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Wellness top of mind, and body, for Busan tourism
Experience a moment of Zen and the best sunrise in the city at Dadaepo Beach.
Wellness tourism combines nature, culture, and activities to enhance physical and mental well-being. As more travelers seek experiences centered on health and healing, Busan has stepped up its efforts to cater to this demand.
Busan is positioning itself as a premier destination for wellness tourism by adding four new spots to its roster of healing-focused attractions. With these additions, the city now boasts 10 designated wellness tourism sites.
In 2023, the city selected six locations as official wellness attractions: Gwangalli SUP Zone, Ahopsan Forest, the healing forest at Children's Grand Park, Naewonjeongsa Temple, Hongbeopsa Temple, and ClubD Oasis. Each offers unique experiences that blend natural beauty with health-focused activities.
The Gwangalli SUP Zone offers standup paddleboarding to visitors. No experience is necessary to benefit from SUP, which enhances physical strength, balance and endurance. The center also offers SUP Yoga. With fresh air, gentle waves, and beautiful sunsets and sunrises, SUP is an activity that heals the body, mind and spirit.
Ahopsan Forest is an ecological gem featuring dense groves of bamboo, cypress and Geumgang pine trees. The forest, which has survived wars and industrialization, has been in its natural state for over 400 years.
The Healing Forest inside Children's Grand Park in Busanjin-gu District is ideal for relaxing in the city center.
To escape the suffering of the material world and take a step towards nirvana, head to Hongbeopsa Temple or Naewonjeongsa Temple. Hongbeopsa is home to Korea's largest seated Buddha statue, which sits above an expansive garden. Naewonjeongsa asks visitors to look inward and find happiness at the international meditation healing center. Both temples offer temple stay programs and meditation classes and are ideal settings for anyone seeking a moment of Zen.
ClubD Oasis in Haeundae-gu District is a hot new tourist attraction that opened in July 2023. This wellness spot offers an outdoor/indoor water park, spa and sauna facilities overlooking Haeundae Beach.
This past November, Busan added four more wellness attractions to heal citizens and tourists.
Beomeosa Temple, nestled on Geumjeongsan Mountain, is surrounded by scenic valleys and rugged peaks and draws visitors year-round.
The Park Hyatt Busan offers truly restful stays in an iconic skyscraper. Lounge in comfort while taking in expansive ocean or city views.
Local company Norfit offers personal and group wellness programs centered on Nordic walking, nature treks and yoga at Dadaepo Beach.
Finally, SMB Wellness Center, located near Hakri Village in Gijang-gun County, offers visitors a "free soul, a peaceful mind and a healthy body" through its various services. Health-seekers can avail themselves of SMB's aesthetic treatments, aromatherapy, yoga classes and tea services.
To ensure the success of these wellness tourism attractions, the Busan City government provides administrative support, including custom wellness program development, marketing consultation and branding assistance.
As wellness tourism continues to grow, Busan's diverse range of wellness offerings positions the city as a leading destination for health-conscious travelers.