≡-South Korea’s Wando County Leads the Nation’s Summer Travel Revival with Three Internationally Certified Blue Flag Beaches Offering Healing Waters, Unique Sand Sounds, and Sustainable Outdoor Activities – Viral of Today
<> Viral of Today <>
Home » South Korea Travel News » South Korea’s Wando County Leads the Nation’s Summer Travel Revival with Three Internationally Certified Blue Flag Beaches Offering Healing Waters, Unique Sand Sounds, and Sustainable Outdoor Activities Saturday, July 12, 2025South Korea has reopened three of its most celebrated Blue Flag-certified beaches in Wando County for the 2025 summer season, underscoring the nation’s strong commitment to environmental excellence, wellness-driven tourism, and global eco-standards. These beaches—Sinji Myeongsasimni, Yesongri, and Sinheungri—stand out not only for their pristine waters and safety credentials but also for offering immersive cultural experiences, marine healing therapies, and natural beauty that align with international sustainability goals.Wando County Reopens Three Blue Flag Beaches for the Summer Season, Showcasing Eco-Friendly Tourism and Wellness ExperiencesWando County, nestled in South Jeolla Province of South Korea, has proudly reopened three of its internationally acclaimed Blue Flag-certified beaches for the 2025 summer season, reinforcing its dedication to Ocean-friendly development, responsible nature-based travel, and internationally recognized environmental practices focused on long-term preservation and mindful visitor experiences. Starting this weekend, vacationers can once again enjoy the pristine shores of Sinji Myeongsasimni Beach, with Yesongri Beach and Sinheungri Beach set to welcome visitors later this month.South Korea’s Premier Eco-Friendly Beaches Reopen to TouristsThe Blue Flag designation, awarded by the Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), recognizes beaches that meet stringent standards in water quality, safety, environmental education, and facilities. Earning this eco-label places beaches among the most environmentally responsible destinations in the world. In 2025, only five beaches across South Korea received this prestigious international recognition—and three of them are in Wando County.Among the trio, Sinji Myeongsasimni Beach stands out as a long-time frontrunner in coastal sustainability. The beach has maintained its Blue Flag status for eight consecutive years and was recently included in FEE’s “Special Mention Top 10”—a global ranking that honors the most exceptional Blue Flag beaches out of more than 5,000 certified sites worldwide.Sinji Myeongsasimni Beach Reopens with Barefoot FestivalSinji Myeongsasimni Beach officially reopened on Saturday, coinciding with the annual Mt. Gyejoksan Barefoot Festival. This popular event encourages visitors to walk barefoot along a 14.5-kilometer red clay trail that winds through lush mountain terrain. The barefoot trail, known for its therapeutic benefits, draws participants from across the country looking to reconnect with nature and relieve stress in an organic, grounded way.Stretching along a vast 4-kilometer coastline, the beach offers soft sand, clear waters, and a tranquil setting perfect for relaxation. Behind the shoreline lies a pine forest, ideal for eco-camping and outdoor cooking. The coastal area is also a magnet for fishing enthusiasts, who frequent the rocky outcrops to catch various native fish species.The name “Myeongsasimni” is found at other beaches across Korea, but the version in Wando County is uniquely poetic. Unlike the standard meaning of “bright sand,” this beach’s name is derived from Chinese characters meaning “crying sand,” a reference to the haunting, sweeping sound made as waves lap against the shore—an acoustic signature that has enchanted generations of visitors.Bridge and Wellness Boost Regional TourismTourism to Sinji Myeongsasimni has flourished since the opening of the Wando-Sinji Island Bridge in 2005, which dramatically improved accessibility. Over 1 million travelers visit the beach annually, drawn by its natural beauty, certified cleanliness, and family-friendly environment.Further enhancing its reputation as a wellness destination is the Wando Marine Healing Center, opened in November 2023 near the beach. This state-of-the-art facility blends modern science with ancient Greek healing practices known as thalassotherapy—a therapeutic approach using seawater and marine elements for rejuvenation. Offerings include:Heated thalasso poolsSeawater mist therapySeaweed foam bathsMud body treatmentsMeditation areasStone and seaweed wrap massagesThis marine healing experience has already positioned Wando as a leading location for wellness tourism in Korea.Two More Blue Flag Beaches to Open in JulyThe remaining two Blue Flag-certified beaches in Wando County—Yesongri Beach on Bogil Island and Sinheungri Beach on Cheongsan Island—are scheduled to open from July 25 through August 17, catering to peak-season travelers.Yesongri Beach has upheld its Blue Flag status for five consecutive years and is known for its peaceful ambiance and clear waters. Meanwhile, Sinheungri Beach, recognized for the third straight year, offers visitors serene views of the Cheongsan coastline and untouched natural surroundings. Both beaches continue to uphold the highest standards of environmental quality, safety, and visitor services.Eco-Conscious Travel Leads the Way in WandoAs climate awareness and responsible tourism take center stage in global travel, destinations like Wando County are setting a strong example. By combining environmental preservation with cultural experiences and wellness tourism, Wando offers a holistic summer escape that appeals to both eco-conscious travelers and leisure seekers.With clean waters, sustainable practices, and unique activities like barefoot mountain trails and marine healing therapies, Wando’s Blue Flag beaches represent more than just beautiful coastlines—they are a symbol of Korea’s evolving approach to green tourism and well-being.South Korea has reopened three Blue Flag-certified beaches in Wando County for summer 2025, highlighting its commitment to eco-friendly tourism, coastal preservation, and wellness-driven travel. These globally recognized beaches offer clean waters, healing experiences, and cultural charm.TagsWando County, Sinji Myeongsasimni Beach, Blue Flag beaches, South Korea tourism, eco-friendly beaches, thalassotherapy, marine healing, wellness travel, summer travel Korea, barefoot festival, Yesongri Beach, Sinheungri Beach, clean beach certification, South Jeolla beaches, slow tourism Korea, island travel
This information will surprise you!
See also
- Read until the end to discover everything.
- Important information you need to know.
- Interesting facts and helpful tips.
Conclusion
Did you enjoy the news? Keep following us daily!