If you’re looking for hidden spots of Korean beauty off the beaten path, Wando Island should be your next destination. It’s a quiet place for those looking for relaxation and seclusion from Korea’s busy lifestyle.

The Abalone Statue of Wando Ferry Terminal

Located in Jeollanam-do province, Wando Island has some of the best views, beaches, and weather year-round. It was a simple bus trip down from Gwangju, and I was really able to enjoy the view of Korean farmland while making my way down to Wando Island. It was a very memorable time for me while I explored many places and relaxed.

The grand waiting room at Wando Ferry Terminal

On arrival, I noticed this was a very “slow” town, meaning it was a peaceful place to enjoy and admire the beauty of the islands. I learned that there were over 250 islands in Wando County!

I was able to quickly find the South Sea and was blown away! The many islands and turquoise-colored water really reminded me of back home, with its beautiful landscape that goes on forever. After walking ten minutes from the bus terminal over to South Port, it was time to start my adventure from Wando Ferry Terminal to Cheongsando Island.

Gaze at the South Korean Sea

The ferry terminal was very new and clean. It had plenty of seats and there were a few islands to travel to, such as Cheongsando Island, which costs 7,700 won, or even to Jeju Island with prices ranging from 20,000 to 70,000 won. There was a great golden abalone statue at the front entrance of the ferry terminal, since abalone is one of the famous delicacies of Wando. When looking at the times for the ferries, they were very consistent, with the ferry departing every one to one and a half hours.

It was really convenient, and the staff at the ticket booth was helpful when explaining where to go and what time to board the ferry. When purchasing your ticket, it’s important to make sure you have your passport or Korean ID on hand, as they will check them. Once I paid, I decided to get a quick snack at the convenience store and then boarded a small boat over to Cheongsando Island, which was an hour away. As for the ferry, it was interesting to see that both cars and people were being ferried across. It was a very popular place to visit for many people trying to enjoy the spring weather during this time.

The journey to Cheongsando awaits

The peaceful port of Cheongsando Island

An aerial view of clear blue water in Cheongsando Island

Cheongsando Island is one of Korea Tourism Organization’s and CNN’s top place to visit in South Korea. The ferry ride was very comfortable and only took an hour each way.

Fresh local clams ready for a perfect mea

This slow city has a small fishing port and beautiful scenery all over. After a fifteen minute-walk along an easy, guided path, you arrive at a Korean-style hanok village, where you can see a majestic view of the port and the South Sea. Also, this location was the backdrop for the Korean drama, “Pinocchio.”

An amazing landscape of Cheongsando Island

It is truly a sight to see on a perfect day in Cheongsando. This place is really the epitome of relaxation in my opinion!

Wando Ferry Terminal

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Cheongsando Island

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This famous drama set is about 20 minutes away from the main port of Wando by bus.

Buildings of one of the many drama sites in Cheonghaepogu Port

It was a fairly easy ride to the famous drama site of the 2004 drama, “Emperor of the Sea.” I really felt like I was back in ancient Korea. There was also a small dock, a beautiful spot to feel the ocean breeze while gazing at the view of Cheonghaepogu Port. As I looked around this site, there were so many traditional Korean homes called chogajib, a comfortable yet small home for village people to live in.

Historical drama set of Cheonghaepogu Portt

This place was an enjoyable and picturesque place to enjoy Korean history, including the famous drama site on Wando Island.

An aerial photo of Cheongsando Island’s countryside

The beautiful view of Wando Tower

Visiting Wando Tower during the night was a perfect plan. It wasn’t so difficult going up the hill since there were plenty of places to stop and take pictures while looking at the city view down below. It was nice seeing how well-lit Wando Tower was and I felt very comfortable walking around during the evening. Once I arrived at Wando Tower, which is 76 meters tall, I admired how tall it was. After enjoying my time there, it was time to go back to the hotel and enjoy some rest and relaxation.

An evening stroll of Wando Tower

Wando is an amazing place to visit. Just visiting the surrounding places of Cheongsando Island, Cheonghaepogu Port, and Wando Tower, I learned exactly why it was considered so beautiful.

Wando is not as popular as Busan, but it should be your next place to visit while traveling through Korea. As I traveled to all the beautiful destinations in and around Wando Island, I can guarantee that these are some of the best places to experience the beauty of Korea. I can’t wait to revisit these places in a different season in the future.

Wando Tower

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Hotel front

I’ve stayed in various accommodations all throughout Korea, and Parkhill Comfort Hotel (Parkhill) in Wando was one of the most comfortable places I have ever stayed at.

It was a convenient five-minute taxi ride from Wando Bus Terminal. The hotel is at a very scenic location on Wando Island. Close to the ocean and Wando Tower, it’s the perfect getaway. It was very easy to find this new, modern hotel. Parkhill’s first floor had a contemporary design with paintings and sleek leather couches. It also had informative tourist brochures about the surrounding area of Wando.

The inside of a hotel room

When booking this hotel, calling was the best way to make a reservation. After my stay, they opened a website that now has a fully functioning online reservation system. The staff was very courteous and had decent English speaking skills when I called for reservations as well as when I checked in. The staff also explained the hotel rules and directions to the room floor and number.

Hotel view

The inside of a hotel bathroom

I requested an ocean view room with a balcony. Upon entering, I noticed the room looked brand new and very spacious. The smell of the room was pleasant and all-around great for just relaxing after my travels around Wando. The bathroom was very large and had all toiletries. After acquainting myself with the room, it was time to check out the view from the balcony.

A view from outside the hotel

The price of this room was 70,000 won, and I felt that the price of the room was very reasonable compared to the quality and location here in Wando. It is a must-visit hotel. If this hotel were in Seoul, it would cost much more for the view and area you are located. Parkhill provided great accommodation and I highly recommend it. I will definitely book this place for my future travel in Wando.