Hidden gems of Korean wellness tourism: Healing in the mountains of Gangwon Province and Healers' Sun Village
Here's where digital detox meets traditional healing in a unique destination
"Could you live without a smartphone for 24 hours?" Travelers from all over the world are flocking to one place to find the answer to this question. It's Hongcheon, Gangwon-do. Hillians Sun Villageis the value.
It's not just a resort. It's a place where 1,200-year-old Korean healing traditions meet modern science. korea wellness retreatIt was named "Asia's Best Digital Detox Destination" by CNN and recommended by the Michelin Guide as a "must-see wellness destination in Korea".
Surprising fact: Studies have shown that 851 TP3T of international tourists who visit here return, and the average stress level is reduced by 721 TP3T. But what's the magic behind it?
1. The special charm of Hilliards Sun Village
Hilliance Sun Village is Korea's first "wellness" healing resort, located 250 meters above sea level in Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do. This special space is more than just a vacation spot, Evidence-based health promotion programsto provide the
Official certification status
- Selected as an Excellent Wellness Destination by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for 8 consecutive years
- Recommended by the Korea Tourism Organization (VISITKOREA)
- 1 specialty accommodation in Hongcheon-gun on TripAdvisor (4 out of 5)
The Scientific Approach: 4 Key Health Habits
Our programs are based on the concept of "wellness," which focuses on prevention rather than treatment of disease:
1. improve your eating habits
Eat a high-fiber snack an hour before a meal, eat dessert first, etc. A scientifically proven way to eatto learn the
2. exercise habits
Work with a professional trainer to learn exercises you can incorporate into your daily routine, like personalized stretches, stair climbing, and 30-minute walks twice a day.
3. mental health care
Meditate at least once a day, be grateful for the little things, breathe deeply, etc. Stress management and mindfulness techniques.
4. Adjust your life rhythm
Experience a healthy daily routine aligned with nature's rhythms in a TV- and air conditioner-free environment.
Medical cautions: The programs at Healers Sun Village are wellness programs for health promotion purposes, not medical treatment. If you have a specific medical condition, please consult your physician before visiting.
2. Experience a digital detox in the mountains of Gangwon Province
At Hillions Sun Village, you can experience true relaxation through an intentional 'internet detox'. It's not just an inconvenience, Scientifically proven digital wellnessat its core.
Fully digitally protected environment
Restrict smartphone use
Cell phone signals are blocked in the rooms, and there is only one landline phone in the Welcome Center.
Limited internet access
We only have one room with WiFi on the third floor, and it's only available if you really need it.
No TV and air conditioning
Remove TVs and air conditioning from all rooms to focus on the sounds of nature.
The science of digital detox
According to a Stanford University study, a digital detox of 24 hours or more has the following effects
- 381 TP3T decrease in cortisol (stress hormone) levels
- Improve focus and boost creativity
- Improved sleep quality (increased REM sleep)
- Restore dopamine receptor sensitivity
Reconnecting with Nature Program
Mountain trekking with professional guides
We offer customized courses that take you through Chongjang's dense pine forests and cool valleys.
Meditation and yoga in the woods
Calm your mind and body with meditation and yoga in a natural, phytonutrient-rich environment.
Foot bath and acupressure experience
Natural footbaths with tadpoles and frogs, and red pebble acupressure points.
Connecting with traditional Korean culture
Digital detox is deeply connected to Korea's traditional "Jeong" culture. The Joseon Dynasty scholars' pursuit of Zazen - the practice of sitting quietly and quieting the mindin a modern sense.
3. traditional healing programs and wellness
Hillions Sun Village is a Fusing 1,200-year-old Korean natural healing practices with modern scienceWe run a unique program. It is a World Health Organization (WHO)-recognized Integrative Medicinebest practices.
The Scientific Basis of Traditional Korean Medicine
Danjeon Breathing (Danjeon Breathing)
This is a breathing technique that focuses on the navel, Stress relief through parasympathetic activation It's scientifically proven to work.
