From its lush mountains and forests to its majestic waterfalls and curative hot springs, South Korea has no shortage of natural wonders. But it is these breathtaking attractions that also make it the perfect place to escape and restore your wellbeing.
Sip on soothing teas made from medicinal herbs, soak in pools of volcanic bedrock water, take meditative walks along ancient trails, or attend a wellness retreat designed to help you take charge of your health and transform your life for the better.
Tea Therapy
Founded by Professor Lee Sangjae from the School of Korean Medicine at Pusan National University, Tea Therapy is the perfect spot to relax and sample delicious medicinal tea made from special herbs.
Tea Therapy’s tea blends are said to help with a range of symptoms and ailments, from insomnia and indigestion to muscle aches and tension. If you’re suffering from constipation, burdock tea may offer some relief; if you want to feel more relaxed, quince tea can help loosen your muscles.
It’s not just the teas that are therapeutic; the environment is, too. Tea Therapy’s Haengnang branch is a sanctuary in the middle of the city. It’s designed like a cafe but also features a space to enjoy a footbath. Soaking your feet in warm water while sipping on a cup of hot herbal tea? What a great way to renew your inner balance.
74, Yunboseon-gil, Jongno- gu, Seoul (Haengnang Branch); Tel: +82-2- 730-7507
58, Jahamunro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Seochon Tea Therapy Studio); Tel: +82-2-518-7507
www.teatherapy.com
Donguibogam Village (Oriental Medicine Theme Park)
Donguibogam Village is located in Sancheong, which for centuries has been known for its medicinal herbs. The village comprises an exhibition hall, where one can learn about oriental medicine and herbs; an oriental medicine experience centre and other “experience” facilities; and a restaurant specialising in dishes made with medicinal herbs.
There’s a lot to do here, including relaxing on a bed of warm stones while taking in the view of nearby Jirisan Mountain; walking along Heo Jun Trail and admiring its herb garden and deer ranch; meditating by the Village’s massive “energy” stones, which are said to bring good luck; and indulging in unique dishes like herb and mushroom shabu-shabu at the restaurant.
45-6, Donguibogam-ro 555-gil, Geumseo-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do; Tel: +82-55-970-7216
donguibogam-village.sancheong.go.kr
WE Hotel Wellness Center
This health resort is located in Hallasan Mountain, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site that’s home to one of the purest forests in Korea.
Choose from a range of wellness programmes that use volcanic bedrock water found in abundance underneath the ground. The Haeam hydro, for instance, is an aqua acupressure massage that takes place in a warm pool and is said to help with tired muscles and insomnia. This treatment sees you floating on a special massaging device. You can also try an underwater workout using dumbbells and other equipment. If you’d like something more challenging, opt for surfing yoga, which involves performing various yoga sequences on a large surfboard.
Another feature of the WE Hotel is its beautiful greenery. The surrounding forests are ideal for walking and meditating.
453-95, 1100-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do; Tel: +82-64-730-1462
www.wehotel.co.kr
Vista Walkerhill Wellness Club
If you are looking for an in-depth wellness programme and have extra time, why not spend a full day, half a day or a couple of days at this retreat? You can select from three programmes, each consisting of a one-on-one consultation, a customised exercise regimen prepared by fitness trainers, healthy chef-prepared meals, and wellness and spa treatments.
The centre, which also houses a premium hotel, offers programmes for people with specific requirements. One, known as Sling, was developed around a device originally designed to rehabilitate injured World War 2 soldiers. This programme helps you develop different levels of muscular and joint strength.
Or, if you’re experiencing muscular pain, try the Winback, an appliance that delivers a high-frequency current to deep tissues, ultimately relaxing stiff muscles, improving joint flexibility and accelerating muscle recovery.
177, Walkerhill-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul; Tel: +82-2-2022-0450
www.walkerhill.com/offers/Wellness
Healience Seonmaeul
Also known as Zen Village, this resort is the brainchild of Lee Sihyeong, a practitioner of natural medicine. Located in the middle of a forest, it features idyllic walking trails and hills that are great for climbing.
From yoga to relaxation sessions in a carbon spa, the programmes offered here are created to help you move at a slower pace and feel more connected with nature.
If you’d like to get away from it all for a few days, book the Rest Stay programme, which includes accommodation, meals, use of the facilities, and daily programmes like trekking, meditation and nutrition lectures. Learn what to eat to prevent disease and improve your health, discover how to fit exercise into your busy schedule, and get a handle on stress, poor sleep habits and distractions.
122, Jongjasan-gil, Seo-myeon, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do; Tel: +82-1588-9983
www.healience.co.kr
To find out more about Wellness in Korea, go to wellnessvr.
For more information on the Singapore-Korea VTL, visit kfriends.sg.
This post was brought to you by the Korea Tourism Organization.
