Cheongsando Island, Wando

완도군청 · CC BY-SA 2.0 kr

Asia's first 'slow' island, with terraced paddies watered through an ancient stone conduit system.

Cheongsando was designated Asia's first Slow City, and the title is not a tourism slogan — the island really is slow. Its gudeuljangnon terraced paddies use a system found nowhere else: stones are laid as hidden channels beneath the soil, exactly the way an ondol underfloor heating system is built, to hold water on ground that will not otherwise keep it. The FAO recognises it as a globally important agricultural heritage system. Eleven walking stages ring the island, past the terraces, rapeseed fields in April, and low stone walls set against the sea wind. Several Korean films were shot here.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Cheongsando Island, Wando?

April (rapeseed) and September–October

How much does it cost to visit Cheongsando Island, Wando?

The ferry is about 8,700 KRW one way (roughly 17,400 return); taking a car costs far more

How long do you need at Cheongsando Island, Wando?

A full day

What are the opening hours of Cheongsando Island, Wando?

By ferry schedule

Did you know

Designated Asia's first Cittaslow in 2007.
The gudeuljangnon terraces use hidden stone channels on the ondol principle.
The FAO recognises the system as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage.
Eleven walking stages ring the island's coast.

Travel tips

The ferry from Wando takes about 50 minutes; check ahead, it is weather-dependent.
April is when rapeseed flowers cover the terraces.
There is little transport on the island — a bike or your own feet make most sense.

Source: https://www.wando.go.kr/wando/sub.cs?m=351

Updated: 2026-08-04