Travel Guide
Abalone farms spread across blue coastal waters, quiet fishing villages and roads leading toward neighboring Bogildo. Nohwado is both a working island and a useful base for exploring the southern islands of Wando.
A working island
shaped by the sea
Nohwado Island lies south of Wando and is best known for its thriving abalone industry. Along the coast, floating aquaculture farms and small fishing ports reveal a side of Korean island life that feels more lived-in than touristic.
Nohwado is also an important gateway to Bogildo Island. The two islands are connected by road, which means travelers can arrive at Nohwado by ferry and continue directly to Bogildo without taking another boat.
On Nohwado itself, the appeal comes from coastal villages, quiet roads, local temples, old trees and views over the aquaculture-filled sea. It is especially well suited to travelers who enjoy slow island drives rather than crowded attractions.
You can visit Nohwado on its own, but combining it with Bogildo makes an especially practical trip. A one-night stay gives you enough time to explore both islands without rushing back to the ferry.
How to Get to
Nohwado Island
Nohwado Island can be reached from the Wando side via Hwahungpo, and there is also a ferry connection from Ttangkkeut in Haenam to Sanyangjin Port on Nohwado. Choose the route that best fits the rest of your itinerary and check the latest sailing information before departure.
From Hwahungpo Port
From Wando, travel to Hwahungpo Passenger Terminal and board a ferry serving the Nohwado area. Dongcheon Port is one of the island’s main arrival points.
From Ttangkkeut Port
Travelers approaching from Haenam can use the ferry from Ttangkkeut to Sanyangjin Port on Nohwado. This route is also widely used by visitors continuing to Bogildo.
Continue to Bogildo by Road
Nohwado and Bogildo are connected by bridge and road, so no additional ferry is needed once you arrive on Nohwado.
Hwahungpo → Ferry → Nohwado / Ttangkkeut → Ferry → Sanyangjin Port
Choose your ferry according to your road trip
Hwahungpo is convenient when traveling through Wando, while Ttangkkeut can be practical for travelers coming from Haenam. Always check the latest timetable, vehicle boarding rules and return sailings for your travel date.
What to See
on Nohwado
Nohwado is less about major attractions and more about fishing villages, aquaculture scenery and everyday island landscapes.
Abalone Farming Coast
Nohwado is one of Korea’s best-known abalone-producing islands. Floating farms spread across sheltered bays, creating a distinctive seascape closely tied to the island’s economy and daily life.
View Area on Google Maps →Dongcheon Port
One of Nohwado’s main ferry gateways, Dongcheon is surrounded by fishing boats, village streets and working coastal scenery. It is a good place to begin exploring the island.
View on Google Maps →Sanyangjin Port
Sanyangjin is the arrival point for ferries from Ttangkkeut in Haenam. It is especially convenient for travelers planning to continue by road toward Bogildo.
View on Google Maps →Geuknaksa Temple
This small temple offers a quieter inland stop away from the working ports. It fits naturally into a slow drive through the island’s village roads.
View on Google Maps →Old Hackberry Tree
One of Nohwado’s quieter local landmarks, this old tree reflects the long history of settlement on the island and makes an interesting stop along the village route.
View Area on Google Maps →Nohwado Coastal Villages
Small ports, aquaculture farms and winding roads line much of the coast. Driving between villages is one of the best ways to experience Nohwado’s everyday island scenery.
View Area on Google Maps →
Nohwado
Recommended Course
A first visit works best as a coastal drive connecting the ports, fishing villages and abalone-farming scenery. Add Bogildo if you have a full day or an overnight stay.
A simple route is Arrival Port → Abalone Farming Coast → Coastal Villages → Geuknaksa → Bogildo Connection or Return Port.
Getting Around
Nohwado
Nohwado is relatively large and its points of interest are spread out, so a vehicle is the most convenient option.
Vehicle
Driving is the easiest way to connect ferry ports, coastal villages and Bogildo.
If bringing a car, check the vehicle boarding policy for your exact ferry in advance.
Walking
Walking works best around individual ports, village centers and short coastal sections.
The island is too spread out to rely only on walking if you want to explore several areas in one day.
Road to Bogildo
One of Nohwado’s biggest advantages is the road connection to Bogildo. You can move between the two islands without boarding another ferry.
If combining both islands, always work backward from your return ferry departure time.
Is Nohwado
Right for You?
Nohwado suits travelers who enjoy working-island scenery, slow drives and multi-island road trips.
Fishing ports and aquaculture farms offer a look at real everyday island life rather than a resort-style destination.
Nohwado is strongly associated with abalone, making it an interesting destination for travelers curious about Wando’s seafood culture.
Quiet roads and changing coastal views make Nohwado well suited to a relaxed island drive.
Nohwado is an ideal gateway for combining two islands in a single road-based itinerary.
What to Check Before
Visiting Nohwado
Your best route depends on where you are coming from and whether Bogildo is part of your plan.
Compare the latest Hwahungpo and Ttangkkeut ferry options.
Confirm the return sailing before beginning your island route.
If bringing a car, check vehicle boarding conditions.
Decide in advance whether you will also visit Bogildo.
Allow enough time for driving between ports and villages.
Check weather and sea conditions before your ferry journey.
Cross the sea
to a working island of Wando.
Follow roads between fishing villages, look across waters filled with abalone farms and continue directly toward Bogildo for one of Wando’s easiest two-island journeys.
Explore more
Korean islands
If Nohwado is only the beginning of your island journey, continue with more English island guides from SEOMITTA. Compare different coastlines, travel styles and ferry-access islands before choosing your next destination.
An island where
the sea is part of everyday life
Nohwado is not designed around major tourist attractions. Its strongest impressions come instead from fishing boats, aquaculture farms, village roads and broad coastal views.
The island also serves as a natural bridge between ferry travel and the landscapes of Bogildo, making it especially useful for travelers exploring the southern Wando archipelago by car.
A Nohwado Island trip is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, with time to appreciate both the working coastline and the road ahead.