Seoul National University College of Medicine study (2023): Four weeks of monotonous breathing reduces blood pressure by an average of 12 mmHg
Ochre Bathhouse
Experience the healing effects of far-infrared rays and negative ions in a steam room made up of natural ochre and macerated stone.
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) study: Ochre far infrared light is effective in improving blood circulation and relaxing muscles
Sparkling water detox
A detoxification program using naturally carbonated hot spring water to boost circulation and metabolism.
Well-aging programs
WellAgingis not just about defying age, it's about aging well and beautifully. Here's our systematic approach:
Step 1: Analyze your personal health status
- Body composition analysis and stress index measurement
- Assess your lifestyle and eating habits
- Set personalized goals
Phase 2: Intensive Healing Program (2 days and 3 nights to 1 week)
- 2 hours of yoga and meditation daily
- Offer personalized diets
- Expert counseling and lifestyle coaching
Step 3: Daily enforcement and tracking
- Create personalized, actionable routines
- Measure and reassess effectiveness after 3 months
- Ongoing online coaching support
Program effectiveness validation data
Results from a study of real visitors (Hilliards internal research in 2024):
85%
Expressing intent to revisit
72%
Average reduction in stress index
91%
Satisfaction with improved sleep quality
68%
Weight and body fat loss
Important note: The Wellness Program is a health care service, not a medical service. Chronically ill individuals, pregnant women, and those with cardiovascular disease should consult a healthcare professional before visiting. Effects may vary based on individual differences.
4. Practical travel guide for foreigners
Hillions Sun Village is a The perfect infrastructure for global wellness touristsin Korea. It is carefully organized so that you can experience traditional Korean healing without language barriers.
Language and communication
Multilingual booking service
Phone: +82-1588-9983 (English, Chinese, and Japanese support)
You can also easily book through Booking.com, which supports credit card payments.
Multilingual websites
Official English website: english.healience.co.kr
Support for Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese
Onsite staff
Dedicated English-speaking staff available 24 hours a day
Provide program-specific interpretation services
Accessibility and transportation
Traveling by car
Address: 122, Jongjansan-gil, Seomyeon, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do, Korea
Approximately 2 hours by car from Seoul
Free parking available
Public transportation
Step 1: Seoul → Hongcheon (intercity bus or subway + bus)
- Bus from Dong Seoul Terminal to Hongcheon (1 hour 30 minutes)
- Subway Line 2 Jamsil Station → Hongcheon Bus Terminal
Step two: Hongcheon Terminal → Hillions Sun Village (20 minutes by taxi)
Shuttle service
Pickup service available at Hongcheon Terminal with advance reservation (fee applies)
Incheon International Airport → Hillions direct shuttle (weekend service, advance reservation required)
Pricing and booking information
Pricing by accommodation option (based on a 3-day, 2-night stay)
Garden Villa
420,000~580,000 KRW (Based on 2 people)
Private terrace and garden view
Includes all wellness programs
Forest Villa
380,000 - 520,000 KRW (Based on 2 people)
A location in the woods, the ultimate in silence
Footbaths and acupressure stations nearby
All plans include 3 healthy meals, yoga and meditation classes, and expert counseling.
Apply 20% surcharge during peak season (July-August, December-January)
Personalized program recommendations
Relieve business stress (2 days, 3 nights)
Target: Office workers, CEOs, and high-intensity workers
Takeaway: Digital detox + stress management + better sleep
Women's Wellness Specialization (4 days, 5 nights)
Target: Women over 40, menopause management
Takeaway: Hormone Balance + Skin Care + Weight Management
Family Retreat (3 days, 4 nights)
Target: Family units with children
Takeaway: Nature experiences + family connections + healthy eating
Includes frog watching and nature exploration programs for kids
Meals and special requests
Offer 3 healthy meals at resort restaurants
Accommodating special diets
- Vegan/vegetarian: Vegan menu available upon advance request
- Halal food: Using halal-certified ingredients for Muslim tourists
- Allergy response: Nut, dairy, and gluten-free options available
- Diabetics: Low-sugar diet and blood sugar management menu
Please let us know about any special requests in advance at the time of booking.
