Hello, this is JIRO~~
This month marks the 6th edition of the JIRO Letter!
The star of this issue is none other than Wando County in Jeollanam-do, South Korea.
From the Milky Way and the Slow Trail to the legacy of Jang Bogo and Wando's famous abalone, we've packed this edition with the unique charms that can only be found in Wando.
Let's dive in and explore!
and blue skies, the island was named Cheongsan (青山), meaning "Blue Mountain."
and stone-walled paths,
then Cheongsando by night belongs to the stars.
as the world's first Slow Trail.
It is a movement in which local residents takIt encourages local residents to preserve their region's unique culture and resources by embracing a slower, more sustainable way of life.
and a slower pace over speed—that is Cheongsando.
Discover What Appears When You Slow Down
Captivated by the beautiful scenery, travelers naturally found themselves steps slowing down—giving the trail its name, the “Slow Trail.”
Take your time, soaking in the stone walls, coastal paths, and terraced rice fields along the way.
from Cheongsando's Ten Symbols of Longevity?
an immortal sage.
One day, the sage said to the tiger:
the sun and moon that light up the sky,
the sunlit mountains,
the waters embraced by the mountains,
the stones from which all things come,
the pine trees that grow through the cracks in the rocks,
the deer that roam freely across the land,
the cranes soaring through the sky,
the turtles that endure through the ages in the sea,
and the immortal herb that nourishes all living things.
the sunlit mountains,
the waters embraced by the mountains,
the stones from which all things come,
the pine trees that grow through the cracks in the rocks,
the deer that roam freely across the land,
the cranes soaring through the sky,
the turtles that endure through the ages in the sea,
and the immortal herb that nourishes all living things.
The enraged tiger drove the deer away
and took its place on Cheongsan.
As if confirming the legend, Cheongsan is home
to Beombawi (Tiger Rock), a rock formation
that resembles a tiger.
its mysterious energy.
Much like the Bermuda Triangle, local legend says that compasses on nearby vessels spin wildly
and fail to function properly.
Wando was the center of his activities and
the site where Cheonghaejin, a key naval base, was established.
the site where Cheonghaejin, a key naval base, was established.
Jang Bogo established Cheonghaejin to protect merchants and help transform the area into a thriving center of international trade.
As of 2024 nearly 70% of Korea's abalone production comes from Wando.
Of the country's total production of 23,446 tons, 16,341 tons are produced there.
Of the country's total production of 23,446 tons, 16,341 tons are produced there.
Another advantage is that Wando's many islands help shield the coast from strong waves.
(including 54 inhabited and 211 uninhabited islands)
best from spring to early summer.
Break: 3:00 PM–5:00 PM
Closed every Wednesday
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fhny4upyz518M8fk6
Its firm texture and rich flavor make it a local favorite!
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/g36Y2aYBjfgNmmop8
10:00~22:00
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8RoZLiF4x2E1F3V5A
(54 inhabited and 211 uninhabited islands)
Islands are often thought of as isolated places,
but the history of Wando tells a different story.
but the history of Wando tells a different story.
Jang Bogo's Cheonghaejin connected Wando to the wider world through the sea, while Cheongsando preserved the value of a slower way of life.
Wando may be an island, but it has always been a place of connection.
1. Book a Cultural Tour Guide in Advance
Reservations must be made at least 5 days in advance. Same-day reservations may also be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you're planning to eat while walking the Slow Trail,
it's a good idea to reserve a Slow Food Lunch Box in advance from Neurinseom Travel School (Slow Trail Course 6), or pick up food at a restaurant or market near Dochong Port before you start your walk.
Visitors who live outside Wando County are eligible for a 50% discount.
Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance!
How did you enjoy this edition of the JIRO Letter featuring Wando, Jeollanam-do?
Hasn't it made you want to visit Wando again and again to see the Milky Way in different seasons?
JIRO will be back next month with another JIRO Letter, sharing the stories of Korea's unique regions.
Thank you for reading, and see you next month! ✨






















Comments
Post a Comment