk along the paths, the color of the sea gradually changes, and the breeze over the fields conveys the seasons. With minimal artificial elements, the view feels comfortable, and even without taking photos, each scene remains vividly in memory. The simple daily life of the village naturally blends with nature, offering a sense of calm that feels familiar even during a short stay. Cheongsando is a perfect travel destination for days when you want to quietly lay down your heart rather than rush through.

📍When you step onto Cheongsando, you don't need to set a specific path. The direction of the wind and the scenery that catches your eye naturally guide your next steps. On the paths that meet the sea, the rhythm of the waves adjusts your walking pace, and as you move into the village, the quiet energy of daily life fills the space. Without any extravagant scenes, the landscape is profoundly rich, and just sitting for a while lets time flow by. Cheongsando is a place where travelers experience not searching for something, but rather being emptied naturally.

📍On Cheongsando Island, you don't need to do anything special to feel your day is complete. As you walk along the narrow paths connecting the village, the alternating views of the sea, fields, and fences create a natural flow of scenery. In this tranquil setting, your steps naturally slow down, and your thoughts become less complicated. Simple moments, like gazing at the horizon or seeing laundry hanging in front of a house, linger in your memory longer. Cheongsando offers not the feeling of touring a destination, but rather the sensation of stepping into a different rhythm of life.

📍Cheongsando is a destination where you feel more like staying within the scenery rather than moving through it. The paths connecting the sea, rice fields, and villages encourage you to focus on the present moment rather than the destination. As you walk slowly, subtle changes like the direction of the wind or the sound of waves become vividly noticeable, turning these moments into scenes of your journey. In spaces untouched by excessive human intervention, time flows naturally, making the day feel longer. Cheongsando is a travel destination where how you spent your time lingers in memory more than what you did.

📍The first thing you notice upon arriving in Cheongsando is the tranquility. The sea, fields, and village seamlessly connect, offering unobstructed views wherever you look. The paths may not be wide, but they are perfect for walking, and every scene you encounter along the way becomes a reason for a stroll. Instead of artificially curated landscapes, the island offers an abundance of natural beauty, making you spend more time simply gazing rather than taking photos. Spending a day in this serene space, even the rhythm of your heart feels naturally calmed. Cheongsando is a travel destination that provides meaningful moments without the need for elaborate plans.

📍Cheongsando is a place where a fast-paced itinerary doesn't fit. From the moment you step onto the island, your pace naturally slows, and your gaze softens as you take in the scenery. The paths lined with stone walls, gentle hills, and villages embracing the sea blend harmoniously to present understated beauty. No matter where you walk, the wind and sunlight accompany you, and even a brief pause feels like enough. Instead of dazzling attractions, the island offers scenes imbued with the texture of everyday life, leaving a lasting impression that lingers long after your journey ends. Cheongsando is perfect for those seeking a leisurely trip that fills the soul without haste.

Wando Tower Hotel It's so-so for a short stay~ The owner is kind~ The room was small~ But the cleanliness was good!!