[iNews24 reporter Seung-yeop Han] Wando County in South Jeolla Province wrapped up the monthlong 2026 Cheongsando Slow-Walking Festival, which kicked off on April 1 and attracted roughly 50,000 visitors from across South Korea.
Now in its 16th year, the festival ran under the theme "Heal on Cheongsando this Spring." One peak day drew as many as 4,600 visitors, and total attendance of about 50,000 reaffirmed the island's reputation as one of Korea’s top springtime wellness festivals.
The festival focused on its signature slow-path walks and mixed them with live performances, hands-on workshops, and evening tours — programming that proved popular with attendees.
Walking the coastal healing trail through blooming canola fields and hopping on the Cheongsando story bus tour showcased the island’s unique charm. Nighttime offerings like the Moonlight Night Walk and the "Starry Cheongsando" program gave visitors extra reasons to stay after dark.
This year organizers added stalls serving local specialties and grab-and-go snacks to delight visitors’ palates. The county also operated a free loop bus around Cheongsando so people could explore the island at a relaxed pace.
Because residents ran the programs and engaged directly with guests, the festival emphasized community participation. It boosted the local economy and breathed new life into island life.
A Wando County official said the county is building the festival every year by tapping Cheongsando’s pristine nature and marine healing resources. "We will continue to roll out high-quality healing experiences that reflect our standing as a Global Slow City," the official added.
