174 Delegates from 11 Countries Including the United States, France, and Spain to Participate
Sharing the Philosophy and Policies of Slow Cities... Spreading Marine Healing Worldwide
Wando County in South Jeolla Province, which pursues the "aesthetics of slowness," is gaining attention as it emerges as a central stage for slow cities around the world.
On June 10, Wando County announced that it will host the "2025 International Slow City Federation Mayors' Assembly" under the theme of "Slow City and Marine Healing" for four days from June 19 to 22. Slow City is an international movement that seeks to protect tradition and nature while pursuing a "slow lifestyle" and "sustainable development." Currently, 33 countries are members. The assembly serves as a venue for slow cities to share their philosophies and policies, and to seek ways for further development.
Wando County will host the "2025 International Slow City Federation Mayors' Assembly" with the theme of "Slow City and Marine Healing." Photo by Wando County
This assembly is expected to bring together 174 delegates from 11 countries, including the United States, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The event will be held at venues such as the Wando Marine Healing Center, Beach Park, and Cheongsan-myeon. The program includes: ▲Presentations on national network trends ▲Policy presentations by member cities ▲Experiences in marine and forest healing ▲A tour of Cheongsando, the first slow city in Asia, among other diverse activities.
In particular, marine healing is a core keyword of this assembly, and Wando County's differentiated policy, which has been a key focus, is expected to attract international attention. In addition to promoting exchanges and cooperation among slow cities, significant economic benefits are anticipated from the influx of domestic and international participants, including revitalization of local tourism, accommodation, and commercial districts. During the assembly, the county will also operate a Slow Market (a specialty product sales booth), promote marine healing and the International Seaweed Expo, host busking performances, and organize the Jangbogo Ujang (a local flea market), among other side events.
Notably, on June 21 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., the area around Beach Park will be operated as a "car-free street," creating a space where visitors can experience a slow city within the urban setting. On May 30, the county held a preparatory meeting for the assembly to finalize details such as program management, interpretation, transportation, and publicity.
County Governor Shin Woo-cheol stated, "We will continue to practice the spirit of slow cities, promote differentiated policies unique to Wando such as marine healing, and work toward building a wellness tourism city," adding, "We will do our utmost to ensure that Wando becomes Korea's representative slow city."
Meanwhile, in 2007, Cheongsando was designated as Asia's first slow city, and in 2018, the entire county was expanded to slow city status. In 2023, Wando County received the "Orange Snail Award" for its marine healing policy at the "International Slow City Best Practices Contest." Furthermore, in March last year, Wando was unanimously selected as the host city for the 2025 assembly at the "International Slow City Coordination Board" held in Damme, Belgium.
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