Suanbo Hot Spring and Sajo Ski Resort

Suanbo is a small village located in Chungju, North Chungcheong, South Korea. Nowadays, Suanbo is a favourite tourist known for it's hot spring bathing and skiing. Nearby is Woraksan National ParkSuanbo.

Suanbo is your one-stop winter destination. Visitors can enjoy hot springs and skiing all in one spot. This region is well known for its gourmet food and the surrounding areas of Danyang 8 Sights, Mt. Woraksan National Park, Chungju Dam, and much more making this region one of Korea’s most famous tourist destinations. Suanbo is only a two hour and 20 minute drive from Seoul. Due to its close proximity to Seoul, this destination is highly recommended as a day trip. There are three things that all tourists to the area should experience: hot springs, skiing, food

Hotspring (Oncheons) are everywhere around the cities, but some of the hotels also providing bathhouses with spring water.


About Suanbo Hotspring



Suanbo Hotspring is the first naturally yielded spring which originally started to flow 30,000 years ago The sulphur spring is officially mentioned on the record during the 9th year of King Hyeonjong's reign (1018). It is also stated in the Joseon Dynasty’s authentic records, Donggukyeojiseungnam, Yeojido Map, Cheonggudo Map, Daedongyeojido Map and up to 30 historical books.

The spring water was brought up deep beneath the ground (250m) with a temperature of 53°C and acidity level of 8.3. The alkaline water contains minerals such as lithium, calcium, natrium, fluorine, and magnesium that are healthful and refreshing.

Some of the oncheon baths:
Hi-spa is along the main street. This costs 6000 won adult admission and is the only publicly-owned hot spring resort in Korea. It's a very comfortable place to hang out in.
Suanbo Park is high up on the hill a ways above the town. It costs 10,000 won admission but one can get a discount coupon from the tourist bureau. This applies to several other spa hotels as well. Featured here are outdoor baths for each gender.
Suanbo Sangnok Hotel has a bath for which a coupon is available.
Likewise, the Daelim Hotel has coupons available for its bath. Ask at a tourist bureau. At the Daelim, the oncheon is "sebisu" to hotel guests.



Sajo Ski Resort



Besides go to hot spring, visiting Suanbo will not complete without visiting the ski resort. Less than 2km from Suanbo Hot Springs is Sajo Ski Resort. Sajo Ski Resort

The Suanbo Sajo Resort area is a basin with high snowfall and good quality snow. Located in the middle region of Korea, transportation is convenient and both skiing and hot springs can be enjoyed in one place.

The Sajo ski Resort in Suanbo offers skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. Opened in 1989, the Sajo Resort is the only domestic hot spring ski resort. Visitors can ski all day long, and then relax in a hot spring at night. The resort has slopes for all levels, ranging from beginning to advanced. There are seven types of slopes and four lifts, as well as 4,000 kinds of snowboard and ski equipment available to rent. Convenient lodging facilities include a 50 room condominium and a 78 room youth hostel. Approximately 1,000 lockers make it easy to store valuables. Ski passes are divided into the following categories: all-day passes (9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.), half-day passes (9:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m.), and night-passes (6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.). Beginners should always play it safe and start with a lesson.

Skiing and snowboarding is popular with the younger crowds, while many families take to the slopes on sleds. The slopes designated for sledding measure 120 meters in length. Speed picks up quickly when going down the slopes, putting youngsters in danger, and so it is recommended for children to ride with an adult. Due to the fact that this ski resort is less crowded than others, visitors don’t need to worry about waiting on long lines.

Sajo Ski Resort is very modest in scale, a big handicap in a country that believes bigger is better. There are seven slopes and three lifts, and ski equipment can be hired. Night skiing is also possible. Near the slopes is a hotel and a youth hostel, but the best plan is to stay in Suanbo and use the free shuttle buses that run during the ski season.

Add: 642-1 Oncheon-ri, Suanbo-myeon, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
Tel: 82-43-846-0750, 82-2-3443-6690 (Seoul Office)
Fax: 82-43-846-1789, 82-2-3446-7144 (Seoul Office)
E-mail: sajo@sajoresort.co.kr
Homepage: www.sajoresort.co.kr (Korean, English)

How to access Suanbo :
- By Bus: Take a bus from Chungju Intercity Bus Terminal heading Suanbo, Songgye Woraksan Mountain, and Samgwanmun. → Get off at Suanbo Post Office. (First bus 5:45a.m., last bus 9:50p.m. 20 minute interval, 35 minute ride)
- By Train : Nearest trains are in Chungju to the north, and in Jeomchon to the south.



