The Charm of a Private Traditional Seawater Bath, Solbat Haesubang

A seawater bath is a form of traditional Korean therapy that uses seawater salinity to detoxify the body. After soaking in hot seawater and steam from heated elvan stones, you wrap yourself in a towel soaked in the water. Passed down for over 200 years in Hampyeong, Jeollanam-do, you can now indulge in this practice in Incheon too.

Solbat Haesubang is the first seawater bath attraction of its kind in the Seoul metropolitan area. Inside, there are cozy Hinoki (cypress) rooms equipped with square baths, where up to four people can enjoy a private steam session. When the red-hot elvan stones are placed into the bath, filling up the room with steam, the real bathing experience begins.

The water, made by adding medicinal herbs (such as Houttuynia cordata, Cnidium, cinnamon, mugwort, mint, and Gujeolcho) to seawater that has been purified seven times, is truly like a herbal tonic. It is said to help with chronic illnesses, arthritis, menstrual pain, and menopausal symptoms, while the far-infrared steam emitted by the elvan stones is effective for relieving respiratory conditions.

To fully benefit from a seawater bath, it’s important to follow the proper order. You should never put your hands directly into the water or bathe in it, but instead scoop the water out with a ladle, sprinkle it onto a towel, and place the towel on your body. Once the water has cooled down enough, you can enjoy a foot bath or a half-body soak.

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- Entry fee of KRW 38,000 for two people; KRW 16,000 per additional person (1.5-hour session)
- Available on Naver Booking (on-site registration if sold out)
- Private rooms available for groups of 5 or more

• Address26, Gonghangseo-ro 163beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon
• Inquiries+82-32-747-1525
• Opening HoursFriday-Tuesday 09:00~19:00, Thursday 09:30~19:00, Closed on Wednesdays
• Websiteinstagram.com/solbat_haesu/

Masian Mudflat Experiential Center, Showcasing the Value of Mudflats with Clam Digging

Located just an hour from Seoul, Masian Beach is a natural gem with a three-kilometer stretch of shoreline and expansive mudflats. Visit the Masian Mudflat Experiential Center, operated by the local fishing village cooperative, and immerse all your senses in the living ecology of the mudflats.

When you pay the entry fee, you’ll be given an eye-catching orange vest along with a hoe and rake. Using these tools to dig through the mudflats, you’ll see clams literally pour out of the ground. The surf clam is the most common, but it’s not unusual to find Venus clams, ark shells, or whelks too. In just an hour, you’ll easily fill the 2 kg net bag provided to each person. At your option, you can also hop on a paid mudflat wagon to venture farther out and enjoy catching turban shells or octopus too.

Masian’s mudflat is a sandy mudflat, so your feet won’t sink deeply, and there are no tidal channels or rocks — making it safe for children to enjoy the experience too. However, you have to avoid the ecological protection zones, which are important habitats for Helice crabs and endangered bird species. For their protection, Masian village operates a rotational hiatus-year system for different sections of the mudflat.

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- Clam harvesting is limited to up to 2 kg per person.
- Parking is free for up to 6 hours.

• Address107-8, Masiran-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon
• Inquiries+82-32-746-3093
• Opening HoursTimes may vary depending on the tide. Please check the tide schedule on the website
• FeesEntry fee of KRW 10,000 per adult (middle school age and up)/ hoe & boots rental for KRW 3,000
• Websitemasian.co.kr

A Thrilling Ride to Beat the Summer Heat, Ganghwa Luge

If you want to race through the summer with the refreshing ocean breeze in your face, head to the luge track at Ganghwa Seaside Resort . Luge is a leisure activity where you ride a cart downhill on a track powered only by gravity, and Ganghwa Luge boasts the longest track in Asia at an impressive 3.6 km.

To ride, you first take a cable car up to the summit of Gilsangsan Mountain. Once you wear your helmet and board the cable car, you’ll see Ganghwa Island’s picture-perfect scenery unfold, with the mountains and sea blending together. At the top, you’ll get a quick lesson on how to ride, and then the real thrill begins. By pulling or pushing the handle toward or away from your body, you can easily control your speed, so even first-timers can enjoy the ride without hassles.

There are two track options. If you want to enjoy winding curves, go for the Ocean Course. If you prefer straight-line speed, opt for the Valley Course. Thanks to the panoramic ocean views, whichever course you pick, satisfaction is guaranteed.

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- Riders must be at least 10 years old and at least 120 cm tall to ride alone.
(Children 85–120 cm must ride with an accompanying adult aged 20 or above. Children under 85 cm and adults aged 65 and above are not allowed to ride.)

• Address217, Jangheung-ro, Gilsang-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
• Inquiries+82-32-930-9000
• Opening HoursMonday-Friday, Sunday 09:00~18:00, Saturday 18:00~20:00 , Night operation (June–August) / (Hours may vary depending on weather and season)
• Websiteganghwa-resort.co.kr/

A Quiet Summer Beach on a Peaceful Island, Minmeoru Beach

An alternative to crowded, famous beaches is to spend a tranquil day at Minmeoru Beach on Seongmodo Island instead. As the island’s only beach, it’s a serene healing spot that perfectly represents Seongmodo, known as a “relaxation island.”

Under a wide-open sky stretches a cool, 1-kilometer sandy beach. Thanks to the West Sea’s large tidal range, a vast mudflat reveals itself at low tide, offering an entirely different view.

Behind the beach lies the “Healing Forest Trail with Rest,” which follows the base of Haemyeongsan Mountain. This trail is part of Ganghwa Nadeul-gil Course 11 and stretches about 850 meters to Eoryujeong Port. By climbing the stairs at the entrance, you’ll soon be greeted by a flat, serene forest path, where the only sounds you’ll hear are gentle waves through lush green trees.

• Address872 Maeum-ri, Samsan-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
• Inquiries+82-32-930-3515
• Opening HoursOpen 365 days a year
• Websiteminmeoru-beach.co.kr/