7 Must-visit wellness destinations in Korea

Endless deadlines, daily OT at work, poor diet, and lack of exercise are just some of the things that characterize the lifestyle of many young urban professionals today. I can speak from personal experience because I am part of that workforce.

There are days when these things just take a toll on you and the last thing you want to do is get out of bed. You lack focus and motivation, and the drive to get tasks done simply isn't there anymore.

Believe it or not, these may be signs of burnout and stress. I am no medical expert but I do know that it's best to listen to your body and take a break when you experience these signs.

I believe travelling is a good way to relieve yourself from stress. It shifts your focus away from what usually makes you anxious and gives you many things to look forward to. And what better place to visit than top wellness destinations where you can relax, unwind, and receive treatments that will rejuvenate not just your body but also your mind and spirt. This way, you can come back to 'reality' renewed and with a positive disposition.

Fortunately, I have a planned trip to Korea a few months from now, and I've heard of several must-visit wellness destinations recommended by Visit Medical Korea (VMK). I've researched on each of them and would like to share them with you here. Read on to find out what wellness destination in Korea suits your needs and style. :)

SEOUL

Cheongkwanjang SPA G (정관장 SPA G)

Type: Hot Springs/ Bath Houses/Spas/ Jjimjilbangs

Photo Credit: Spa G & Visitkorea.or.kr; Photo editing by me :)

• If you've been through a lot of stress lately, then Spa Centers are one of the best places to relax and experience wellness rituals that revive the body, mind, and spirit. One of the most popular spa centers in Seoul is Cheongkwanjang Spa G, which is famous for using 6-year-old ginseng roots that went through strict quality management and thorough testing.
• Red Ginseng is a popular medicinal herb in Korea that's rich in vitamins and minerals, essential oils, amino acids, and enzymes. It is known to improve the body's vitality, enhance brain function, relieve stress, increase blood circulation, and boost the immune system.
• Launched by a high quality red ginseng (also known as 'hongsam') brand named Cheongkwanjang of the Korea Ginseng Corporation, Spa G has 4 individual hongsam therapy rooms:

1. Hongsam Spa Room: This is where guests can receive water massage to stimulate blood circulation 
2. Hunjeungyok: Guests who like steam treatments may go here and even have red ginseng concentrate applied in their body. These are great for detoxification and providing body nourishment. 
3. Foot Spa Zone: Want to relieve stress via a foot massage? Then this is the hongsam therapy room for you. 
4. Head Spa Zone: Relax your mind and give your crowning glory a boost with restorative scalp treatments using red ginseng products at this therapy room.

Photo Credit: Spa G & Visitkorea.or.kr

Photo Credit: Spa G & Visitkorea.or.kr

• Reservation is required for all spa programs. The length of each session vary from 1-6 hours, depending on the choice of treatment.
• Spa G offers single (KRW 110,000/PHP 4,400/USD 97) and package (KRW187,000/ PHP7,480/ USD165 and up) programs for the face, body, foot, and head. There's also a Spa G Signature package for the face and body (KRW 473,000/PHP18,920/USD416.25).

Address: 416, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 강남구 영동대로 416 (대치동,(주)케이티앤지 서울사무소)

Directions:
[Subway] Samseong Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 2.
Go straight 200m to arrive at the SPA G (Kosmo Tower, B2) on the left.

Contact no.: +82-2-557-8030 (Available languages: English, Japanese)

Operating Hours: 9:00am-11:00pm

Branches: Gangnam, and Myeongdong

Website: http://www.spag.co.kr/

Nearby tourist attractions: Prugio Valley, Park Club Spa, Korea Culture House (KOUS), Baekam Art Hall, S.J. Cho Korean Paper Art Gallery, Coex Mall

You can also visit HERE for more details.

Sulhwasoo Flagship Store

Type: Beauty Complex/ Spa/ Boutique/ Culture Lounge

Photo credit: Sulwhasoo.com; Photo editing by me :)

• Sulhwasoo is a premium beauty brand in Korea. In order to let their local and international customers experience the essence and journey of beauty in its deepest sense, they've built a beauty center, which became their flagship store, that has a spa, a boutique, a culture lounge, a gift wrapping center, and a roof deck.
• The store boasts of an exceptional architectural design by Neri & Hu Design & Research Office, and was inspired by the concept of a lantern.
• They offer 40-minute guided tours for visitors. Tour groups of more than 10 people should make a reservation at least a day before the visit.
• The store consists of the following:

          - B1F- Sulhwasoo Spa- This is a premium Korean Herbal Medicine Anti-Aging Spa which 

                    uses premium anti-aging skin care products, traditional methods, and special treatment 

                     tools like Jade, Amber, White Porcelain, and the JAUM balancing complex bowl. 

