41 places for you to chill, and counting

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41 places for you to chill, and counting

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A guest meditates at Healience Seonmaeul. [HEALIENCE SEONMAEUL]

Although much has changed, many see Korea as a country where people work too much and push for speedy action when it comes to taking care of errands. To show that Korea has an alternative, more relaxing side, the government is showing off the spots where things move more slowly.

To inspire more entities to take part in providing services to make people’s time away from home more relaxing yet entertaining, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as well as the Korea Tourism Organization, have developed a list of recommended wellness tourism spots. These spots are spread across the country. The list is at 41, with 10 added last week.

The newly designated places are outside of Seoul. One of the hottest hotspots among locals as well as those coming from overseas is a spa facility called Cimer inside the Paradise City resort. Located minutes from the Incheon International Airport, the resort works as the getaway-from-the-city spot for locals tired of busy city life, and an easy layover break spot for the international travelers.

Cimer is a building where both outdoor and indoor spa and swimming pools are located. It has an infinity pool on the rooftop, where swimmers can enjoy the view of planes taking off and taxing. Many pools, big and small, allow for active swimming, lounging and pool parties. For those using the spa anytime up until Sept. 30, many raffle options are available to possibly win free overnight stays at the resort. Every weekend until Oct. 27, the spa will hold musical performances to cater better to those looking for some entertainment during their relaxation.

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Cimer, above, a spa at Paradise City in Incheon, offers aquatic activities. Hanwha Resort Geoje Belvedere on Geoje Island, South Gyeongsang, is a place where one can swim. [EACH RESORT]

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Healience Seonmaeul in Hongcheon, Gangwon, with the mountains in the background. [HEALIENCE SEONMAEUL]

One of the newer resorts, Hanwha Resort Geoje Belvedere on Geoje Island, South Gyeongsang, has also been chosen for facilities where people can take time to mediate and rest. Located close to the water of the South Sea, the resort offers a view of Geoga Bridge that connects the island to the mainland. It has a variety of yoga programs available including Sunrise Yoga. Museum San in Wonju, Gangwon, may seem odd as a wellness travel spot because it is a place where art is displayed. Yet, the location of it, surrounded by the nearby mountains, provides a chance to take a peaceful walk around while appreciating art. There are spots where people can meditate around the museum.

According to the Global Wellness Institute’s Global Economic Monitor Wellness, the global wellness industry has increased by 6.4 percent on year by average from 2015 to 2017, which is about two times faster than the average global economic growth rate of 3.6 percent. Travel inspired by wellness is one of the areas expected to grow faster.

The Korean government, noting the trend, started to publish the recommended list in 2017.

For more information, go to www.visitkorea.co.kr or call 1330 for any kind of travel information around Korea. The service is available 24 hours everyday and is offered in four different languages including Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese.

BY LEE SUN-MIN [summerlee@joongang.co.kr]
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