Pristine Wando Autumn Island Trip
Oct 9 – Oct 11, 2026 · Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
Overview
"Pristine Wando Autumn Island Trip" is a signature autumn event combining food made with Wando abalone and other ingredients with local and cultural content, running island-linked programs on Cheongsando, Bogildo, and Saengildo as well as a variety of hands-on programs for experiencing the sea and islands. A delicious transformation of Wando abalone! The "Falling for Abalone Island" abalone tasting and sales pavilion offers tastings, surprise auctions, and discount events. In addition, the Wando Arboretum hosts the Wando Green Forest Festival and the "Walked the Island in Autumn!" Namparang Trail (Courses 86-88) trekking program. The performance program features an opening celebration show, the Autumn Island Romance Concert, "Find the Autumn Island Singing King!", the Bubble Pang-Pang Autumn Island Magic Show, and the Wando Local Wave performance.
Why go
This autumn festival in Wando celebrates the region's famous abalone with tastings, discount sales, and even a surprise auction, alongside island-linked programs on Cheongsando, Bogildo, and Saengildo. Visitors can also join hands-on sea and island activities, walk sections of the Namparang Trail (Courses 86-88), and catch performances including an opening show and the Autumn Island Romance Concert, plus the Wando Green Forest Festival at Wando Arboretum.
Getting there from Seoul
The most direct option is an express bus from Seoul (Central City Terminal) straight to Wando Bus Terminal, which takes roughly 4.5-5 hours. Alternatively, take a KTX from Seoul/Yongsan to Mokpo (about 3 hours), then transfer to an intercity bus to Wando (around 1.5-2 hours). If you plan to join the island-linked programs on Cheongsando, Bogildo, or Saengildo, you'll need to continue from Wando by local ferry, so confirm boat schedules once you arrive.
Tips
- The dates (Oct 9-11, 2026) fall on a Korean long weekend (Hangul Day), so buses, ferries, and accommodation may book up — reserve transport and lodging early.
- If you want to visit the linked islands (Cheongsando, Bogildo, Saengildo), check ferry departure times in advance, as sailings are limited and weather-dependent.
- Pack layers for cooler coastal autumn evenings, especially if walking the Namparang Trail sections or attending outdoor evening performances.
Best for: food lovers, nature lovers, hikers, families.
Photos
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
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Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site