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Wide-open coastal fishing villages are getting noticed as restorative refuges for people worn down by modern life. Their endless horizons offer a freeing kind of calm that’s different from the rooted serenity of forests or mountain trails.
The rhythm of waves, the sweep of tidal flats and the lively buzz of harbor towns quietly dissolve everyday stress. That natural vitality replenishes energy sapped by the nonstop urban grind.
Marine tourism is moving into the city. From May 11–13, Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Plaza will host the “2026 Returning to Fishing Villages & Coastal Tourism Festival.” Led by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Fisheries Infrastructure Public Agency, the event brings together more than 30 organizations nationwide. Visitors can step into seaside life through immersive programs that recreate the romance of coastal living—right in the heart of the city.
The festival is a mini escape from the city’s ceaseless pace, spotlighting the restorative appeal of fishing villages. By emphasizing the sea’s calming, healing effects, organizers hope to reframe coastal communities as destinations for travel, emotional reset and renewed energy. Through approachable storytelling about seaside life, the event aims to spark meaningful interest in these places.
Hands-on programs invite you to jump right in: from culinary booths serving regional seafood specialties to information on “fishing village workations,” that trendy blend of remote work and travel. One standout feature is a nighttime relaxation lounge open until 8 p.m., where tranquil seaside visuals and the rhythm of waves are used to steady brain activity and guide visitors into deeper relaxation.
People are drawn to the sea for good reason—its natural white noise and vast openness soothe the mind. “Ocean gazing,” the practice of mindfully focusing on sound and scenery, helps ease anxiety and restore calm. Paired with freshly caught seafood and the warm, everyday culture of coastal communities, fishing villages offer an emotional pull few inland destinations can match.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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