Wellness Korean Style at Jwagusan Recreational Forest in Jeungpyeong
I was recently on a wellness adventure to Jeungpyeong in Chungcheongbuk-do and one of the stops was the beautiful Jwagusan Recreational Forest (좌구산 자연휴양림). In recent years, the Korean parks and forests have done a lot to emphasize their wellness opportunities and have created numerous wellness experiences to really entice visitors to come and do more when surrounded by the beautiful forests that blanket the country.
To start your adventure into the recreational forest, be sure to stop at the Forest Meditation House to join a program. We took part in a traditional herbal color flower tea therapy, forest trekking, and a foot bath with tea. See what you can get into when you visit!
Begin your adventure into Jeungpyeong, Korea with a stop at the Jwagusan Recreational Forest:
- Basic Info
- What To Know About Jwagusan Recreational Forest
- Forest Healing Programs
- Head Into The Forest
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Basic Info
Address: 107 Sotjeommal-gil, Jeungpyeong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do (충청북도 증평군 증평읍 솟점말길 107)
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00am ~ 12:00pm; 1:00pm ~ 5:00pm
Program Information:
- Programs may be subject to change depending on the weather conditions.
- Each program has a minimum number of participants that must be reached before it is offered to the participants.
- Forest healing programs require 8 participants, guided forest walks require four, and natural dye programs require six participants.
- With the exception of natural dye programs, you can sign up for craft program on the spot in case of any vacancies.
- Flower tea, foot bath, and Hyu therapy programs are available anytime.
What To Know About Jwagusan Recreational Forest
Located at the foot of Jwagusan Mountain, this lush forest has hiking trails, a mountain bike course, a woodland park, and a very cool and not the for the faint of heart, suspension bridge.
Jwagusan Recreational Forest has offered various healing meditation programs since 2017. This means that the people who work here and have grown the programs to what they are today are not just jumping on a trend, but have endeavored to amplify why they love this forest and how they hope visitors will grow to love it too.
Forest Healing Programs
The philosophy of meditation at Jwagusan is simple—it’s less about mastering complex techniques and more about being present, enjoying each moment in the forest. Whether you choose to meditate while walking along the forest trails, dipping your feet in a cool stream, or swaying gently in a hammock under cherry trees, the essence is to immerse yourself fully in the natural world around you.
Arrive at the Forest Meditation House and start there to decide what programs you would like to join.
There is a craft studio invites creativity, while the Hyu therapy room and massage chair provide soothing relaxation. The aqua healing room offers a unique foot bath experience, allowing you to soak your feet while you enjoy a tea and a treat.
You can learn the art of flower tea roasting, craft natural dyes, create string art, or even try your hand at najeonchilgi, a traditional mother-of-pearl and lacquer craft. These activities engage your senses and bring you closer to the natural materials that make up the forest.
As you ascend to the second floor, you’ll find spaces designed for nourishment and collective reflection. The dining hall serves as a gathering place for meals, while the group meditation hall provides a serene environment for shared moments of mindfulness.
The third floor is where your wellness journey reaches its peak. This level houses intimate meditation spaces where you can retreat into quiet contemplation. The health checkup room offers a personalized start to your experience—here, you can assess your stress levels and blood pressure before choosing from an array of flower teas, made from one of fifty varieties grown in the forest’s own flowerbeds. Pair your tea with traditional jeonggwa or seasonal mugwort rice cakes for a truly holistic treat.
Head Into The Forest
Once outside, head up and around the building to find where the trails begin. Look up and you’ll easily spot the Jwagusan Myeongsan Suspension Bridge (좌구산명산구름다리). Opened in 2017, this suspension bridge is not for the faint of heart. As our group crossed over and slowly approached the center, we realized we were definitely moving to and fro.
The bridge connects the Turtle Rock Garden with the meditation complex. After crossing the bridge, there are various trails you can take which bring you back around to the meditation center again which is likely where you parked.
And for the adventurous at heart, the Jwagusan zipline offers an exhilarating way to experience the forest from above, combining the thrill of speed with the serenity of the surrounding greenery. I’ve done my fair share of ziplines in forests in Korea, so skipped that for a relaxing foot bath this time.
When you’re out and about in Korea, I highly recommend looking up what recreational forests and healing and wellness programs are on offer. There are some great ways to spend the day outside in Korea.
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