COVID-19 National Hero, Recharging with Marine Healing in Wando

111 Participants So Far: 97% Satisfaction with 'Best Healing, Feeling Healthier'

Wando County is conducting a 'Marine Healing and Tourism Experience Program' for the national heroes who have worked hard on COVID-19 prevention. (Photo by Wando County)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyung-pil] Wando County is conducting a ‘Marine Healing and Tourism Experience Program’ for the national heroes who have worked hard on COVID-19 prevention.

According to Wando County on the 28th, the ‘Marine Healing and Tourism Experience Program’ is promoted together with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and is conducted over 2 nights and 3 days for medical staff such as doctors and nurses, quarantine company personnel, volunteers, and their families.

Starting on July 29 and continuing until the 20th of next month, the program is held 12 times in total, with 39 households and 111 participants currently involved. The program is composed of various activities including marine healing, forest healing, marine leisure, and island tourism.

On the first day, participants visit Wando Arboretum, the largest subtropical forest in Korea rich in year-round healing resources, walk the healing trail, experience crafts such as making nameplates, and watch a pansori performance.

On the second day, they visit Cheongsando, a slow city, touring the Sunrise Village, Stone Wall Village, the filming site of Seopyeonje, and Beombawi Observatory, then visit Wando Tower, which offers a panoramic view of the Dadohae (Sea of Many Islands), and experience an exhilarating zipline.

On the third day, participants experience marine healing at Shinji Myeongsashipri Beach, which has received the Blue Flag international certification for eco-friendly beaches for two consecutive years.

Myeongsashipri Beach has the highest oxygen anion generation rate in the country and is rich in marine aerosols. Participants engage in beach Nordic walking, Pilates, and meditation, and taste flower tea made from flowers produced in Wando, decaffeinated coffee with barley from Cheongsando, and seaweed tteokbokki containing seaweed.

Participants responded enthusiastically, saying, “Marine healing was the best program that blew away accumulated stress and made both body and mind healthy. It was my first time trying beach Nordic walking, and I want to continue doing it,” and “I definitely want to recommend it to my family and acquaintances.”

In a satisfaction survey, 85% answered ‘very satisfied’ and 12% ‘satisfied,’ totaling 97% satisfaction.

Shin Woo-cheol, Wando County Governor, said, “Marine healing has been gaining attention since the outbreak of COVID-19. It is meaningful to provide marine healing opportunities to the national heroes who have worked hard to prevent and contain COVID-19, and I hope more people can heal through marine healing.”