Boost Your Immunity with Ganghwa Wormwood! Traditional Yoni Steaming Experience at Yackseokwon

Thermal moxibustion using Ganghwa Sajabalssuk (Credit: Yackseokwon)

Ganghwa Sajabalssuk, a type of wormwood native to Ganghwado Island, is known for its rich aroma and high vitamin A content. It is believed to help prevent chronic illnesses and enhance immunity. At Yackseokwon, visitors can experience wellness programs that use this special herb to help support the body’s natural defenses. The center’s signature program is the “Raise Your Body Temperature by 1°C” Project, which involves yoni steaming (mugwort steam sitting bath) and thermal moxibustion to gradually warm the body. Just a 1°C increase in body temperature is said to boost immune function, increase basal metabolism, and improve blood circulation. Feel warmth rise from deep within as you relieve daily fatigue.

Strengthening Immunity Through Increased Body Temperature

Yackseokwon promotes body temperature elevation through yoni steaming, a traditional Korean herbal heat therapy where participants sit over warm steam infused with medicinal herbs. The effectiveness of this experience largely depends on the equipment used. Yackseokwon uses a patented onggi steam seat that is ergonomically designed for comfort, with ventilation holes that help maintain consistent internal heat.

Ganghwa Sajabalssuk placed in the moxibustion cup

The wormwood used for yoni steaming is Ganghwa Sajabalssuk that has been aged for three years. The aging process stabilizes the herb’s volatile compounds, resulting in steam that’s less irritating and more pleasantly aromatic. Thanks to its high combustion efficiency, the herbal heat remains consistently warm throughout the full duration of the yoni steaming (40 minutes) and abdominal and lower back heat therapy sessions (30 minutes each).

After the yoni steaming session, heated moxibustion cups are placed on the abdomen and lower back. Because these cups reach high temperatures, it’s essential to follow the staff’s guidance for safety. To help maintain the effects of the therapy, it’s recommended to wait 1 to 2 hours before showering.

Moxibustion room for 4–5 people

Yackseokwon has devoted great care to designing its experience space. While the exterior may look like an ordinary building, the interior offers a distinctly different impression, fully capturing the atmosphere of a traditional hanok. The walls of the living room and moxibustion room are finished with loess bricks that are handmade from a mixture of loess and straw and emit far-infrared radiation, which is believed to help boost immunity. The indoor temperature is kept stable throughout all four seasons, offering a sense of calm and emotional ease.

Once your body is thoroughly warmed, it’s time to nourish it with a healthy meal. Yackseokwon offers eight varieties of nutritious rice dishes made with local herbs and domestically grown grains. Signature options include Healthy Lotus Leaf Rice, Healthy Lotus Seed Rice, and Protein Nutrition Rice, which contains 13g of protein and 7g of dietary fiber. These meals are the perfect way to complete your wellness experience.

Nearby Attractions

1. Hwagae Garden

Hwagae Garden

Hwagae Garden is located on Hwagaesan Mountain, the highest peak on Gyodongdo Island. The site features five themed gardens and a skywalk observatory designed in the shape of a black-faced spoonbill, a symbolic bird of Ganghwado Island. From the observatory, you can take in panoramic views stretching all the way to the Yeonbaek Plain in Hwanghaedo Island, 7 km away. It’s recommended to take the monorail up to the summit and stroll through the gardens on your way down.

2. Ganghwa Anglican Church

View of Ganghwa Anglican Church

Ganghwa Anglican Church is Korea’s first cathedral built in the style of a hanok. At first glance, its distinctive architecture may resemble a Buddhist temple, but the cross atop the roof ridge clearly identifies it as a church. Western architectural elements visible throughout the interior create a unique and memorable atmosphere.

* This column was last updated in July 2025, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check for updates before visiting.