Hidden spots to satisfy 5 senses
By Jun Ji-hye
Everyone has a travel destination they remember through the senses.
The unforgettable moments experienced through various sensations, such as the sound of waves on a quiet beach, the red sunset viewed from a high-rise in the city or the scent of exotic spices in a local market, remain as memories long after the traveler returns home.
Triggering travel memories through the five senses by, for example, lighting scented candles that remind people of the places they have traveled, is one way to tap into that travel state of mind in everyday life.
Global online travel agency Expedia introduces local hidden destinations as well as local lodging properties that can satisfy the five senses of travelers.
'Summer ASMR' of pebbles on Mongdol Beach
Mongdol Beach in Wando, South Jeolla Province / Courtesy of Expedia
Mongdol Beach in Wando, South Jeolla Province, is covered in pebbles called “mongdol,” instead of sand. The place would be a good choice to avoid the usual overcrowding at the beach this summer.
The sound of gentle waves pulsating against the smooth, round pebbles filling the 800-meter-long beach creates a peaceful atmosphere as the waves wash all worries away.
The dense evergreen coastal forest is also a great place for taking a relaxing walk.
While travelers can enjoy a panoramic view of the ocean from a resort on the beach, nearby Wando Sumokwon Pension offers guests an experience of staying at a unique private house or a caravan for the night.
The feeling of a mountain breeze on Hill of the Wind
Hill of the Wind in Taebaek, Gangwon Province / Courtesy of Expedia
A wind turbine complex at Mount Maebong in Taebaek, Gangwon Province, is called Hill of the Wind.
The spot welcomes visitors with a cool breeze all year round, with huge wind turbines in the background adding a nice touch.
A refreshing feeling comes with the scenic mountains and endless fields of green hay bales along the mountain ridge.
Park Roche Resort & Wellness in nearby Jeongseon gives visitors an opportunity to focus on inner peace and rejuvenation as a variety of wellness programs, such as non-face-to-face yoga and meditation classes, are available.
Sunrise and sunset at Waemok Village
Waemok Village in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province / Courtesy of Expedia
For trips of one or more nights, travelers often go for spots to see either the sunset or sunrise. They can see both in Waemok Village in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province.
The village is located in the protruding parts of the city heading towards the east, meaning people get to see both the sunset to the west, and sunrise to the east.
Starting the day with a majestic sunrise and finishing with a peaceful sunset in the same spot will make an unforgettable travel memory.
Tourists can taste fresh seafood at Waemok Port near the village.
Neighboring city Seosan is also a great place to travel together with Dangjin.
For travelers who consider hygiene standards most important when booking accommodation, the Aria Hotel Seosan holds a high rating for cleanliness on Expedia.
A taste of fresh wine in Meoru Wine Cave
Meoru Wine Cave in Muju, North Jeolla Province / Courtesy of Expedia
Wine lovers seeking specialty wine at every destination they visit are invited to the “cave winery” in Muju, North Jeolla Province.
In the Meoru Wine Cave located in the middle of Mount Jeoksang, visitors can taste local wine made from sanmeoru (wild grape) grown in the city, and even experience a foot bath with wine.
The cave is ideal for escaping from the summer heat, as it maintains a constant temperature of around 13 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
For those who plan to relax during the trip, Muju Resortel near Mount Deogyu and Muju Island Pension where all rooms are in the form of a private vacation home are recommended.
The soft scent of vintage books in the mountains
Saehan Bookstore in Danyang, North Chungcheong Province / Courtesy of Expedia
Those who love the scent of old books are invited to visit Saehan Bookstore in Danyang, North Chungcheong Province.
The used bookstore hidden in the mountain forest holds over 120,000 books.
It is also famous as a filming location of the Korean movie “Inside Men.”
At Sono Moon Danyang Resort near Chungju Lake, guests can use facilities such as the spa or go for a drive along the Namhan River.
“We sought out hidden gem destinations all over the country for travelers who desire to travel without worrying about crowded areas,” said Ree Eun-joo, a communications manager for Expedia Korea.
“Recording the sensory experiences of what you've seen, heard and tasted during your trip will help you bring back those vivid feelings of the vacation. Through your senses, you'll be able to tap into happy travel memories whenever you want.”