Operation of Various Programs Including Beombawi Qi Healing and Byeolbyeol Bus
Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do announced on the 8th that it opened the 2024 Cheongsando Slow Walking Festival on the 6th.
The opening ceremony began with a performance by the Cheongsan Nongak troupe welcoming tourists, followed by the ringing of the "Bell of Slowness," a classical music performance, and "Butterfly, Let's Go to Cheongsando," where butterflies were released into the canola flower fields.
This year’s Cheongsando Slow Walking Festival, themed "I Need Healing, Walk Cheongsando," runs from the 6th to the 21st and features programs combining healing, relaxation, and slow walking.
The representative program "Cheongsan Wando" offers abalone to the first 20 participants on weekends who complete all 11 slow trail courses and collect stamps, and those who walk four or more courses can receive specialty products from Cheongsando.
Wando abalone, harvested from the pristine sea, is known as the "Ginseng of the Sea" for its restorative properties. On the 13th and 20th, an "Abalone Tasting Event" will be held around the Wando Soan Fisheries Cooperative Cheongsan branch to promote the excellence of Wando abalone and encourage consumption.
Other programs include "Qi Healing" with a professional instructor at Beombawi Rock on Bojeoksan Mountain in Cheongsando, known as the mysterious rock where compasses do not work due to strong magnetism; "Star Bus," a night tour of Cheongsando with a guide by bus; and "Starry Cheongsando," which offers Milky Way photography and printing services.
Additionally, various experiential events are prepared, such as the "Jupging Challenge," where participants collect trash from the slow trails in eco-friendly bags to receive gifts, and "Beat Paengi," a game where winning against Paengi (the Slow Walking Festival character) awards prizes.
For inquiries about the festival programs, contact the Wando-gun Tourism Division or the Resident Tourism Office located at the festival site.
During April, tourists who visit Cheongsando and present their ferry tickets at the Wando Marine Healing Center can receive a 30% discount on first-floor program fees (weekdays), and the "Cheongsan Marine Healing Park" offers a 50% discount on usage fees as part of a promotional event.
Governor Shin Woo-cheol said in his welcoming speech at the opening ceremony, "Cheongsando, the first Slow City designated in Asia, is taking steps to become a Slow City recognized worldwide." Emphasizing the meaning of Cheongsando and Slow City, he added, "I hope everyone takes time to leisurely walk the slow trails and heal their tired body and mind from busy daily life, as the theme of this festival suggests."
Last year, Wando-gun received the highest award, the "Orange Snail Award," at the International Slow City Federation General Assembly’s International Slow City Best Practice Contest for cities that exemplify the Slow City spirit well. In June 2025, the International Slow City Federation’s Mayors’ General Assembly will be held in Wando.
Wando = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyung-pil just8440@asiae.co.kr
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