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Wando, Korea: Stargazing, Slow Travel, and the Island of Abalone

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!

JIRO Letter Vol.6 Wando County, Jeollanam-do 1page

JIRO Letter Vol.6 Wando County, Jeollanam-do 2page
The Milky Way over Cheongsando

Surrounded by blue mountains, blue seas, 
and blue skies, the island was named Cheongsan (青山), meaning "Blue Mountain."

If Cheongsando by day is an island of emerald seas
and stone-walled paths, 
then Cheongsando by night belongs to the stars.

The Milky Way offers a different kind of beauty in every season, making Cheongsando worth visiting year-round.

JIRO Letter Vol.6 Wando County, Jeollanam-do 3page
Asia’s First Cittaslow!

Recognized by Cittaslow International
as the world's first Slow Trail.

Cittaslow is a movement that began in Italy.
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.

Choosing preservation over development, 
and a slower pace over speed—that is Cheongsando.

JIRO Letter Vol.6 Wando County, Jeollanam-do 4page


Discover What Appears When You Slow Down

The Cheongsando Slow Trail was originally a path connecting villages across the island.
Captivated by the beautiful scenery, travelers naturally found themselves steps slowing down—giving the trail its name, the “Slow Trail.”


Quickly passing through, you might miss the details that make this island special.
Take your time, soaking in the stone walls, coastal paths, and terraced rice fields along the way.

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Stories Behind Cheongsan

Why Is the Deer Missing 
from Cheongsando's Ten Symbols of Longevity?

Long ago, there was a tiger that served
 an immortal sage.
One day, the sage said to the tiger:

"To the sacred island of Cheongsan in the south, the blessing of eternal life must spread"
"Gather the Ten Symbols of Longevity."


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The tiger gathered the following 
and brought them to Cheongsan:

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.

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However, the tiger was furious that he had been left out, despite being one of the twelve zodiac animals.
The enraged tiger drove the deer away
and took its place on Cheongsan.

And so, they say that the deer is the only one missing from Cheongsan's Ten Symbols of Longevity...
JIRO Letter Vol.6 Wando County, Jeollanam-do 8page
Upon learning what had happened, the immortal sage turned the tiger into stone.
As if confirming the legend, Cheongsan is home
to Beombawi (Tiger Rock), a rock formation
that resembles a tiger.


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It is said that when the wind passes through the cracks in the rock, it sounds like the roar of a tiger.

Beombawi(Tiger Rock) is also known for
its mysterious energy
Much like the Bermuda Triangle, local legend says that compasses on nearby vessels spin wildly 
and fail to function properly.

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Wando Was Home to Cheonghaejin, the Base of Jang Bogo's Maritime Activities!

Jang Bogo was a great maritime leader who commanded the seas during the Silla Dynasty.

Wando was the center of his activities and 
the site where Cheonghaejin, a key naval base, was established.

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At the time, Wando served as a major trading hub for the Silla Kingdom!

At the time, ships traveling between China and Japan had to pass through Wando, making it a vital maritime gateway.

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However, the region was constantly threatened by pirates.
Jang Bogo established Cheonghaejin to protect merchants and help transform the area into a thriving center of international trade.

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No. 1 in Korea for Abalone Production!

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.

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Why is Wando able to produce so much abalone?

The waters off Wando have relatively stable temperatures and are rich in kelp and sea mustard, the primary food sources for abalone.
Another advantage is that Wando's many islands help shield the coast from strong waves.

Wando County is home to as many as 265 islands!
(including 54 inhabited and 211 uninhabited islands)

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Now Is the Best Time to Enjoy Abalone!

Abalone is known to be at its
best from spring to early summer.

Myeongpum Jeonbokgung
A full-course abalone meal featuring Wando's famous seaweed and kelp!
10:00 AM–8:00 PM
Break: 3:00 PM–5:00 PM
Closed every Wednesday
34-1 Gaepo-ro, Wando-eup, Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea


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Wando's Seafood Delicacies

Wando is famous not only for its abalone, but also for its high-quality olive flounder.

Wando is also renowned for its grilled fish. 
Its firm texture and rich flavor make it a local favorite!

Jeonnam Hoe Town
886-3 Nohwa-ro, Nohwa-eup, Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea

Sora Hoetjip
85-29 Myeongsasipri-gil, Sinji-myeon, Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
10:00~22:00
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In Summary, Wando...

Wando County is made up of 265 islands.
(54 inhabited and 211 uninhabited islands)

Islands are often thought of as isolated places,
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.

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Today, Wando continues to connect people through its abalone and seaweed, reaching dining tables far and wide.

Wando may be an island, but it has always been a place of connection.

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JIRO's Wando Travel Tips!

1. Book a Cultural Tour Guide in Advance
If you're planning to visit Wando's major attractions, you can reserve a cultural tour guide through the Wando County website.
Reservations must be made at least 5 days in advance. Same-day reservations may also be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. Meals Along the Slow Trail
Most restaurants on Cheongsando are located near Dochong Port.
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.

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3. Get Discounts with the Wando Digital Tourism Pass
By signing up for the Wando Digital Tourism Pass, you can enjoy discounts on food, drinks, activities, and accommodations.

4. 50% Off the Wando Tourist Taxi
To use the Wando Tourist Taxi, make a reservation in advance by calling +82-61-555-8582.
Visitors who live outside Wando County are eligible for a 50% discount.
Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance!

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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! ✨

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