South Korea’s mineral spas soothe cyclists after a day of touring

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korea tourism org_1
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Written by Linda Hohnholz

What’s better after a long bike ride or day of touring on foot than a long, hot bath? Not much…Maybe a massage?

What’s better after a long bike ride or day of touring on foot than a long, hot bath? Not much…Maybe a massage? Well, it turns out that you can get a fantastically relaxing experience for a fraction of what it would cost in the West when you visit Korea’s hot spring resorts. These special spots are the result of the same volcanic activity that gave Korea its mountainous topography. Don’t worry, though–there are no active volcanoes on the Peninsula.

You can take it easy away from the madding crowds of exciting urban landscapes such as Seoul and Pusan, at prices that are at a fraction of the typical costs of similar Western resorts.

You go on vacation to a new place for the sensory experience of new sights and sounds, and a sort of planned culture shock that broadens your horizons. That’s a lot to take in over the span of just a few days! What’s wrong with a little alone time to relax and process it all?

Many tourists in Korea find the prospect of rest and relaxation to be as tantalizing as finding the best panoramic views or seeing national treasures in a museum. As it turns out, by relaxing in Korea’s many spas, you’re also taking part in a Korean cultural activity! Feel enriched and reinvigorated as you soak the way locals have done for hundreds of years. Your mental and even dental health could benefit from the mineral waters, as drinking them is said to alleviate tooth decay. The spas of Jeolla-do province are said to improve circulation, promote women’s health around the time of childbirth, and of course soothe muscle and skeletal problems.

Korea’s spas are as diverse in personality as Koreans themselves–you can find spas that focus on food, waterparks that pair hot pools with slides where your kids can say “Cowabunga!” and any combination of indoor and outdoor experiences to suit your fancy.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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