Wando-gun is one of 27 cities, counties and districts in Gwangju · Jeollanam-do. It has 12 neighborhoods (3 eup · 9 myeon) and 44,029 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Wando-eup with 16,668.
12neighborhoods
44,029residents
Landmark stamp: Cheongsando Island
Designated as a slow city, this tranquil southern island enchants visitors with ancient stone walls, golden rapeseed fields, and relaxing coastal walking paths.
On screen
The winding stone-walled paths and blooming canola fields featured in the classic Korean film Seopyonje remain beautifully preserved today.
What to see
Walking along the scenic Slow Roads offers serene views of picturesque traditional terraced rice paddies alongside the boundless blue ocean.
Food nearby
Hearty abalone porridge and grilled abalone harvested straight from pristine coastal waters are celebrated local specialties on the island.
Food, festivals and stories of Wando-gun
Local food
Fresh abalone and nutritious seaweed harvested from the clean waters of Wando are beloved across South Korea.
Local story
General Jang Bogo established Cheonghaejin in Wando during the Silla dynasty to lead vibrant maritime trade.
On screen
The picturesque canola fields and stone walls of Cheongsando served as a major filming location for the drama Spring Waltz.
Neighborhoods of Wando-gun (12)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Wando-eup완도읍eup · 16,668 residents
Story: Legend says King Heungdeok of Silla was so enchanted by the pebble coast that he designated it as royal garden grounds.
Photo spot: Climbing the walking paths of Dadohae Sunrise Park reveals sweeping scenic views of the azure ocean and the bustling harbor below.
Food: Along the bustling waterfront food street, diners can savor hearty servings of tender raw fish and freshly prepared chewy abalone.
Story: General Jang Bogo established his maritime base on Jangdo Island during the Unified Silla era to protect trade ships from pirates.
Photo spot: Walking through the lush forest trails of Wando Arboretum allows travelers to observe diverse warm-temperate evergreen trees flourishing throughout the year.
Story: While enduring prolonged exile on this island, renowned Joseon calligrapher Yi Gwang-sa refined and completed his distinctive Donggukjinche script.
Photo spot: The vast white sand shore of Sinji Myeongsasimni Beach famously creates a soft ringing sound as receding waves caress fine pebbles.
Story: During the Japanese invasion, Admiral Yi Sun-sin relocated his naval headquarters here to successfully reorganize his forces and secure key victories.
Photo spot: Tranquil walking trails wind peacefully through dense pine groves surrounding Chungdeoksa Shrine, which honors the heroic legacy of Admiral Yi Sun-sin.
Story: Local legend recounts that a tiger roared toward Beombawi Rock and fled in terror when its own loud echo boomed back.
Photo spot: Looking out from the hilltop where Seopyeonje was filmed reveals stunning cobalt seas framed by winding stone walls and bright canola flowers.
Fun fact: Unique terraced rice paddies called Gudeuljangnon, built with carefully layered flat stones to channel scarce water, remain preserved on mountain slopes.
Story: Residents established a private academy during colonial rule and bravely carried out resolute anti-Japanese independence movements despite widespread imprisonments and persecution.
Fun fact: Villagers proudly fly the Korean national flag outside their homes all year round to honor their ancestors' noble spirit of independence.
Photo spot: Strolling along the secluded pebble beach under the lush shade of the natural monument Mirari Evergreen Forest brings refreshing coastal tranquility.
Photo spot: Travelers aboard boats can marvel at magnificent coastal cliffs of the Geumdang Eight Sights, including formations resembling folding fans and elephants.
Fun fact: Towering columnar joints and sheer coastal cliffs stretch like an ornate folding screen along the shores, displaying breathtaking marine topography.
Story: Captivated by the enchanting scenery while sailing toward Jeju, poet Yun Seon-do settled here and penned his renowned classic Fishermen’s Calendar.
Photo spot: Standing inside Seyeonjeong Pavilion, where natural bedrock harmonizes with tranquil ponds, reveals the refined elegance of traditional Joseon garden design.
Fun fact: Behind the dark pebble beach of Yesong-ri lies a dense evergreen windbreak forest planted to shield the coastal village from storms.
Name: The name reflects the idea that visitors can cast off their worries and gain renewed vitality as if reborn afresh upon arrival.
Photo spot: Tourists love capturing unique commemorative photos in front of the giant celebratory birthday cake installation standing outside the Seoseonghang ferry terminal.
Local notes were drafted with the help of AI from public information. Population: Ministry of the Interior and Safety resident registration, September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.