Wando County in Jeollanam-do will officially operate a long-term stay marine healing program starting in April 2026. From barefoot walking, camping retreats, overcoming burnout, to healing diets—this is an introduction to everything about the Wando Marine Healing Retreat, where the sea, forest, and islands become a complete healing space.
Jeollanam-do Wando County prescribes the sea. Starting in April 2026, a 'Long-Term Stay Marine Healing Program' utilizing the entire area of Wando as a single healing space will be officially launched.
Wando Marine Healing, Why Now?
This program, based at the Wando Marine Healing Center, is not just a simple tourist itinerary. It is a stay-type healing content designed to align with the physical and psychological recovery flow of participants.
Utilizing the natural resources of Wando, including the sea, forest, and islands, marine healing, marine climate healing, forest healing, island tours, abalone harvesting, and other marine activities are organically combined with healing diet experiences. Taking time to rest the body, reflect on the mind, and recover oneself in nature—that is the essence of this program.
The schedule is structured to allow participants to choose from 1 night 2 days to a maximum of 5 nights 6 days, depending on their situation and needs. Anyone in need of marine healing can participate.
2 Nights 3 Days Specialized Retreat—Things You Can Only Do in Wando
Walking Barefoot and Camping Retreat
The highlight of the program is the 2 nights 3 days specialized theme content. Barefoot walking, where the ground and body directly connect, and a camping retreat spent overnight in nature are central to the experience. It is a time to regain the sensation of the ground through the soles of the feet without a predetermined destination and quietly face oneself under the night sky.
Burnout Recovery Program
A specialized burnout recovery program for exhausted modern individuals will also be offered. This tailored healing process is designed for those needing health management due to stress, depression, sleep disorders, musculoskeletal and metabolic diseases, helping to structurally relieve the fatigue accumulated in daily life.
Family Specialized Program and Healing Food Experience
A family specialized program that families can participate in together and a healing diet experience using Wando's marine ingredients are also included. Activities that allow direct experience of local marine resources, such as abalone harvesting, are content that can only be enjoyed in Wando.
Up to 70% Cost Support—Lowering Participation Barriers
Wando County plans to support 30% to a maximum of 70% of the program costs, reflecting the increasing demand for healing. This is to ensure that various groups, including middle-aged individuals and patients needing mental and physical recovery, can participate without financial burden.
The support policy of Wando County clearly indicates that healing programs should not be exclusive to those with some financial means but should reach those who truly need them.
Healing Effects Proven by Data
This program goes beyond mere experience. Wando County plans to empirically verify the healing effects by measuring the health status, psychological indicators, and biometric data of participants before and after the program.
Based on the collected data, a standardized operational manual will be established in the future, and it will be used as evidence to scientifically prove the effects of marine healing. This is a commitment to create a sustainable healing tourism ecosystem, not just a one-time event.
Wando Marine Healing, the Power to Revitalize the Region
Once the long-term stay program is activated, it is expected to not only expand the resident population but also invigorate local businesses such as accommodation and food services. Healing tourism is not just a trip where one spends a day and leaves; it is a way of breathing together with the local economy by staying in one place for several days.
When Wando's pristine sea and marine resources are rediscovered with the keyword 'healing', this island becomes a place to come for rest and a place to seek healing.
Application Method and Schedule
Detailed schedules and application methods will be announced in early April 2026 through the Wando Marine Healing Center and Wando County's official website.
In an era where burnout has become a part of daily life, if you are looking for a space where both body and mind can rest together—the sea is waiting.
