Guide to hot springs (3)

Choksan Hot Spring in Sokcho:

Choksan Hot Spring is located at the northeastern foot of Mt. Sorak, one of the most celebrated mountains in South Korea, and is intended to help relieve fatigue among those who visit Sorak. Needless to day, 1,707-meter Mt. Sorak is one of the top destinations for Korean climbers and holidaymakers, with its numerous magnificent sights like Chonhwadae, known as the ``flower bed in heaven,`` Kongryong (Dinosaur) Ridgeline, and natural curiosities like castle-shaped Ulsan Rock.

An analysis of the water disclosed that the hot spring contains large amounts of radium and fluorine, one of the rare spots in the world with strongly alkaline water. It is said to be effective in treating not only skin diseases, but also neuralgia, rheumatism, eye diseases, gastroenteric disorders and various dental ailments.

Choksan Hot Spring is located about 10 minutes on foot from Sorak-dong, the base camp for climbing Mt. Sorak. It also neighbors Yongrang Lake, which is famous for the legend of ``Yongrang,`` a leading elite youth group during the Silla Kingdom. Chongcho Lake, which is used as an inner harbor at Sokcho Port, is also nearby. The emerged as a favorite tourist destination after the popular TV drama ``Autumn Fairy Tale`` was shot there.

There are three hot spas in Choksan -- Choksan Hot Spring Resort (033-636-4000), Choksan Hot Spring (033-636-4806) and Sorak Hot Spring (033-636-4581). Of them, Choksan Hot Spring Resort can accommodate about 700 people as is equipped with various related facilities, including a variety of saunas.

Mt. Chiri Hot Spring in Kurye:

Mt. Chiri Hot Spring in Kurye is located at the foot of 1,915-meter Mt. Chiri, where the Great Paektu Ridge stretches from the spiritually significant Mt. Paektu (2,750 meters) to form the frame of the Korean Peninsula. A visit to this place is highly recommended after enjoying the ``festival of great nature`` that Mt. Chiri represents. This hot spring contains a large quantity of germanium and sodium carbonate, which is especially good for skin diseases, neuralgia, rheumatism, diabetes and so-called women`s diseases.

It has five different kinds of saunas that use ultraviolet rays, herbs, clays and stones. An employee of Mt. Chiri Hot Spring said proudly, ``This hot spring boasts the highest standard in the nation, striking a harmony between the hot spring sprouting from the center of the earth and the beautiful local landscapes.``

In addition to bathing in the hot spring, visitors are urged to tour the Buddhist temples, each with a history of at least 1,000 years, at the foot of Mts. Hwaom, Chonun, Yongok and Ssanggye, while also enjoying the stunning scenery around these mountains, which are designated as National Park No. 1.

On a 550,000-pyong tract of land (one pyong equals 3.3 square meters) are public baths, lodging facilities, youth camp, amusement center, rest areas and shops. Major lodging facilities include Songwon Condominium (061-780-8000), Nogodan Tourist Hot Spring Hotel (061-783-0161), Cheil Hot Spring Hotel (061-783-1001) and Yongbin-gak Hotel (061-783-2888).

Min Byung-Jun (travel columnist mbjbud@chollian.net)