          - 1F- Heritage Room & Boutique- This is where guests can explore all of Sulwhasoo Flagship 

                   Store’s exclusive and new products, and seasonal offerings.

          - 2F- Gift Packaging Service & Boutique- Guests can test Sulwhasoo products and also get 

                  personalized consultations here. The exclusive gift wrapping service uses the Ji Ham Bo 

                  which means a box and cloth containing wisdom.

          - 3F- VIP & Culture Lounge- The VIP Lounge is an intimate space for premium Sulhwasoo 

                   Clients while the Culture Lounge is where guests can try various cultural and beauty 

                   classes.

Photo Credit: Sulwhasoo.com

        - 4F- Sulwhasoo Balance Spa- This is a contemporary Korean Herbal Medicine Balance Spa 

                 that uses traditional techniques in a treatment room filled with natural sunlight and relaxing                  music. There's also a Relaxation Lounger and a room overlooking Dosan Park.

Photo Credit: Sulwhasoo.com

          - 5F- Rooftop- Guests can also relax and enjoy the view at the outdoor lounge at the top of the 

                   building.
Address: Sulwhasoo Flagship Store 18, Dosan-daero 45-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea

Contact no.: 02-541-9270
SPA RESERVATION
Sulwhasoo Spa(B1) 02-541-9272
Sulwhasoo Balance Spa(4F) 02-541-9273

Operating Hours:
BOUTIQUE AND SPA HOURS
Mon-Sun 10:00 - 21:00
(Closed every 2nd Monday, Chinese New Year’s Day, and Chuseok)

Website:  http://www.sulwhasoo.com/

Tea Therapy (티 테라피)

Type: Cafe/Tea Shop/Health Center

Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization; Yoribai.com

• If you like unique cafes like me, then Tea Therapy might just be your 'cup of tea'. A fusion of a cafe, a clinic, and a school, it boasts of medicinal home-brewed teas and a relaxing foot bath that gives you a remarkable experience of Korea's tea culture.
• The owner is a certified Oriental medicine doctor who believes in making his craft more accessible to people via teas and diets. He uses traditional herbs in tea-making and focuses on ingredients and flavor as well as aroma in creating his healing brews.
• The cafe has been featured in KBS's "Muhanjidae Q" for its interior design and unique programs for visitors such as meditation, diet consultations, tea-making class, and rejuvenating foot bath experience.

Interior of Tea Therapy Samcheongdong Branch
Photo Credit: mysourlsearching.com 

• The foot bath, which is free for patrons and is done at an area outside the cafe, gives visitors a chance to choose among 3 basins and soak their feet in either hot or cold water. You can even add a medicinal mixture to your foot bath for KRW 5,000 (PHP 200/ USD 4.40).

Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organization

• The cafe offers all sort of tea blends from stamina boosting teas to hangover-curing blends. The most popular ones are the Weight Loss blend, which combines the zingy scent of dried tangerine peel with the toasty notes of buckwheat, and the Stress-Free blend, which imparts the refreshing scent of mint.
• Aside from tea selections, Tea Therapy also offers coffee, desserts, and brunch (KRW 7,000/ PHP 280/ USD 6.16 and up).

Address: Ago Building 1F, 616-6, Shinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-894, Korea 

                압구정 본점

Directions:

[Subway] Apgujeong Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 2.
Go 300m to arrive at the first corner, and turn left.
The cafe is located on the left.

Contact no.: +82-2-518-7506 (Available languages: Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Operating Hours: 10:00am- 11pm (Mon-Sat.) and 10:00am- 11:30pm (Sun.)

Branches: Shinsadong (Gangnam) and Angukdong (Samcheongdong)

Website: http://teatherapy.com/

Nearby tourist attractions: Hallyu K-Star Road, Apgujeong Rodeo Street, Amore Spa, Coreana Art & Culture Complex, Hill Spa

You can also visit HERE for more details.

Yakdabang Bomdong

Type: Tea house / Traditional Korean Medicine Clinic

Photo credit: Visit Medical Korea; @tourmatekorea; Timeout.com

• Yakdabang Bomdong is more than just your average tea house. Situated at the vibrant and hip neighborhood of Hongdae, it's a unique "traditional medicine salon" that has 2 areas: (1) Bomdong or a Tea room and (2) Saenggang or a Traditional Medicine Clinic at the basement.