Suanbo Shopping :

The famous local market is Five-day market. This market is held on days ending with 1 or 6. It's in the middle of town, on streets leading off the one where the buses run.


Suanbo Sajo Ski Resort Photos :


Suanbo Sajo Ski Resort Ski Equipment Rental








Suanbo City. Suanbo is a small place with large buildings


Suanbo City At Night


Suanbo Hot Springs Resort Photos :










The Special Features of Suanbo Hot Springs. The temperature of Suanbo hot springs is 53 degrees Celsius, the pH is alkaline at 8.3 to 8.6 and it contains disolved sodium and sulfates to relax your muscles and treat your skin. Suanbo is the only publicly run hot springs spa in Korea.


Watch Korean Countryside Bus Ride, Taking the Country Bus from Suanbo to Chungju in Cheongchungbukdo Video here

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Cheongnyangni 588 Seoul biggest red light district

Every countries and major cities has their own red light district. Although Asian people are more shy and closed about sex-things, the red light districts are still the most favourite place for tourist to visit or businessmen to spend their leisure life.

At Seoul, there are so many red light district, some are illegal but popular. The most favourite may be Cheongnyangni 588, Mia-ri, Yeongdeungpo, and Yongsan. The three red-light districts - Miari Texas, Cheongnyangni 588 and Yongsan Station Texas - are all located north of the Han River that flows through the capital from east to west.

Different with Japan prostitution, Korea girls only call out to a Korean man, and ignore westernen guys. Foreing tourist must be carefur to do a transaction with the girls. If found by the police, foreigners will be punished according to the nation’s tough new anti-prostitution laws as well.



Cheongnyangni 588

Cheongnyangni 588 (pronounced 'oh-pal-pal') is a red light district in Seoul, South Korea near Cheongnyangni station, and behind the Lotte Department Store. It's similar to the famous red light district in Amsterdam, Netherlands.The commom name for this district is "Oh Pall Pall", which means "588" in korean. This is named after a bus which once passed through this area.

Go to any train or subway station in or around Seoul and you will be greeted by the same scene. In most of these red light districts, foreigners are not welcome, and some, like Yongsan or 588, are far bigger then the Itaewon equivalent.

Cheongnyangni 588 for example is huge, a sprawling neighbourhood of alleyways lined by glass windows where the ladies parade their wares. 588 is the centre of legalized prostitution in Seoul, an effort by the government to control the spread of the red light districts. This evidently hasn’t worked as in virtually every street corner in Seoul sex is for sale.

It's named "588" because this is the district address where most of the brothels and businesses of the neighborhood are concentrated, not because there is a bus by that number which passes through the area, as commonly believed.



588 has received the brunt of police crackdowns on prostitution over the years to the chagrin of the brothel owners and working girls. The area has also gotten another 'blow' by the city's decision to do extensive development through the area.

At its height, 588 had as many as 400 women working at 150 brothels in the area, but that figure has curtailed down to 60 brothels, as of the summer of 2006 and is expected to be fully closed by further crackdowns in 2007.

The infamous "Cheongnyangni 588". It used to be one of the largest red light districts in South Korea before numerous police crackdowns - mostly due to international pressure. As of 2009, it is still in operation, although at a lesser capacity.

About Cheongnyangni 588 :
-Westerners are usually not welcome and ignored, as in most Korean red light districts.
-Prostitution is still technically illegal, and the police can question anyone caught speaking to one of the girls through the windows.
-All red light districts are off limits to US Military.



Windows full of korean girls. Most of the nearby karaoke bars and nightclubs are also venues for prostitution, and very expensive. But in the windows, the starting price is 70,000 won (about 50 USD). At night, little old korean ladys will hang out at the intersection near Lotte Dept Store and try very hard to get single males to go to the brothels behind Lotte Dept Store where the older, past-their-prime hookers do their business.

An interesting sight to see. Normal, every day people walk the streets while scantily clad korean girls sit in windows which line the streets, all day and all night. It never closes. Prostitution seems widely accepted and tolerated in Korea, but only for koreans. The girls will call out to every korean man walking by, but ignore westerners. Although foreigners of asian descent, such as japanese tourists, seem to also frequent the place.

The sprawling Cheongnyangni 588, which is not far from downtown Seoul, will be replaced with a civilian-invested railroad station, the construction permit for which is likely to be issued within the month, the official said. "A budget of 120 million won has been earmarked for fleshing out the district's redevelopment plan."



Watch Cheongnyangni 588 red light district Video here

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Romance place to Spend Valentine Day in Seoul

Valentine' Day is coming soon. Although Valentine's Day is not a public holiday, most of Korean couples are celebrating it. Korean girls give chocolate, flowers, gifts to boys on that day.

