Cheongsando
Cheongsando (hangul: 청산도) is an island off the south coast of the Republic of Korea, being the main island of Cheongsan-myeon, Wando County, South Jeolla Province. Accompanied by the four inhabited islands of Daemodo, Somodo, Yeoseodo, and Jangdo and several uninhabited island, it is called Cheongsando ('green mountain island') because it remains green through four seasons. It has long been called Seonsan or Seonwon in that the Taoist hermit dwells on the island because of the beautiful view which creates a harmony with the clear and blue archipelago.
| Native name: 청산도 | |
|---|---|
  Cheongsando | |
| Geography | |
| Location | Korea Strait |
| Coordinates | 34°10′N 126°51′E |
| Area | 32.963 km2 (12.727 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 385 m (1,263 ft) |
| Highest point | Mabongsan |
| Administration | |
South Korea | |
| Province | South Jeolla |
| Largest settlement | Cheongsando (pop. 2,182) |
| Demographics | |
| Ethnic groups | Korean |
| Cheongsando | |
| Hangul | 청산도 |
|---|---|
| Hanja | 靑山島 |
| Revised Romanization | Cheongsando |
| McCune–Reischauer | Ch'ŏngsando |
Transportation
Passenger ferry
A ferry that carries vehicles operates five times a day between Wando Port in Wando County and Cheongsando Port, taking 50 minutes for each travel. In April and May with Cheongsando Slow Walking Festival is under way, 8 voyages are available on weekdays and 15 voyages are available on weekend.
Village bus
Every day, village bus runs five times from Cheongsando Port to Jinsan-ri and twice to Gwondeok-ri.
Culture
Gudeuljangnon Paddy field
The traditional agricultural system on Cheongsando. Cheongsando has long abounded in steep terrains and stones as well as sandy soil where water drains away so quickly. Short of water for paddy rice farming, the area has rather an unfavorable agricultural environment for watery field farming. 'Gudeuljangnon Paddy field' is a paddy field artificially created by reorganizing natural environment to produce more rice in such unfavorable conditions.
Cheongsando 'Gudeuljangnon Paddy field' in Wando County was designated Republic of Korea's Important Agricultural Heritage No. 1 on January 22, 2013 according to the strict criteria of value, partnership, and effectiveness of heritage in deference to Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).[1]
Beombawi('Tiger Rock')
The legend has it that a tiger that lived on Cheongsando long ago was surprised at its own roar leveled at the rock and ran off the island. As compasses don't work near the rock due to strong magnetism, it is also called the Rock of Mystery.
From Beombawi, you get a full view of Cheongsando, and on a fine day, the view stretches as far as Yeoseodo, Geomundo, and Jejudo.
Slow Walk
Designated as the first Slow City in Asia, Cheongsando in Wando-gun hosts the annual Cheongsando Slow Walking Festival.[2]
Cheongsando Slow Walk used to be a trail for the mobility of the island residents. It was named so, in that walkers naturally get to slow down, touched by the scenic view. 2010 saw the opening of the total 11 courses (17-gil) stretching 42.195km.
Characteristically, the courses are designed to see that walkers can mix with the scenery along the trail, people who dwell nearby, and stories related to different courses. The beauty of the trail got its outside recognition as in 2011 when it was designated as World Slow Walk No. 1 by Cittaslow International.[3]
Filming
The island drew attention as a tourist attraction after it served as a shooting location for the film Seopyeonje (Korean: 서편제) by Im Kwon-taek. The television dramas Spring Waltz and Scent of a Woman were also partially filmed at the island.
Festival
'Cheongsando Slow Walking Festival' proceeds for the whole of every April.
References
- Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (South Korea) (April 14, 2014)Press Releases
- Herald, The Korea (April 20, 2018). "[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights around Korea". Retrieved April 21, 2018.
- Cittaslow NEWS(June 15, 2012)