Gyeongju, South Korea — Gyeongju City has announced a significant achievement in its tourism sector, with three of its destinations being selected for the "2025 Gyeongsangbuk-do Wellness Tourism Site" initiative. The announcement, made on June 30th, highlights Gyeongju's successful efforts in promoting a new form of travel focused on healing and relaxation.

The Gyeongsangbuk-do province-led competition was designed to identify and promote new wellness tourism resources, aiming to offer distinctive, stay-based healing content for visitors. A total of ten sites across the province were selected in six categories: Food, Stay, Beauty/Spa, Natural Healing, Healing/Meditation, and Herbal Medicine.

Gyeongju stood out by securing the most designations in the province, with the following three locations being chosen:

Golgulsa Temple (Healing/Meditation category)
Kolon Hotel (Stay category)
Tohamsan Natural Recreation Forest (Natural Healing category)
The selection of these three sites marks a major step forward for Gyeongju's tourism strategy, positioning the city as a leader in wellness travel. The city's proactive approach is particularly timely as it prepares to host the APEC 2025 Summit, an event that will draw significant international attention.

A Closer Look at Gyeongju's New Wellness Destinations 

Golgulsa Temple, a temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, is renowned for its Seonmudo (a form of Buddhist martial arts) and meditation programs. It is a highly popular destination for temple stays, attracting both domestic and international tourists seeking a spiritual and meditative retreat. Its peaceful and serene environment, combined with its unique programs, has earned it a reputation as a leading healing spot.

Kolon Hotel was recognized for its comprehensive, stay-based wellness programs. Guests can participate in a variety of activities, including forest yoga, trekking through the Millennium Forest, historical tours with expert guides, and seasonal therapies. The hotel provides a comfortable accommodation experience along with customized healing services, catering to the specific needs of its guests.

Tohamsan Natural Recreation Forest is a nature-friendly wellness destination where visitors can enjoy both forest therapy and relaxation amidst a beautiful natural landscape. The site's potential for growth is high, with the upcoming completion of the Tohamsan Workation Village in December. This new facility is expected to create significant synergy, enhancing the forest's appeal as a "work and heal" destination.

Gyeongju's Future as a Global Wellness City 

The Gyeongsangbuk-do province plans to provide extensive administrative and financial support to the selected sites. This includes awarding certification plaques, enhancing visitor reception infrastructure, and providing funding for promotional content, marketing, and tour packages. The support is aimed at attracting both domestic and international group tours and solidifying the reputation of these sites.

Other areas with selected sites included Gumi, Gimcheon, Yeongju, Bonghwa, Sangju, Cheongsong, and Yeongdeok, showcasing a province-wide commitment to developing wellness tourism.

Gyeongju Mayor Ju Nak-yeong commented on the selection, stating, "The three wellness tourism sites identified through this initiative will become a new competitive edge for Gyeongju tourism. We will focus all our efforts on becoming a global wellness tourism city to lead the 'Post-APEC' era after the 2025 APEC Summit."

The city's focus on wellness tourism aligns with global trends where travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that promote mental and physical well-being. By developing and promoting its natural and cultural assets as healing destinations, Gyeongju is not only diversifying its tourism offerings but also creating a sustainable and competitive advantage in the global market.

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