To feel a more romance feelings, some couple are planning to take a dinner at a romantic place or building. There are various restaurants until hotels providing a romantic dinner or stay.

Some of recommendation place to spend your Valentine's Day in Korea :

Korea Philharmonic Orchestra in Seoul Arts Center

Romantic pieces for couples by J. Strauss, Rachmaninoff and Bizet. Seoul Arts Center near Nambu Terminal Stn. (line 3, ex. 5). February 13th at 2 pm. W10,000 – W50,000. sac.or.kr 02-580-1300


Park Hyatt in Gangnam

The package includes a one-night stay in a spacious guestroom, a romantic “Namu” bath soak in a spa-inspired bathroom and a private in-room breakfast for two. The bathroom features an oversized tub with a beautiful night view of the city seen through the 3.4m floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Of course, you will have free access to the fitness sutdio, swimming pool and sauna. Late check out until 4 pm is offered. Packages start at W350,000+. 02-2016-11000, 02-2016-1234


Grand Hyatt in Yongsan

Enjoy your Valentine’s day with a breathtaking night view of the Han River in the Grand Room with romantic roses and a balloon. There will be red wine and chocolate. The package offers breakfast buffet, indoor pool, gym and sauna. W305,000++. 02-799-8888


Oi Lounge in Hongdae

All red & white party on February 12th at 9 pm – February 13th at 5 am. Grab some of your single friends and have a good time! You don’t need to have a significant other to enjoy this Valentine’s weekend. W10,000 includes 1 free drink and matching game. For ladies, it is only W5,000 includes 1 free drink before 10 pm. Door opens at 9 pm.


Grand Hilton in Seodaemun

The Grand Hilton Hotel is offering 2 romantic overnight packages for those wanting to treat that spcial someone this Valentine’s Day. Available from February 11th – March 14th. The “Kiss Me” package (W160,000++) offers a one-night getaway in a Delux Room with a bottle of wine, chocolates, a DHC cosmetics package and a 10% discount on the Atrium Cafe’s Valentine Day special menu. The “Hug Me” package (W250,000+) offers an overnight stay in a luxurious Executive Floor Room where guests can enjoy a bottle of wine, chocolates, complimentary breakfast, happy hour for two at the EFL Lounge, non-refundable W100,000 room service coupon, free use of the Grand Hilton sauna, a DHC cosmetic package and a 10% discount on the Atrium Cafe’s Valentine’s Day special menu. There is a variety of optional add-ons such as the hotel’s La Clinique de Paris Spa (W100,00+) and room decorations (balloons or a mini bouquet from the flower shop for W70,000+). The first 15 couples to arrive will be given 2 invitation tickets to see the percussion musical “Drum Cat.” 02-2287-8400


Marriott Executive Apartments in Yeouido

SOO Spa is offering a “Chocolate Mousse Delight” treatment throughout the entire month of February. A chocolate-chip scrub is the first step in a program that is delicious in many senses. Cacao, sugar, coconut and warm, creamy chocolate mousse are in the body wrap and massage recipes that follow. Individuals can enjoy the full 100-minute treatment for W160,000++. Couples can experience it together for W280,000. 02-2090-8070~1


Walkerhill in Gwangjin

“W Dreams Inn Romance” Package (W465,000++) is a one night stay which includes a romantic bubble bath set, dinner at any 2 of the hotel restaurants, spa treatments and a special gift (Ralph Lauren Romance Perfume). “Wedding Day” Package (W540,000++) is a one night stay which includes champagne, chocolates and a special room set-up. There are optional add-ons such as buffet style dining. The restaurants and bakery at the hotel will sell Valentine-related gifts starting at W40,000+. 02-2022-0000


Oakwood Premier COEX Center in COEX

From 4 to 7 different cuisines and 2 glasses of G.H. MUMM Cordon Rouge champagne, the courses are good for 2 people and range from W100,000 – W150,000. Appetizers include shrimp cocktails with grilled pineapple and assorted cold cuts, main dishes include bacon wrapped prime tenderloin served with corn pancake and hot vegetables, char-grilled rib-eye steak with truffle sauce and wine poached sea bass with saffron cream suace and desserts such as sweet chocolate mousse with fresh strawberries. 11:30 am – 11:30 pm. 02-3466-7203
02-3466-7708

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Oak Valley Ski Resort at Gangwon Province

Oak Valley is a ski resort located at Wonju city, Gangwon Province. Oak Valley is one of the two ski resorts in Wonju, besides Hyundai Sungwoo.

Oak Valley is a new tourist resort in Korea. Therefore, the ski resort is not very famous abroad, still less popular than Yongpyeong Ski Resort.



