Frequent visitors to South Korea looking beyond the country’s major cities may want to consider the regions of Chungcheongbuk-do (Chungbuk) and Chungcheongnam-do (Chungnam).
Located around two to three hours from Seoul, the central regions offer a range of wellness-focused experiences for travellers seeking a slower-paced getaway.
Chungbuk is developing stay-based tourism products that combine natural landscapes, traditional culture, local cuisine and wellness experiences. The provincial government has launched a three-year programme to strengthen the region’s wellness tourism resources, products, brand identity and talent pipeline.
The rural county of Boeun, surrounded by hills and valleys, offers a tranquil setting for visitors. Beopjusa Temple, located on Songnisan Mountain, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses important cultural relics and offers temple stay programmes.
In Yeongdong, the Rainbow Healing Center provides a nature-inspired environment designed to help visitors reconnect with nature. The building is designed to maximise natural light and airflow, while offering dedicated spaces for rest and relaxation.
Chungnam is also positioning itself as a centre for healing tourism.
Among its newest attractions is the 2026 Taean International Horticulture & Healing Expo, which organisers describe as the world’s first international horticultural exposition dedicated to nature-based therapy.
The Taean Marine Healing Center, which opened in November 2025, offers marine-based wellness and beauty programmes using local resources such as saline groundwater and peat.
Both regions are well connected to Seoul and international markets. Cheongju International Airport serves 19 international routes linking the region with destinations in Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, China, the Philippines, Mongolia and Singapore.
Chungnam has also introduced initiatives to improve accessibility. A C-Tour Bus connects Cheongju Airport with the Baekje region, while the Tourism DRT (Demand Responsive Transit) system provides on-demand transport services to Gongju and Buyeo.