• This tea salon is founded by 16 Oriental medicine doctors who wants to make traditional herbal medicines, which are perceived to be 'bitter and painful', more appealing to the masses and their palate through aromatic and healthy herbal teas.
• Patrons are allowed to choose their drink based on their current health condition or mood. They offer 6 basic medicinal teas or body medicinal teas to relieve physical pain or illness, and 48 customized tea blends to soothe the mental well-being and attract a positive state of mind. Free snacks are also served along with the teas. 
• Price range: KRW 8,700 (PHP 348 /USD 7.66) to KRW 14,800 (PHP 592/USD 13.02)
• Guests can get consultations and tea prescriptions from the on-site qualified and professional traditional medicine doctors while having their tea. They will be asked to fill out a 16-item questionnaire, and also indicate their birth dates because each individual's physical and mental well being are unique, depending on when they were born.
• Popular teas in the salon are as follows:

1. Immunity Tea- for people experiencing skin troubles; This tea blend enhances natural immunity and firmness of the skin 
2. Detoxification Tea- for people who are constantly stressed; This tea blend lightens up the body by discharging toxins 
3. Rejuvenation Tea- for people who are gaining weight and feeling sluggish; This tea blend has an anti-aging effect that restores youthful energy.

•  Aside from tea, Yakdabang Bomdong offers over 20 medicinal liquors, which are served in teir bar during the evening. The alcohol in these liquors help deliver the active properties of medicinal ingredients deeply into various body parts that normal brewed teas fail to reach. 

• Another popular service of this tea salon is the foot bath (KRW 10,000/ PHP 400 /USD 8.80). Since the state of our feet can reveal a number of health issues, a good foot bath can be very relaxing and have healing effects. In Yakdabang Bomdong, patrons can choose or have onsite doctors prescribe the herbs that will be infused in their bath water, and they can also choose between a steam or just hot water for their 20-minute foot bath.

Photocredit: @tourmatekorea

• Reservations are needed if you want to consult a doctor at Saenggang.

Address: 12-13, World Cup buk-ro 6-gil Mapo-gu, Seoul 03992

Directions:
[Subway] Hongik University(Line 2, Airport railroad ),exit 1.
Exit Gate 1, Hongik University Station (Metro Line 2). Turn right at the Hongik University Intersection. Cross the first crossroad and walk straight on. Turn right at the alley marked by the convenience store “Ministop”. Turn left at the building right next to Hanmi Pharmacy on the first three-way junction you encounter.

Contact no.: 070-4639-2221

Operating Hours: 11:00am-11:00pm

You can visit HERE for more details.

Cheongna Sparex

Type: Hot Springs/ Bath Houses/Spas/ Jjimjilbangs

• I've always wanted to try a Jjimjilbang (Korean Sauna), having seen them often in the Korean dramas that I really love watching. If you want to experience the typical Korean Jjimjilbang, then Sparex is the place to go. 
• People can stay here overnight or up to 24 hours. Hence, travellers on a budget would sometimes use it as cheap lodging or at least a place to spend the night.
• Upon check-in, guests are given locker keys, a shirt, a pair of shorts and 2 towels. Shoes aren't allowed inside the spa so you'll have to walk around barefoot.
• Sparex facilities include a locker area, various bathing rooms, hot and cold saunas, pools infused with herbal blends, a lounge area, a gym, an internet cafe, a food court and a sleeping area. Although people usually sleep just about anywhere they want in a Jjimjilbang.

Photo credit: jorninseoul.blogspot.com

• The lounge area, where people can nap, watch TV, or just relax while eating , is designed like a traditional Korean village.
• If it's you're first time in a Korean spa, be prepared and don't get too shocked to see everyone stark naked at the bathing area. 
• Entrance Fee: KRW 10,000 (PHP 400 /USD 8.80)

Address: Good Morning City Shopping Mall, 247, Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul,

Directions:
[Subway] Go to Dongdaemun History and Culture Park (Line 2 or 4 or 5)
Go out at exit no. 14 and look for Good Morning City Building. Enter the building and go downstairs to B3 floor where you will see the entrance to Sparex.

Operating Hours: 24 hours

Nearby tourist attraction: Dongdaemun Design Plaza

BUSAN

Cimer Ocean Spa, Paradise Hotel Busan

Type: Hot Springs/ Spas

Photo credit: busanparadisehotel.co.kr; everydaykorean.com; Photo editing by me :)

• Get a fantastic view of Busan's Haeundae Beach while relaxing at an open-air hot spring at Paradise Hotel Busan's Cimer Ocean Spa. This spa facility has a serene ambience brought about by the perfect combination of a hot bath, calming waves, and the gorgeous view of the sea and sky seamlessly merging into the horizon.