Oak Valley opened its ski resort in 2006, and is the closest resort complex to Seoul with a total of 9 slopes: 2 slopes for the advanced skiers, 5 slopes for the intermediate skiers and 2 slopes for the beginner skiers. The lift to the peak has been designed to carry a maximum of 9,200 people in 1 hour. The longest slope from Samtaebong Peak is 1,600m, with a section equipped with half pipes for snowboarders. Hansol Oak Valley’s facilities include a condo, a hotel, a golf course, a sauna, a swimming pool, and more.



Oak Valley Golf Resort



Besides used to be a ski resort, Oak Valley has a golf course. Oak Valley Golf Course is Korea’s No. 1 environmentally-friendly golf course with beautiful natural environment. It consists of Oak Valley C.C. and Oak Hills C.C. that are open to members only, as well as Public C.C. It is one of top 10 golf courses in Korea offering quality services. Designed by world-famous golf course designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Jack Nicklaus, the beautifully meandering courses guarantee exciting games every time.

With the new 15-story condominium building, the resort will include golf courses with 63 holes, nine ski slopes and 960 timesharing condominiums, which will be 26,400 square yards in size.

The new additions to the resort are being prepared with about 100 million won invested to the project. In working on the new plans, the resort is putting an emphasis on forming the nature-friendly environment.

The resort, once the new project is completed, will be a part of the some 100 km-long ``Winter Sports Belt Line’’ of Kangwon province that will be established between Yongpyong and Wonju.


The Reserve at Oak Valley, Wonju, South Korea

Adjacent to the existing Hansol Development destination resort Oak Valley in South Korea, The Reserve at Oak Valley offers a paradigm shift in the planning and design of golf communities within Korea. Working with Tom Fazio to bring their world-class golf brand to Asia for the first time, VITA carefully blended the golf experience into the dramatic natural site.


How to access Oak Valley

Directions

① Regular Shuttle Bus:
High-season (summer: mid July – late Aug / winter: Dec 19 – Feb 15)
[Seoul → Oak Valley]
During the high season there are over 30 pickup locations in Seoul. The following schedule only includes main stations. For more detailed schedule click here (Korean only).
Jamsil - 06:50, 09:50, 17:00, 19:00, 20:30
From Jamsil Station exit #2, subway line 2 walk to the intersection and turn left (outdoor parking lot in front of Lotte World construction site)
Gangnam - 6:15, 9:05, 16:05
From Gangnam station exit #6, subway line 2 walk to Woori Bank and turn left (in front of the convenience store - Buy the Way)
Apgujeong – 06:30, 09:15, 16:10
From Apgujeong station exit #2, subway line 3 walk to double back towards the large intersection. And turn right at intersection and walk about 5 min (in front of Shinhan Bank)

[Oak Valley → Seoul]
13:30 - Sadang, Gangnam, Jamsil, Dongdaemun Stadium, Jongno 3-ga, Sinchon
18:00 - Sadang, Gangnam, Jamsil, Dongdaemun Stadium, Jongno 3-ga, Sinchon, Yeongdeungpo, Mokdong, Hwagok, Bucheon Songnae, Bucheon Sangdong, Hwajeong, Ilsan Juyeop, Bundang Seohyeon, Pangyo, Indeokwon, Pyeongchon
00:30 - Sadang, Jamsil, Dongdaemun Stadium
03:30 - Sadan, Jamsil, Yeongdeungpo
* Depart in front of Oak Valley Village Center

② Express Bus
[Seoul → Oak Valley]
Depart from Gangnam Express Bus Terminal (Subway Line #3, Express Bus Terminal Station) → and go to Wonju (travel time: 1 hour, 30 minutes, first bus is at 6:00am, last bus is at 21:40pm, servicing every 10 to 15-minute intervals) → Arrive at Wonju Bus Terminal and take the free shuttle bus to Oak Valley at the bus station on the right as you leave the bus terminal (13 times a day 3:49, 5:19, 7:39, 9:47, 11:49, 13:57, 16:17, 18:07, 19:42, 20:59, 21:32, 23:32, 1:22 / travel time: 40 minutes)
[Oak Valley → Wonju Bus Terminal]
Meet in front of Oak Valley Village Center (9 times a day, 10:55, 13:05, 15:25, 17:15, 18:50, 20:05, 22:40, 24:30, 3:20 / travel time: 35 minutes)


Oak Valley Ski Resort Photos :


Oak Valley Ski Resort Cable Car



Oak Valley Ski Resort Map



Oak Valley Ski Resort



Oak Valley Ski Resort

Watch Skiing at Oak Valley, Korea Video here

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