"Just walking heals you"... A great domestic wellness travel destination for a light getaway

The summer vacation season is also coming to an end. Many people haven't gone on vacation yet due to being too busy, the heat, or not being able to prepare.

 

On a hot summer day, if you don't want to do anything particularly grand but want to let go of all your daily stress and enjoy some healing even for a moment, I recommend heading to Goheung in Jeollanam-do. It is a great domestic wellness travel destination for a light trip without the need to plan special schedules or worry about costs.

Gohung County announced that the number of tourists visiting Gohung in the first half of this year (January to June) was 3.1 million, a 30% increase compared to the same period last year. In particular, it is said that the beautiful natural scenery and diverse tourism resources are attracting visitors. I personally visited four healing spots in Gohung's natural environment, which are perfect for walking and relaxation, earlier this month, and I am sharing my review.

Geumgeum Ecological Forest Trail Entrance / Photo by Kang Ye-shin, Travel+ Reporter

Geumgang Ecological Forest, which has a neatly constructed valley and forest observation trail, was established in 2009 at the foot of Mt. Jeokdae on Geumgang Island. It features a variety of flora and fauna resources and is also popular as a site for ecological education for students. Nearby, there is the Geumgang Island Cheongseok Auto Camping Site, which is frequently visited by campers.

Geumgeum Ecological Forest Cloud Bridge. /Photo by Kang Ye-shin Travel+

Reporter.

Contrary to what the name "Exploration Trail" suggests, it is quite a strenuous hike. When you reach the pavilion, go straight and ascend counterclockwise until you reach the cloud bridge. It takes nearly 30 minutes to reach the cloud bridge, and the ground is made of stones with a steep path, so comfortable shoes are essential.

 

The most representative course is about an hour long, passing over a cloud bridge, circling the ridge to reach the canopy highway, and then returning to the pavilion. Once you go above the halfway point, a wide-open sea unfolds in all directions, and especially in autumn, the scenery is breathtaking with the combination of colorful leaves and silver grass. In summer, for safety, it is recommended to bring cool water, simple snacks, and an umbrella.

 

At the entrance of Geumgeum Ecological Forest, there is the Forest Love Promotion Center, which displays information about subtropical plants. Before or after hiking, enjoy a refreshing rest while viewing exhibits about the forest's flora and fauna. Upon request, friendly staff will also provide explanations about the ecological forest and recommend nearby travel maps.

 

 

 

Ikgeum Beach. /Photo= Kang Ye-shin Travel+ Reporter

 

If you want to escape the crowded and bustling beaches and find a relaxed and clean beach, Ikgeum Beach can be a good choice. It is the beach with the widest sandy area in Goheung County, measuring 900 meters in length and 40 meters in width.

 

It is a hidden summer getaway spot in Goheung, where the water is shallow, the slope is gentle, and the sea and white sand are clean, making it popular among families traveling with children.

 

Especially, as information spreads that "super-earthing" done on moist ground like sandy beaches is more effective than simple barefoot walking, more people are coming to enjoy super-earthing at this fine sandy place. Every time the gentle waves lightly touch the tips of the toes, a sense of tranquility is amplified.

 

Hwang Jin-dong, the head of Geumsan-myeon, said, "We are paying special attention to cleaning up the environment of the beach with social organizations so that more people can visit Ikgeum Beach," and "We will work harder to establish it as a sacred place for barefoot walking."

 

Ikgeum Beach Rest Area. /Photo by Kang Ye-shin, Travel+ Reporter

There are many mats in the shaded area, and people who came to enjoy camping or car camping can also be seen. Since there aren't many visitors, it's perfect for groups to spend time leisurely and comfortably. The shower and restroom facilities are also quite clean, and sea fishing is possible.

 

The beach resort operates for about 30 days from mid-July to mid-August each year, and the fee for using the tent village varies depending on the size of the tent. There are not many special attractions, famous restaurants, or cafes nearby, so it is recommended for those seeking a relaxed rest rather than exciting activities.

 

Palyeongsan Cypress Healing Forest

Entrance to Palyeongsan Cypress Healing Forest. /Photo by Kang Yesin, Travel+ Reporter

Palyeongsan Cedar Healing Forest, a forest healing space created within a cedar forest, features a therapy center, healing forest trail, meditation rest area, and Nordic walking course. Visitors can enjoy the scent of phytoncides and escape the heat to experience healing within the cedar forest spanning 416 hectares (approximately 1,258,400 pyeong).

 

A wide variety of visitors, from local residents to travelers and group tour customers, visit frequently throughout all four seasons.

 

It's fine to take a walk alone in the forest and look around, but I recommend applying for a forest healing program and enjoying various experiences under the guidance of a forest healing instructor.

 

 

Both indoor and outdoor courses are available, with the most representative programs being the healing forest trail and Nordic walking course conducted in the forest, as well as meditation rest areas. Instructors guide participants while walking through the forest, teaching proper breathing techniques and leading them to achieve true relaxation of the body and mind.

 

 Hinoki barefoot walk. /Photo by Kang Ye-shin, Travel+ Reporter

 

The most popular facility is the cypress barefoot walk. As demand for barefoot walking increased, a yellow clay path was laid on the gentle forest trail to create a dedicated barefoot walking path.

 

At the starting point, there is a shoe storage area and a facility where visitors can comfortably sit and wash their feet with cool water. The surface of the yellow clay path is smooth, so it doesn't hurt your feet, and the surrounding cypress trees make for a refreshing walk.

 

Hammock Healing Zone. / Photo = Kang Ye-shin Travel+ Reporter

Relaxing in a hammock in the forest is also a highly satisfying program. Setting up a mosquito net makes it comfortable to enjoy even in summer. It is only available to applicants of the forest healing program. Similarly, a tent-style mosquito net is installed on the meditation deck to prevent insects from entering, allowing for undisturbed meditation.

 

Nokdong Port

If you're looking for a sunset spot in Goheung, head to the representative harbor of Goheung at sunset, Nokdong Port. Nokdong Port, the hub of maritime transportation connecting Sora Island, Geomundo, Baekdo, and Jeju Island, is also famous for offering various seafood at affordable prices. About 70% of the local offshore catch in Goheung is produced here.

 

Nokdong Port Sea Garden, Dome Video Hall, VR Experience Center, and other various attractions are available. It is especially well known as a good place to enjoy the sunset in Goheung, so it would be nice to finish your schedule at Nokdong Port before dinner. When the sky darkens, colorful lights illuminate Sorok Bridge, allowing you to enjoy a splendid night view.

 

Nokdong Port Fireworks Show. /Photo = Goheung County

Gohung County has been operating a drone show regularly every Saturday night at Nokdong Port since April. During the Chuseok holiday period from September 14 to 17, a special performance will be held. On days when the drone show takes place, various performances such as acoustic guitar, saxophone, and magic shows will also be held in a lively and diverse manner.

 

We will also hold at least one maritime multimedia fireworks show every month until November, so check the festival schedule on the Goheung County website and come visit.

 

Gong Young-min, the governor of Goheung County, said, "We plan to continue events that make the night sky at Nokdong Port more dazzling with fireworks and drones to promote the influx of stay-type tourists and serve as a driving force for regional economic revitalization."

 

Copyright © Maeil Business Newspaper

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You can go on a summer trip at the end of the season.

Going out during the Chuseok holiday.

I think that would be good too.

I live two hours away, so I occasionally visit Ikgeum Beach, the Hinoki Forest, or Nokdong Port.

It was quiet and nice because it wasn't famous.

If you go to Nokdong Port, you can enjoy fresh sashimi.

There is.