The keyword for travel today is no longer "comfort." A growingly popular type of tourism requires self-reflection amid discomfort. The Korea Tourism Organization recommends five venues for "inconvenient travel" that forces tourists to let go of their daily habits and focus on themselves. The following spots might seem inconvenient but through this, visitors can perhaps find true relaxation and self-insight.
By Margareth Theresia
Photos = Korea Tourism Organization
Testing oneself by crossing five mountains
The landscape of Dobongsan Mountain, whose peak is 740 m above sea level, stretches across Dobong-gu District of Seoul, Uijeongbu and the township of Jangheung-myeon in Yangju, Gyeonggi-do Province.
A hiking course starts from Buramsan Mountain in northern Seoul and sprawls through the mountains of Suraksan, Sapaesan, Dobongsan and Bukhansan. Connected by a single ridge, the excursion takes a night and two days and covers a combined distance of 45 km and cumulative elevation of 4,000 m. On a path where tranquility and pain intersect, what a participant ultimately faces is oneself.
The objective is to cross the five peaks on the ridge. Managing time and stamina are the keys to success. Before embarking on this challenge, an important step is to get familiar with the mountains' environment and terrain to acclimate to their natural surroundings.
24-hour solo space Happitory
Happitory in Hongcheon-gun County, Gangwon-do Province, offers a prime chance at quality time alone.
Experience 24 hours in a cell covering 5 square m with no electronic devices or clocks. Happitory in Hongcheon-gun County, Gangwon-do Province, offers a complete escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to truly experience "me" time, gaze out the window at nature, read and write, and connect with oneself. Participants arrive at 10:30 a.m., undergo orientation, eat lunch and go back to their rooms. After handing over all electronic devices, they are left completely alone until the next morning. A bell signals the serving of dinner and breakfast as packed meals through a distribution center. Reservations can be made on the facility's official website (www.happitory.org).
Menge Village: island on land
A tractor welcomes visitors to Menge Village in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.
The hidden Menge Village is seemingly cut off from the world by a river, as reaching it requires crossing the Nakdonggang River in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, on a tractor. The area was once abandoned due to lack of transportation and infrastructure. Life was revived in the village, however, after a couple settled there and cultivated the land. Today Menge attracts tourists thanks to its fame as the production site of Andong Jinmaek, the nation's first wheat-based soju (traditional liquor). Use Naver to make a reservation (https://booking.naver.com/booking/3/bizes/162763) and expect the village to warmly welcome visitors.
Retreat at Order of St. Benedict Waegwan Abbey
A young man walks on the path next to the old cathedral at the Order of St. Benedict Waegwan Abbey in Chilgok-gun County, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.
The Order of St. Benedict Waegwan Abbey is great for those in search of self-reflection at a place of peace and silence. The two-day retreat allows immersion for a day at the monastery. Prayer and meditation naturally calm the mind. Devoting mind and body to the monks' prayers at the main sanctuary results in a far calmer and more refined state of being, enriched by the fulfilling morning and evening prayer. Reservations can be made on the official website (http://www.osb.kr//).
Tiny unmanned Gaga Bookstore
Two sisters visit Gaga Bookstore in Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do Province.
This small and unmanned bookstore has no signs or lights. Customers must call the number listed on the door to get a password to enter. The system controls everything from lighting to air conditioning, creating a one-of-a-kind adventure reminiscent of an escape room game. Though covering just 16 square m, the store holds numerous life stories. The latest news on this establishment is on its official Instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/homowanders/#).
margareth@korea.kr