Pre-visit checklist
Required preparation
- Comfortable workout and yoga clothes (cotton is recommended)
- Sneakers and indoor shoes
- Personal toiletries (eco-friendly products preferred)
- Hat and sunscreen (for outdoor activities)
Download useful apps
- Papago/Google Translate: Korean translation
- Citymapper Seoul: Using public transportation
- KakaoMap: Korea navigation (offline maps)
5. reservation information and visit tips
To visit the Hillians Zen Village The Complete Guide to Schedulingfor the following dates. During peak season, reservations fill up quickly, so plan ahead.
Detailed instructions for each booking method
Official website booking
Korean: www.healience.co.kr
English: english.healience.co.kr
- Save 5% with Sign Up
- 10% Extra discount for early booking (1 month ago)
- Real-time room availability
Schedule a call
Domestic: 1588-9983 (multilingual support)
Overseas: +82-1588-9983
- Hours of operation: Weekdays 09:00-18:00, weekends 09:00-17:00
- English, Chinese, and Japanese support available
- Provide personalized program consultation
International booking sites
Booking.com: Credit card payment, free cancellation
Agoda: Specialized services for Asian customers
- Instant confirmation booking
- Multiple payment options
- Customer reviews are available for reference
Best time to visit by season
Spring (March-May) - Recommended: ★★★★☆
Pros: Warm weather, cherry blossoms and greenery, moderate humidity
Cons: Increased fine dust days, hay fever
Programs: Best for forest yoga, outdoor meditation, and trekking
Summer (June-August) - Recommended: ★★★☆☆
Pros: Lush greenery, cool valleys, long hours of sunshine
Cons: High humidity and temperature, peak season rates apply
Programs: Footbath experience, centered on indoor meditation
Fall (September-November) - Recommended: ★★★★★
Pros: Perfect temperatures, stunning foliage, and crisp air
Cons: Peak booking competition, weekend crowds
Programs: When is the best time to run all programs
Winter (December-February) - Recommended: ★★★★☆
Pros: Maximize the effect of seclusion, snowy landscapes, and hot springs
Cons: Cold, limiting some outdoor programs
Programs: Steam rooms, indoor yoga, hot pools
Cancellation and refund policy
Separate policies for unavoidable events such as natural disasters, infectious diseases, etc.
100% money-back guarantee for international customers in case of entry restrictions
Packing guide and preparation
Seasonal must-haves
Spring/Fall
- Light padding or fleece
- 2-3 pairs of long-sleeved workout clothes
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Thin raincoat (mountainous climates)
Summer
- Quick-drying workout clothes
- Hats, sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF50+)
- Bug repellent
Winter
- Cold weather padding
- Brushed sweatshirt
- Waterproof boots
- Hot packs, thermals
Health preparation
Required verification
- Chronically ill: See your doctor and bring your medical records
- Pregnant women: Check out pregnancy parking specifics
- Allergies: Proactively provide food/drug allergy information
- Medications: Stock up on personal medications
6. Connect with nearby recommended attractions
centered around the Hilliards Sun Village Hongcheon area toursfor a more in-depth experience of Korea's nature and culture. Here are some of the best spots within a 30-minute drive.
Natural attractions
Sutasa (車 15 min)
Features: Founded by Wonhyo Daesae in the Silla Dynasty, Natural Monument Pine Tree Group
What to see: Fall foliage, barrier-free ecological forest trails
Recommended activities: Temple stay, forest meditation, photography
Landing information: Free admission, open year-round, parking available
Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest (25 minutes by car)
Features: Largest ginkgo colony in the country
What to see: October's golden fall foliage
Recommended activities: Fall Photo Zones, Picnics
Landing information: Open for the month of October only, 2,000 won admission fee
Garisan Natural Recreation Forest (20 minutes by car)
Features: Virgin forest at the foot of Mt. Garibaldi, 1,051 meters above sea level
What to see: Natural recreation forests, forest baths, hiking trails
Recommended activities: Camping, climbing, and ziplining in the woods
Landing information: Overnight stays and day trips available
Experiential attractions
Alpaca World (30 minutes by car)
Features: The largest alpaca theme park in Korea
What to see: 400+ alpacas, sheep, rabbits, etc.
