Guide to hot springs (2)

Tokku in Ulchin

Located at the eastern foot of 999-meter Mt. Eungbong, Tokku hot spring is one of the most popular all-season resorts, with access to the mountains, sea and hot spring combining with the excellent east coast scenery. It is said that the week alkaline water of 41.8 degrees Celsius is effective for neuralgia and dermatitis, and especially good for relieving muscular fatigue after mounting climbing or scuba diving.

Visitors can also see a hot water geyser at the original spring in the Tokku Valley. Tokku Hot Spring Tourist Hotel offers a tour course at 7 a.m. every morning. Visitors can also feast their eyes on various rock formations and other stunning aspects of the valley landscape during the two-hour, four-kilometer round trip. In the vicinity of Ulchin town are Pulyong Valley, considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Korea, Pongpyong Silla Monument and Mangyang-jong pavilion, known as the best among the ``Eight Kwandong Sceneries.``

Tokku Hot Spring Tourist Hotel (054-782-0677) and Pyoksan Tokku Hot Spring Condo (054-783-0811) have their own hot springs. Lodging is available at Tokku Hot Spring (054-782-0671), Hyundaijang Inn (0540782-0469), Hansoljang Inn (054-782-0451) and Maebongjang Inn (054-782-8373).

Tokku Folk Village Restaurant (054-783-4846) is famous for ``kimchi chigae`` and ``toenjang chigae,`` Yangpyong Haejangguk (054-783-6989) for ``haejangguk`` (hangover soup) and Ongsimi Kalguksu (054-783-5820) for ``kalguksu`` (thick-cut noodles). Todam-jib Restaurant (0640782-0169) specializes in ``sundubu`` (bean curd soup). Ulchin crab is the undisputed delicacy of the region and ``Chukpyon’’ (raw fish in a bowl) is another delicacy.

Suanbo in Chungju

Suanbo is one of Korea`s oldest and best-known hot springs, with a history of 1,000 years. It is not known when it was discovered, but according to the ``History of Koryo,`` it existed in 1018, the ninth year of King Hyonjong`s reign. The hot spring temperature is 53 degrees C and the water is alkaline and smooth.

The water contains various beneficial minerals such as radium and is famous for its beneficial effect on those with skin diseases, women’s diseases, gastroenteric disorder or fatigue.

In the neighborhood of Suanbo Hot Spring there are many interesting places to visit. Visitors can hike to nearby Mt. Wolak (1,097m) and Mt. Songni (1,058m), both national parks, and enjoy the scenery of frozen Chungju Lake. Mungyong Saejae, which features numerous historical relics, was honored in a recent poll as the ``nation`s best road for hikers.`` The area has grown more popular since it served as the setting for the KBS history drama ``Taejo Wang Kon.``

Being that it is the nation`s first hot spring, there are many lodging facilities: Suangbo Sangnok (043-845-3500), Waikiki Suanbo (043-841-3333), Suanbo Hanwha Condo (043-846-8211), Hankook Condo (043-846-0451), Suanbo Youth Hostel (043-846-3151), Sajo Village (043-846-0751) and Suanbo Coresco (043-846-3636).

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