JIRO Local, Now

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! 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. 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...

Hello, this is JIRO. It has been quite a while since our last post. Our previous article about the Sansuyu (Cornelian Cherry) Festival in Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do received a lot of positive feedback. So today, we would like to introduce some must-visit local restaurants in Gurye. Let’s take a look! Gurye County, Jeollanam Province See Jirisan Mountain,  Visit Hwaeomsa Temple,  See Sansuyu (Cornelian Cherry) Flowers And check out this local restaurant Sanarae Cheotjip 76 Jikjeon-gil, Toji-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do Signature dish : Mushroom Hot Pot Jirisan — the home of many wild mushrooms! Side dishes served with the mushroom hot pot highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients. A perfect way to experience Gurye’s nature with both your eyes and your taste buds! Jeonwon Garden 76 Seomjingang-ro, Gurye-eup, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do Signature dish:  Spicy Fish Stew (Maeuntang) Gurye’s Maeuntang (Spicy Fish Stew) is made with freshwater fish from the Seomjin River, alo...

​Hello, this is Jiro. Today, we would like to introduce the pavilions of Damyang, Jeollanam-do, through the lens of Korean classical poetry. Rather than simply listing architectural sites, this journey explores pavilions that are deeply connected to Korea’s literary tradition—places where poetry, philosophy, and nature came together.

​ Hello, this is JIRO. Yesterday, we shared a post about tourist attractions in Haenam. Today, we’d like to take you somewhere quieter— to temples in Haenam that feel especially meaningful during the snowy winter months.

Hello, this is JIRO 😊 Today, we’d like to introduce eight must-visit travel spots in Haenam, Jeollanam-do, South Korea. Located at the southernmost edge of the Korean Peninsula, Haenam is a place where history, nature, and quiet beauty come together. Let’s explore the highlights of Haenam, one by one.   Ttangkkeut Tower (Land’s End Tower) Address : 60-28 Ttangkkeutmaeul-gil, Songji-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do Ttangkkeut Tower stands at the southernmost point of mainland South Korea, symbolizing “the end of the land.” Its pyramid-shaped structure is inspired by the sail of a ship heading toward the open sea, carrying dreams forward. Many visitors come here to pause, let go of their worries, and return home with renewed hope, making it a place filled with quiet reflection and meaning. Old Mokpo Ninth Lighthouse Sunset Observatory Address : 582 Maebong-gil, Hwaweon-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do Located at the entrance to Mokpo Port, the Old Mokpo Ninth Lighthouse offers one of ...