The keyword for travel in 2026 is "recovery" instead of "speed." Journeys that temporarily distract from daily rhythms, assesses mind and body, and seek new directions are gaining more attention than destinations. Glimpses of the sunrise, resolutions, deep sleep, relaxation and refinement of the senses have emerged as important criteria for tourism. In line with this trend, the Korea Tourism Organization has selected five spots for "reset tourism" under the theme "Travel Nowadays" to help restore emotion and realign people's rhythm of life.

By Margareth Theresia
Photos = Korea Tourism Organization

Serene new year at UNESCO World Heritage site

Nestled deep in the mountains of Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do Province, the ancient Magoksa Temple has offered meditation and contemplation for more than a millennium. Magoksa and six other mountain temples in the country in 2018 were classified as UNESCO World Heritage in the group "Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea," showing global recognition of Magoksa's value.

New Year's Day at Magoksa is quiet. Moments of silent self-reflection follow the bells ringing in dawn and sprawling forest paths covered in snow. As visitors rest their minds through the gentle resonance of singing bowls and chant the Diamond Sutra, their worries instantly vanish. The stay options are single day, overnight and one for two nights to mark Lunar New Year next month. More information is on Templestay's official website (https://www.templestay.com).

Rejuvenate mind and body at sea

Wando-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province, has 265 jewel-like islands and pristine waters, offering a natural marine environment for healing. Wando Marine Healing Center is the nation's first facility dedicated to marine healing to systematically use marine resources, with its wellness programs based on the sea's vitality such as seawater, seaweed and mud.

Seawater spas, mud therapy and low-frequency stimulation ease body tension while yoga and meditation regulate breathing and calm the senses. Nature and science merge to guide mind and body hampered by winter toward full recovery. More information and reservations are available on the center's official website (https://www.wandohealing.or.kr).

Finding mind-body balance

Yangpyeong Health Tour in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi-do Province, is the nation's first travel program based on health. The starting point is not appreciation of nature but self-reflection, with participants first checking their conditions through precise assessments like variability in heart rate, whose results decide customized healing programs.

Afterward, visitors undergo health therapy focused on breathing and walking as they stroll around forest paths like that of Sorisan Mountain or Mulsori-gil Trail. Leisure activities such as paragliding and canoeing are also available depending on season.

More information is on the program's official website (http://www.healthtour.co.kr).

Rebuilding oneself

Nestled in the middle of Hallasan Mountain where a dense forest breathes, We Hotel on Jeju Island is the nation's first health resort that combines a five-star hotel with medical services. The highlight is Haeam Hydro, a pool where visitors can float on warm water and the lights and sounds of the dome's ceiling stimulate the senses to create primordial tranquility.

Singing bowl meditation and yoga allow guests to make a restorative end to their visits. No other place offers better conditions for renewing mind and body and recharging strength for return to daily life.

Quietest New Year's gift for oneself

Park Roche Resort & Wellness in Jeongseon-gun County, Gangwon-do Province, prioritizes sound sleep as the starting point for wellness through daily programs including meditation, yoga and stretching.

Private meditation rooms and cozy study spaces are also available. A majestic panorama of Gariwangsan Mountain's ridges awaits while riding the cable car in front of the resort. The surrounding tranquil nature completes a vacuum-like serene retreat that removes the noise of daily life.

margareth@korea.kr