Tracing the legacy of Jang Bogo who ruled the sea | Travel Course | Staypick

Wando Arboretum was opened with the purpose of presenting a new model regarding human life and the benefits of forests. It is the only subtropical arboretum in South Korea, carrying out projects such as the establishment of a specialized arboretum, propagation and management of rare subtropical trees, ecological and taxonomic research, nature learning education, international exchange of plant data and information, and harmonious exhibitions of local characteristic species and domestic and foreign species. Major facilities include a specialized arboretum, greenhouse, natural forest, forest exhibition hall, education management building, observatory, and management office.

Myeongsashipri is named from 울 명 (鳴), 모래 사 (沙), and 10리 (4 km), meaning the sound of the waves hitting the sand can be heard for 10 ri (4.0 km). The vast white sandy beach with fine white sand creates a beautiful coastal landscape, and the dense pine forest behind the beach is also a pride of this place. There is a sunrise observatory behind the beach where you can see the red rising sun in the morning, as well as a panoramic view of the calm beach. Sinji Myeongsashipri is popular with families because the water is not deep. Since the opening of Sinji Bridge in December 2005 improved transportation conditions, about 1 million visitors come every summer, making it a famous site. The surrounding rocky shore is rich in fish species such as sea bass, sea bream, and flatfish, making it a popular fishing spot. In addition, it is well equipped with convenience facilities such as accommodations, restaurants, and campgrounds, allowing for a comfortable visit. The Marine Healing Center operates ongoing marine therapy programs including beach Nordic walking and meditation, which are recommended to try. Sinji Myeongsashipri Beach was selected as one of the top three excellent beaches among 277 beaches nationwide by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in 2020 and was the first beach in Korea to receive the Blue Flag certification, awarded only to environmentally friendly and safe beaches.

Famous as a natural fish raw bar, all ingredients are strictly from Wando, allowing you to feel the sea of Wando even in one plate of sashimi. It is a restaurant where you can taste sashimi from mild fish species such as flatfish and rockfish, as well as mackerel pike, which is difficult to find in the market. The table setting offers the unique savory taste of the southern region and generous hospitality, attracting a steady flow of visitors. Known as a famous hosijip (fish house) in Wando, it is recognized by locals for its mackerel pike sashimi and black porgy. The table setting is divided into thrift and generous options, with prices varying accordingly, so please refer to this when ordering.

This is a pebble beach in Jeongdori, Wando-eup, about 4 km west of Wando Port, measuring 800m in length and 200m in width. The locals call these pebbles Yongdol or Cheonghwansuk. Before being called Gugaedeung, residents called it Guyoungjjakji, but it was registered as Gugaedeung when applied as a scenic spot by someone else. Gugaedeung means a slope with nine steps. The pebbles have been washed and carved by waves for thousands of years, resulting in very smooth and rounded shapes without any sharp edges. The size ranges from as small as eggs to as large as watermelons. Only coarse pebbles are found where the waves reach, so on stormy days, the sound of rolling stones is as loud as thunder. Behind the beach, an evergreen and maple forest forms a cool shade, making it pleasant to escape the summer heat. From this east-west facing beach, visitors can enjoy magnificent sunrises and sunsets colored with a variety of hues. Jeongdori Gugaedeung is a no-swimming zone, and entering the water is subject to penalties, so caution is advised.

Wando Tower, 76 meters tall, is built in Sunrise Park on about 53,000㎡ near the summit of Dongmangsan in Wando-eup. It offers fantastic views of Wando's sunrise and sunset, as well as the nightscape of Wando Port and Sinji Bridge all year round. It is a place where you can see Cheongsando, Bogildo, Nohwado, Soando, Sinjido, Gogeumdo—filming locations for Seo Pyeonje—as well as Jeju Island and Geomundo on clear days. Next to the tower is a beacon fire platform (bongsudae), and nearby is a walking trail around Dongmangsan. The first floor of Wando Tower includes a local specialty exhibition hall, chroma key photo zone (video composite photos), rest areas, a snack bar and convenience store, and video facilities. The video facilities feature spaces introducing Wando to visitors with various videos and sounds symbolizing the area under the themes "Island of Health," "Slow City," and "Sounds of Wando." The second floor consists of an image bench, photo zone, and displays about notable people from Wando. On the observation deck, models of Wando figures Choi Kyung-ju and Admiral Jang Bogo are available for visitors to take photos with. The observation floor has video monitors showing beautiful scenes of the Dadohae Sea and binoculars for viewing. The sunrise is spectacular, revealing an expansive view of the Dadohae Archipelago and Jeju Island. At night, the tower’s landscape lighting turns on, accompanied daily by a fantastic laser show.

Cheonghaejin was a naval base and trade port established by Jang Bogo in the 3rd year of King Heungdeok of Silla (828), located on the small island of Jangdo in front of Wando, Jeollanam-do. The distance from Jangjwari village to Jangdo is about 180m, and at low tide twice a day, the seabed was exposed, allowing walking access. Previously, visitors could only reach the Cheonghaejin site on Jangdo by foot during low tide, but since the installation of Jangdomokgyo bridge in 2009, visitors can now freely walk across the bridge to the site. During the Unified Silla period, Cheonghaejin was an important maritime trade route connecting Silla, Tang, and Japan. The island of Jangdo, where Cheonghaejin stood, still has remains of terrace-style fortress walls throughout. Within the site is Cheonghaejung, a water pavilion once supplying drinking water to 10,000 people, where clear water still springs. Parts of an earthen fortress and roof tile fragments have also been excavated. The surrounding sea, except the front, is shallow and was fortified with wooden stakes to prevent external access. In modern times, Jangdo was farmland for Wando residents, but when Typhoon Sarah in 1959 eroded the mudflats exposing wooden stakes, systematic excavation and research of Cheonghaejin began.