Photo credit: Everydaykorean.com

• The spa floor is designed to be a little higher than the existing spas so guests can enjoy the horizon view of Haeundae. 
• Cimer can be found at the hotel's 4th floor (main building) and is the best place for guests to enjoy the seaside view while pampering themselves at the spa.

Photo credit: everydaykorean.com

• The spa has several pools/'baths' that will help relax and rejuvenate your body (e.g. Red Ginseng Bath, Cinnamon Bath, etc.)
• The spa also has an Aqua Bar, where guests can order and, enjoy drinks and food without leaving the pool (a bar in the pool).
• Cimer Ocean Spa is open for the hotel's staying guests only, and additional fees are required to be able to use the facility. The guests can however invite friends and family to join them at the spa for higher admission fees. 

Photo credit: everydaykorea.com

• Fees are at KRW 16,500 for adults (PHP 660 /USD 14.52) and KRW 8,250 for children (PHP 330 /USD 7.26). For invited guests not staying at the hotel, admission fee is KRW 33,000 (PHP 1320/ USD 29.04). This may be increased during peak seasons. 

Address: 1408-5, Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan

Contact no.: +82-51-742-2121

Operating Hours: 8:00am-10:00pm

Website: https://www.busanparadisehotel.co.kr/spa

Centum Spa Land

Type: Hot Springs/ Bath Houses/Spas/ Jjimjilbangs

Photo credit: cnn.com; Photo editing by me :)

• Centum Spa Land is one big and luxurious Jjimjilbang at Shinsegae Centum City Department Store, which is the Guinness World Record holder as the largest shopping complex in the world.
• Spa Land has 22 spas fed by two different kinds of all-natural spring water pumped up from 1000m underground, 13 distinctively themed 'Jjimjil-bangs' and saunas, and an open-air foot spa, with a maximum occupancy of 1,500 people. The water is sterilized 36 times a day.

Photos by cnn.com

• The spa has several restrictions:

1. Children under 13 aren't allowed inside and minors (18 and below) must be supervised by a guardian (of common gender) after 10pm 
2. People who are drunk, have tattoos, have skin and/or infectious diseases aren't allowed inside the spa. 
3. A guest can only stay at the spa for a maximum of 4 hours. KRW 3,000 (PHP 120/ USD 2.64) will be charged per hour if you exceed 4 hours. 
4. You can leave your valuables in the storage box. No need to bring money inside the spa as everything will be charged to your key. You can just pay everything when you go out.

• The 1st floor houses all the 'Jjimjil-bangs' and traditional saunas from all over the world, which have varying temperatures ranging from extremely hot to extremely cold. Some are as follows: 

1. Salt Room (50.5°C)- Using the world-famous rough salt stones from the Himalayas, this facility is said to have a cleansing effect to the skin, promotes blood circulation and increases immunity. 
2. SEV Room (37.9°C)- This facility uses SEV technology which compounds natural ore and metal to generate electrons that help rejuvenate the body by activating cell function and promoting metabolism. 
3. Ice Room (13.7 °C)- It is ideal to enter this room after going through the hot saunas. The reduction of the body heat helps detoxify the skin and promote blood circulation.

Salt Room

SEV Room
Photos by cnn.com

• You can find the PC room, restaurant, conference room, and entertainment zone which provides various beautification programs, at the 2nd floor.

Photo by cnn.com

• There's also a snack bar that serves bingsu and other vinegar drinks that are said to be good to the skin. Patrons are allowed to eat all around the spa.
• If you're too lazy to scrub, you can submit yourself to the capable hands of a professional scrubber ‘ddemiri’ (scrub mistresses). They are trained to give Korean bath house exfoliating treatment called seshin (a.k.a "cleaner than clean" scrubbing).
• Admission Fees: 

          - Adults- Weekdays: KRW 15,000 (PHP 600/ USD 13.20);
                         Weekends & National Holidays: KRW 18,000 (PHP 720/USD 15.84)

          - Students- Weekdays: KRW 12,000 (PHP 480/USD 10.56);
                         Weekends & National Holidays: KRW 15,000 (PHP 600/ USD 13.20)           

          - Early-visit ticket & Nighttime ticket- 

            Weekdays: KRW 10,000 (PHP 400 /USD 8.80);
            Weekends & National Holidays: KRW 13,000 (PHP 520/ USD 11.44)

          *Guests who spend KRW 10,000 (PHP 400 /USD 8.80) or more inside Spa Land (excluding

           admission fee) may stay up to 6 hours

Address: 35, Centumnam-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
부산광역시 해운대구 센텀남대로 35 (우동)

Directions:
[Subway] Centum City Station (Busan Subway Line 2).
The subway station is directly connected to the complex.

