6 local accommodation recommendations for 'forest bathers'
By Jun Ji-hye
An increasing number of tourists are seeking to enjoy “forest bathing” ― or simply being in nature ― to relax at quiet and less-crowded spots amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.
In the Future of Travel survey conducted by Booking.com on 1,000 Korean travelers last year,
56 percent of the respondents said they are seeking out more rural, off-the-beaten-track experiences for their upcoming vacations.
With the expectation that the number of travelers longing for activities in nature will continue to grow, the online travel platform recommended six local accommodations, based on the destinations most endorsed for “nature” among Korean travelers.
WE Hotel Jeju
WE Hotel Jeju / Courtesy of Booking.com
For those who want to immerse themselves in the forest, the five-star WE Hotel Jeju, located in the middle of Mount Halla on the country's southern island of Jeju, is a perfect place to stay.
The resort complex includes the WE Hotel Jeju and the WE Hospital, operated by the Halla Medical Foundation, pioneering a new accommodation category as the nation's first premium health resort, offering differentiated wellness and relaxation amenities.
Guests staying here can enjoy the fresh air and natural scenery amidst the beautiful forest and hiking trails around the resort.
The hotel's all-day dining restaurant, Dachae, also offers various fusion cuisine and Jeju specialties prepared with fresh local seafood and ingredients.
Amber Resort Jeju
Amber Resort Jeju / Courtesy of Booking.com
Located 500 meters above the mid-level of Mount Halla, Amber Resort Jeju boasts unobstructed scenery of Jeju and offers a relaxing atmosphere in nature.
The resort has 10 independent two-story houses in a large, open grass area.
Spending the whole day within the resort can be more than enough, but taking a 15-minute drive to downtown Jeju for various eateries and activities is also recommended.
Ananti Hilton Busan
Ananti Hilton Busan / Courtesy of Booking.com
Haeundae Beach may be the top destination in Busan for many but Gijang has also been spotlighted due to the number of Instagrammable restaurants and cafes there.
Moreover, Ahopsan Forest, known as the filming location of many movies and dramas, is a popular spot for healing, ideal for forest bathing and relaxation.
The Ananti Hilton Busan is one of the iconic landmarks in the region, offering unparalleled luxury service as well as rooms with ocean views, an infinity pool and a rooftop bar.
Lotte Resort Sokcho
Lotte Resort Sokcho / Courtesy of Booking.com
Mount Seorak has been cited as one of the must-visit spots in Sokcho, Gangwon Province, as it boasts great natural scenery.
To reach the top of the mountain, you can either hike up with your own two feet to intimately feel the bumpy trails, or ride the cable car to get there easier and faster.
The Lotte Resort Sokcho, located 25 minutes away by car from the Mount Seorak cable car boarding station, should be a great choice for those who want to enjoy both the mountains and the sea.
Phoenix Pyeongchang Hotel
Phoenix Pyeongchang Hotel / Courtesy of Booking.com
Pyeongchang in Gangwon Province is an ideal destination for those seeking to enjoy forest bathing, as many mountains, such as Mount Odae and Mount Changam are clustered in this area.
The Phoenix Pyeongchang Hotel is the perfect accommodation for enjoying a satisfying stay in the forest at any time of the year, as it offers breathtaking mountain views from the rooms, showcasing the different colors of the mountains as the seasons change.
The hotel is equipped with a camping tent in the outdoor grass area, so that visitors can enjoy a barbeque on a sunny day.
During the winter, visitors can get ski passes and rent equipment from a ski rental shop on the property to experience winter activities at the Phoenix Pyeongchang Snow Park, located within a 500-meter distance from the hotel.
Stanford Hotel & Resort Tongyeong
Stanford Hotel & Resort Tongyeong / Courtesy of Booking.com
Tongyeong in South Gyeongsang Province is often called the “Naples of the East,” comprising hundreds of islands in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula.
Set besides the sea, many mountains and forests throughout the area make Tongyeong an eye-catching spot for travelers.
In particular, Mount Mireuk is a perfect spot for visitors to enjoy the benefits of breathing in airborne phytoncides ― or the natural antibiotic substance that trees and plants produce ―from the area's cypress trees.
Visitors can also get on the cable car to the top of the mountain to capture the picture-perfect scenery of the area.
The Stanford Hotel & Resort Tongyeong is recommended for those who are planning a trip to this beautiful destination.
Located in the Donam Tourist Complex, the heart of the city, the hotel is situated at a location for viewing sunsets and sunrises, as all rooms provide views of the sea around Tongyeong.
Visitors can make the most of their trip, as many attractions and activities, including the Mireuk cable car and golf course are easily accessible from the property.