From tranquil botanical gardens and lush forests to traditional healing therapies, Korea offers a diverse range of wellness attractions that cater to all senses
Brought to you by Korea Tourism Organization
Known for its trendy shopping streets, hearty and flavourful cuisine, and vibrant K-pop culture, Korea is also a premier wellness destination.
Amidst some stunning natural landscapes, there is an array of serene and therapeutic wellness experiences designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.
Here are some top spots:
Hwadam Botanical Garden, Gyeonggi-do: A forest for the five senses
Hwadam Botanical Garden’s meticulously landscaped gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the bustle of city life. Wander through themed gardens, each showcasing a unique collection of plants, and experience the calming effects of nature.
Located just 40 minutes outside of Seoul, Hwadam Botanical Garden spans 165,265m² and offers a rich sensory experience. Opened by the LG Evergreen Foundation to preserve the natural ecosystem, the garden features the largest pine tree sanctuary in Korea, along with a diverse array of trees, insects, and birds. Visitors can explore 17 themed gardens showcasing approximately 4,000 plant species and walk on the easy accessible 5.3km trail. Advance reservations are required online.
Yeongnam Alps, Ulsan: A natural and cultural treasure
Adventure awaits in the Yeongnam Alps, a breathtaking mountain range known for its scenic hiking trails and panoramic views. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, the Yeongnam Alps provide a perfect escape for those seeking physical activity amidst stunning natural beauty.
The stunning mountain range in the southeastern region of the Korean Peninsula comprises nine peaks that soar over 1,000m high. It is home to significant cultural heritage sites, including Tongdosa Temple, Unmunsa Temple, Seoknamsa Temple, and Pyochungsa Temple. The Ganwoljae trail offers an accessible six-hour trek with breathtaking views of the mountains and Ulju-gun. Rich in natural beauty and steeped in legend, the Yeongnam Alps is a must-visit destination for both nature enthusiasts and cultural explorers.
Damyang Juknokwon, Jeollanam-do: A sanctuary of bamboo and Pungryu culture
Experience the serene atmosphere of Damyang Juknokwon and stroll through the towering bamboo groves, breathe in the fresh air.
Damyang Juknokwon, nestled in the city of Damyang, is a celebrated haven for bamboo and traditional Korean culture, known as Pungryu, which encompasses art appreciation, song, and dance. The forest, appearing fortified from the outside, reveals a pristine interior with dense groves of tall, straight bamboo. Unique for its high levels of negative ions, which are said to purify the air, the 2.4km path offers a rejuvenating walk.
Seogwipo Healing Forest: A resting place in Jeju’s nature
Seogwipo Healing Forest is an ideal sanctuary for self-reflection and healing, set within the diverse and serene environment of Jeju Island. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, the forest spans altitudes of 320m to 760m and features both warm-temperate and temperate vegetation. Visitors can explore an array of flora, including 60-year-old cypress and Japanese cedar trees, and partake in forest healing programmes. For those with hectic schedules, the forest offers a true retreat with its phytoncide-rich air, abundant sunlight, gentle winds, and breathtaking scenery, providing a profound sense of healing and tranquillity.
Healience Seonmaeul: Lowering stress levels through meditation
Nestled in the serene mountains of Hongcheon, Gangwon Province, Healience Seonmaeul is a “well-ageing” resort designed to proactively enhance guests’ health and prevent illness. Combining healing and science, the resort emphasises four healthy habits: exercise, a balanced daily schedule, nutritious diet, and mental conditioning.
Free from TVs, air conditioners, and smartphones, guests follow a flexible schedule with options for yoga, meditation, exercise, and walks, complemented by healthy meals. Activities include trekking, meditation, and yoga, all aimed at significantly reducing stress. Additional features include a detoxifying carbureted spring, bedrock therapy, and a red clay jjimjilbang Korean sauna.
SPA 1899: Revitalise with six-year-old red ginseng
Historically, Korean women drank ginseng tea and bathed in ginseng-infused water to enhance their skin’s health and beauty. SPA 1899, operated by the renowned CheongKwanJang and owned by the Korea Ginseng Corporation, continues this tradition by utilising six-year-old red ginseng in all its spa treatments.
The spa integrates the therapeutic benefits of aged red ginseng with traditional Asian healing practices to offer unique skincare programmes. Embracing the wisdom and aesthetics of Korean beauty rituals, SPA 1899 ensures ultimate relaxation with its luxurious services, available at its Daechi-dong and Haeundae (Busan) locations.
Tea Therapy: An elegant experience with traditional herbal tea
Engage in the ancient Korean tradition of tea therapy, which promotes wellness through the soothing properties of herbal teas. Located in Seoul, Tea Therapy offers an easy and elegant way to enjoy traditional herbal tea, renowned for its benefits like preventing colds, aiding fatigue recovery, improving blood circulation, and enhancing skin care.
Set in a renovated hanok house designated as a cultural heritage, this rustic teahouse provides a serene environment where visitors receive personalised tea recommendations based on their physical condition and taste preferences. Tea Therapy also offers a class to explore the taste and aroma of 10 different tea ingredients and a relaxing foot bath in herbal-infused hot water.
The We Hotel Wellness Center: A world of water like no other
Located in Jeju-do, the We Hotel is a wellness retreat nestled in a woodland forest renowned for its abundant production of phytoncides. The hotel’s natural volcanic rocks, sourced from 2,000m underground, provide pure drinking water and are utilised in water therapy.
The Wellness Center offers comprehensive health checkups, water therapy, and various healing and healthcare programmes aimed at providing a holistic alternative to modern healthcare. Guests can participate in the Healing Forest programme to learn about the surrounding trees and forests, engage in Aqua Exercise as well as other educational wellness activities.
With a wide variety of wellness attractions that offer the perfect blend of natural beauty and traditional practices, Korea is an ideal destination for wellness travel. Plan your next rejuvenating holiday to Korea and check out Visit Korea for more travel inspiration.