[Bus] From Gimhae Airport, take the Airport Limousine Bus for Centum City.
Get off at the Shinsegae Centum City. It takes about 50 minutes.

* Bus: 5-1, 36, 39, 40, 63, 115, 139, 141, 155, 181, 307 (seated bus), 1001 (rapid bus), 1002 (rapid bus)

Contact no.: (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-51-745-2900

Operating Hours: 6:00am- 12:00am (closed once a month)

Website: www.shinsegae.com

Nearby Tourist attractions: Shinsegae Centum City, Busan Museum of Art, Busan Cinema Center, etc.

You can also visit HERE for more details. Thank you also to 2worldwanderers.com and cnn.com.

~~~

Have you chosen your wellness destination of choice?

Currently, Visit Medical Korea is running a poll on all 7 destinations. You can visit their event page and vote for your favorite. You might even win free plane tickets to Korea or hotel accommodations. Just go to the event page HERE for more details.

As for me, my choice would be Centum Spa Land in Busan. As I've mentioned, one of my Korea bucket list is to try the Jjimjilbang and Spa Land is one giant and luxurious Jjimjilbang at the largest shopping complex in the world! I was so curious and really want to try their spas and themed saunas.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed reading. Thank you for visiting my blog and please let me know if you now of other must-visit wellness destinations in Korea :)

~~~

Interested about Korean Tourism? Check out the Korea Tourism Organization Official Website, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

For Filipinos, follow Korea Tourism Organization Manila at Facebook, Twitter, and KakaoTalk (@ktomanila) for the latest updates on Korea tourism, events, tour packages and promos. :)

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5 useful tips for anyone travelling to Korea

Are you planning to travel to Korea soon?
I remember being very anxious on my first trip to Korea but I was busy then so I hardly had time for research.
After the trip there was so many things I wish I knew, like where to get discounted tickets, or free services that I could have taken advantage of when I was there. That's why I want to share some of the services, policies and apps that I'm sure would be helpful to anyone who's about to visit Korea.

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KTO Manila announces new Wow Korea Supporters for 2017

Last March 30, 2017, KTO Manila finally announced their new Wow Korea Supporters for 2017, and I'm so happy that I was once again given the opportunity to be one of the 50 supporters.

Wow Korea Supporters are tasked to promote Korea Tourism and KTO Manila through their SNS accounts. They can share KTO Manila's post or create their own posts, blogs, and promotional videos related to Korea Tourism or KTO Manila. They are also tasked to submit monthly reports about the said posts to KTO Manila.

This year's selection process for the supporters seem to be more stringent than previous years as qualifications for the applicants have been narrowed down, and the screening committee is also bigger with the addition of partners like Travelers In Progress- TRIP, UST CTHM STS and Ateneo Korean Studies Program.

The supporters are also in for an even bigger challenge as specific themes will be given each week on what topic to promote. They'll be required to have 3 posts related to the theme each week, but they're also free to post other Korean-related topics.

So far, a total of 36 supporters have been announced already and 14 more will be announced in the coming days.

At the end of the year, the Best Wow Korea Supporter among all 50 supporters will win a tour package to Korea. I truly hope to win that package and promise to work harder this year (Fighting!). 

Being a Wow Korea Supporter is a truly rewarding experience that requires commitment, determination, and a genuine love for all things Korean. I've certainly enjoyed and have learned a lot from my first year as supporter (2015). I've been consistently promoting Korea (and have grown more in-love with the country) since.

Congratulations to all of the new supporters and I look forward to all the activities of KTO Manila Wow Korea Supporters this year!

Many thanks again to Korea Tourism Organization Manila, and it's partners, Philippine Kpop Convention, Travelers In Progress- TRIP, UST CTHM STS and Ateneo Korean Studies Program, for this wonderful opportunity :)

~~~

Planning to visit Korea? For information about Korean Tourism, you may visit the Korea Tourism Organization Official page, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

For Filipinos, follow Korea Tourism Organization Manila at Facebook, Twitter, and KakaoTalk (@ktomanila) for the latest updates on Korea tourism, events, tour packages and promos. :)

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