Recommended activities: Animal feeding, photo zones
Landing information: Admission 15,000 won, recommended for families
It is a famous attraction among foreign tourists as the "Korean alpaca experience".
Vivaldi Park (25 minutes by car)
Features: Four-season leisure complex
What to see: Winter ski slopes, summer water parks
Recommended activities: Skiing/Snowboarding, Swimming, Luge
Landing information: Seasonal operations, lift tickets not included
Baebawi Canoe Village (10 minutes by car)
Features: Water activities on the Hongcheon River
What to see: Hongcheon River Basin Natural Scenery
Recommended activities: Canoeing, kayaking, and rafting
Landing information: Open April-October, 20,000 won experience fee
Cultural and educational facilities
Hongcheon Life and Health Science Center (20 minutes by car)
Features: Life Science Experience Exhibit
What to see: Manikins, Health Experience Center
Recommended activities: Science experiments, medical examination simulations
Marisoligol Musical Instrument Museum (35 min. by car)
Features: Traditional musical instruments from around the world
What to see: A collection of over 2,000 instruments
Recommended activities: Try an instrument, go to a concert
Suggested itineraries
Overnight Healing Courses
Day 1
- AM: Healers' Sun Village check-in, wellness program
- Afternoon: Visit Sutasa, walk in the eco-forest
- Dinner: Zen Village healthy dinner, nightly meditation
Day 2
- AM: Yoga program, check out
- Afternoon: Bae Bawi Canoe Village Experience
- Evening: Return to Seoul
3 Days 2 Nights Family Course
Day 1
- AM: Visit Alpaca World
- Afternoon: Check in at Hilliards Sun Village
- Evening: Family meditation, stargazing
Day 2
- Morning: Family yoga, nature exploration
- Afternoon: Hongcheon Life and Health Science Center
- Dinner: Sun Village Jjimjangbang Experience
Day 3
- Morning: Check out, Garisan Natural Recreation Forest
- Afternoon: Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest (Autumn)
- Evening: Return to Seoul
Local specialties and eateries
Hongcheon Specialties
- Hong Chun Hanwu: The finest beef raised in pristine areas
- Cherry tomatoes: Tomatoes with a high sugar content in a climate with a wide range of temperatures
- Duck: The deep flavor of wild duck in the mountains
- Gondre: Representative herb of Hongtian, rich in nutritional value
Best Places to Eat (within 30 minutes of Hilliards)
- Bountiful Ribs: Hongcheon Hanwoo specializes in handmade pork ribs
- Wood-fired brisket: Charcoal-grilled pork belly, a local favorite
- The original goal: Gondre Set Meal, Hongcheon Local Food Experience
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can foreigners participate in the program without language barriers?
Yes, we have dedicated English-speaking staff, and we provide interpretation services for major programs. We also have English guidebooks and program descriptions available.
Is it safe for children and the elderly to participate?
All programs are age-appropriate and staffed by medical professionals. However, if you have a specific medical condition, a consultation is required.
Doesn't a complete digital detox sound overwhelming?
There is a WiFi enabled area on the third floor for urgent internet access. Most visitors settle in after 24 hours.
Will the program work when the weather is bad?
Indoor programs (yoga, meditation, steam rooms) will be open regardless of the weather, and outdoor programs will be moved to indoor alternatives for safety.
Is it possible to customize a program for my health condition?
A health questionnaire and brief screening at check-in provides a personalized program. It also includes a 1:1 consultation with an expert counselor.
Wrapping up: Start your own wellness journey
Hillians Zen Village is more than just a destination, A special place to reorient your lifeis the place to be. It's a place of true relaxation and healthy living for today's digitally exhausted.
Summary of key takeaways
- Scientific basis: Fusing 1,200 years of Korean traditional healing with modern medicine
- Proven effectiveness: 851 TP3T returning visitors, 721 TP3T lower stress score
- Global Services: Multilingual, foreigner-friendly infrastructure
- Linked trips: The perfect combination of attractions in the Hongcheon area
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