Every single one of us has at one time or anotherfelt burned out and stressed to the point where packing our luggage and disappearing seemed to be the best option. Sometimes, all we need is a break from the nonstop noise around us that messes with our calmness and thinking.

What if there’s a place that is perfect for such an escape? We are not talking about concerts or cute cafes now but a place to heal your broken soul, body, and mind. Ever heard of South Korea’s wellness tourism?

One of the beautiful things about South Koreans is how they have several tourism options to suit every need. There are several concert tourism packages, sightseeing packages, historical site packages, and, of course a package for wellness tourism. Programs like All About Seoul (AAS) and the Korea Health & Wellness festival that is being promoted by VISITKOREA are in place to make you experience maximum wellness.

Wellness tourism is intentional tourism specially tailored towards your health and well-being. It’s not about hospitals or medicine; don’t get scared. This tourism is about healing your mind, body, and soul in natural and peaceful places.

Do you know the feeling you get on spa days, forest walks, healthy meals, yoga, and even meditation? Yes, that uplifting feeling but with a Korean twist! The country has mixed modern ways of having fun with traditional healing practices, and they are all designed to help you feel your best.

Here are some cool things you can do on a wellness trip in Korea:

Try a Korean Spa (Jjimjilbang)

Koreans love their spas like their lives. A jjimjilbang is more than just a bathhouse; it's the best place where you can soak in hot tubs, sweat in saunas, get body scrubs, wear cute matching clothes, and even take naps on heated floors! Many are open 24 hours, so you can chill out anytime of the day as much as you want till your body and soul come alive.

Forest Healing in Jeju or Gangwon

Korea has special healing forests where you can walk, breathe fresh air, and connect with nature. Jeju Island, for example, offers forest therapy programs where guides help you relax with slow walking, breathing exercises, and mindfulness. You leave feeling calm and refreshed because of the inner peace and healing that your body and mind have experienced.

Temple Stay Experience

Do you crave some peace and quiet, different from the regular ones? Try a temple stay. With this package, you live like a monk for a day or two and follow their routine of waking up early, eating simple food, meditating, and learning Buddhist teachings. It’s a great way to clear your mind and escape the stress of everyday life. However, this can have religious restraint for people who don’t believe in this religion, but if you are open to trying new things, why not?

Healthy Korean Food

There is no wellness without eating right because food is life. Korean cuisine that are full of nutritious dishes like bibimbap, seaweed soup, and fermented foods like kimchi are served during this tour to cleanse your gut and keep your body clean. Many wellness retreats serve clean, balanced meals that are both tasty and healthy.

Hanbang—Traditional Korean Medicine

Ever heard of Hanbang? It’s Korea’s traditional medicine, using herbs, acupuncture, and massage. Many wellness centers offer Hanbang treatments that can help with stress, sleep, digestion, and more. If you are afraid of needles poking your skin, you might want to opt for the herbs and massage treatment only.

Andeok Healthy Healing Village

This place is located in Wanju-gun and offers facilities such as saunas, clay rooms, dietary therapy classes, and eco-friendly water treatments. You can unwind and enjoy the healing process for your body and soul.

Wellness tourism in Korea is growing fast with increased publicity and spotlight. Yes, these are things you can do as a normal routine, but it feels different when you go on a tour with all these packages, mix with people you don’t know but share common interests with, and experience the healing that your body and soul need.

If you are worried about the language barrier, then you don’t have to be because you will find lots of English-friendly programs. Just make sure to book early, wear comfortable clothes, and keep your phone off during treatments to help your journey to wholesome wellness. If you ever press the reset button and decide to try it out, we cannot wait to hear the story about your experience.