Wando-gun, South Korea, Emerges as a Leading Sports Training Destination with ‘Ocean Healing’ Program
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Wando-gun, located in South Jeolla Province, South korea, is gaining recognition as a premier winter training destination for athletes, attracting teams across various sports including soccer, badminton, soft tennis, and tennis. This rise in popularity is driven by the region’s mild climate, robust sports infrastructure, and a unique offering: an “ocean healing” program designed to enhance recovery and performance. As of early 2026, Wando-gun anticipates hosting 67 teams and approximately 1,800 athletes for field training this year.Wando-gun official Website
The Benefits of Ocean Healing for Athletes
ocean healing, also known as marine healing, leverages the therapeutic properties of the marine surroundings to promote physical and mental well-being. Wando-gun, designated as the “No. 1 marine healing destination” in South Korea, offers a range of therapies at the Wando Ocean Healing Center, the nation’s first dedicated ocean healing facility. These therapies include:
- Low-Frequency therapy: Utilizes low-frequency waves to stimulate muscle strengthening and pain relief.
- Meditation Pool: provides a full-body relaxation experience through buoyancy and sensory deprivation.
- Vichy Therapy: Employs hydraulic massage to alleviate fatigue and promote recovery after strenuous training.
- Body Composition Analysis: Offers athletes detailed assessments of their physical condition before and after ocean healing treatments, allowing for personalized recovery plans.
Soccer Teams Embrace the Program
Several university soccer teams have already experienced the benefits of Wando-gun’s ocean healing program. Kyonggi University and Suwon University were among the first to begin training in the region in late December 2025. Kwak Tae-won,coach of the suwon University soccer team,reported that the program,while initially unfamiliar to the players,significantly accelerated their recovery process. “It was unfamiliar at first, but the ocean healing program after training helped speed up the players’ recovery,” Kwak stated, adding that Suwon University intends to prioritize Wando-gun as a future training location.
Economic Impact and Future Growth
Wando-gun officials believe that combining field training with marine healing provides a unique competitive advantage. They anticipate that attracting more athletes will contribute to the revitalization of the local economy. A Wando-gun representative stated, “Through a differentiated training environment, we will attract more athletes and lead to revitalization of the local economy.” The county has also opened a dedicated group exercise (GX) room to provide athletes with space for stretching and relaxation. jeollanam-do Provincial Government Website
Key Takeaways
- Wando-gun,South Korea,is becoming a popular destination for sports teams seeking a winter training location.
- The region’s “ocean healing” program offers a unique recovery and performance enhancement benefit.
- University soccer teams, including Suwon University and Kyonggi University, have reported positive results from the program.
- wando-gun anticipates economic benefits from increased tourism related to sports training.