Eco-friendly beaches, Korea's largest cypress forest: Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City recommends summer destinations

The integrated Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City is promoting its unique summer travel destinations, highlighting eco-friendly beaches and vast natural landscapes. Among the top recommendations is Wando Sinjimidazo Beach, the first in Asia to receive the international "Blue Flag" eco-label. Visitors can enjoy barefoot walking and marine healing programs there.

For nature enthusiasts, Jangseong Chuknyeongsan offers Korea's largest cypress forest, allowing visitors to recharge amidst the phytoncide-rich air. Damyang Juknokwon presents a refreshing bamboo forest scenery, while Yeongam's Gichanland, located at the foot of Wolchulsan Mountain, provides a cool escape with its valley water. Goheung Namyeol Sunrise Beach is recommended for surfing, and Yeosu Ungcheon Beach offers a variety of marine leisure activities like kayaking and windsurfing.

Beyond natural attractions, the region is also promoting cultural and historical sites. Yangnim historic village in Nam-gu showcases a blend of 100-year-old Western missionary architecture and traditional Korean houses, offering a nostalgic atmosphere with trendy cultural spaces and cafes. Suncheon Bay National Garden captivates visitors with its lush greenery during the day and a fantastical nightscape illuminated by media art and lights.

To further boost tourism, the special city is organizing events as part of the "2026 Jeonnam-Gwangju Island Visit Year." These include a singing contest for island residents and tourists on Anjwa Island and a "Summer Camp" for camping YouTubers and tourists on Yeonhong Island. The "Jeongnamjin Jangheung Water Festival" is also set to feature parades and water fights from July 25th to August 2nd.