Hwang Chiyeul, Lin, Kim Heejae and Other Singers Boost the Festive Mood
Wando Holly Experience and Seasonal Activities Receive Positive Response
Dalgona Candy Making and Job Experience Programs Prove Popular
Shortage of Food Booths Draws Complaints from Visitors
The "2025 Clean Wando Autumn Island Travel" festival, held at the Beach Park and Marine Healing Center area in Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do, enjoyed great popularity and a lively atmosphere from its very first day. The festival runs for three days from October 24 to 26, and a large number of visitors flocked to the venue on the opening day, creating an enthusiastic atmosphere.
In particular, the opening ceremony featured a lineup of popular singers such as Hwang Chiyeul, Lin, Kim Heejae, and Seo Jukyung, who elevated the festive mood. Approximately 2,500 spectators gathered to enjoy the performances and celebrate the start of the festival together. Throughout the venue, a variety of hands-on activities were available for people of all ages, attracting a steady stream of visitors.
Popular singers Hwang Chiyeul, Lin, Kim Heejae, Seo Jukyung, and others performed passionately at the opening ceremony of the "2025 Clean Wando Autumn Island Travel" festival. Photo by Lee Jungkyung
One of the main programs, the "Wando Holly Experience," featured activities using the region's specialty holly tree, with various experiences themed around the four seasons. The spring theme included creative fairy tale screenings and puzzle coloring, while the summer offered a holly tree planting activity. In the fall, participants could make doorbells, and in the winter, they enjoyed grilling Garaetteok rice cakes. These programs, designed for children and families, proved to be particularly popular.
The Dalgona candy-making and nostalgic corner store experiences were especially popular among children, with long lines forming at the Dalgona booth. The KidZania job experience program also received a great response, providing children with new opportunities to try various professions such as forensic investigator, dental clinic staff, and beauty salon worker.
At the outdoor small theater, a magician performed a magic stage show, receiving applause from the audience. Photo by Lee Jungkyung
The "Autumn Beach Reading Culture Festival" drew significant attention by offering unique experiences. The outdoor library booth featured a range of exhibitions, photo booths, and the Jeonnam Provincial Mobile Library, providing a space where visitors could enjoy both reading and culture. In addition, performances such as saxophone concerts, romantic busking, and magic shows further enhanced the festive spirit.
Children and parents are experiencing various activities such as traditional games, nostalgic corner stores, and making Dalgona. Photo by Lee Jungkyung
However, some visitors expressed disappointment about the lack of food options. Some commented, "The variety of hands-on programs was great, but the shortage of food was inconvenient." There were also complaints that the number of food booths was insufficient compared to the experiential activities.
Although the performances by popular singers attracted large crowds, the festival grounds became noticeably quieter after the shows ended, as many visitors left the venue.
An official from the county stated, "This festival is designed as a space to experience a variety of hands-on activities and reading culture for autumn island travel," adding, "We will do our best to ensure that visitors can fully appreciate the charm of autumn island travel during the remaining days of the festival."
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