Learn all about Chorok Miso Village in Pyeongtaek (2025)

Kimberly Kephart Travels contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through any of my links at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information

Traveling through Korea and craving a wellness experience that’s not just another jjimjilbang? Head to Chorok Miso Village (초록미소마을) in Pyeongtaek. Picture sinking into a warm rice bran bath, countryside quiet all around you, and staff so kind you’ll feel like you’ve been invited into their home.

This isn’t just a spa—it’s a healing village, officially recognized as a “Green Rural Experience Village” for its focus on health, farming traditions, and slow travel done right.

If you’re looking for more unique experiences like this, check out my South Korea travel guides for cultural activities, hidden gems, and slow travel spots across the country.

I went with my friend Maggie, but it’s perfect for solo travelers too. From the moment we arrived, the staff guided us through every step with patience and warmth, turning what could’ve been just a soak into something deeply restorative.

Getting to Chorok Miso Village (가는 길):

The easiest way to get to Chorok Miso Village 초록미소마을 is by car. Just drop this Naver pin into your map: Green Smile Village (you’ll see the road 44-14 off Sin 1-ri gil trust me, you’re in the right place when you start seeing rice paddies). There’s free parking right by the entrance.

If you’re looking for more unique experiences like this, check out my South Korea travel guides for cultural activities, hidden gems, and slow travel spots across the country.

If you’re relying on public transport, take the train to Pyeongtaek Station (평택역) and grab a taxi from there. Budget around ₩15,000–₩20,000 for the cab.

The Enzyme Bath: 쌀겨 효소 찜질

After checking in and paying the ₩35,000 entry fee (card or cash is fine), you’re directed to the locker room. You’ll change out of everything, yes, everything, and slip into a soft, tan spa uniform they provide. They also give you a head wrap to keep your hair clean. If you feel nervous, I promise you the staff really goes out of their way to make you feel comfortable.

Then you step into the warm, earthy rice bran room. This is the 쌀겨 효소찜질 spa—a natural fermentation bath where warm, finely milled rice bran is heated by enzymes to around 65–70°C (but it feels more like 40°C on the body).

The staff, sweetest people ever, will dig out a body-sized hole in the rice bran pile. You lie down, they gently bury you up to your neck, and then it’s 15 minutes of don’t move and just sweat it out. And oh my gosh. you will sweat.

Looking for an overnight trip to a beautiful area of South Korea? check out my Boseong Tea Fields Guide here

They’ll check on you often, gently wiping your face with cool towels and handing you 보리차 (barley tea) or water to sip. If you’re lucky, you’ll lose track of time like I did. It’s oddly meditative, and I couldn’t believe how soft my skin felt after.

Once your timer buzzes, you brush off the bran, shower (they have separate shower rooms for men and women), and use the rice bran scrub soap they provide.

Bonus Round: Massage Chairs + Iced Coffee (무료 커피 & 마사지 의자)

After the shower, head to the lounge for a free iced coffee or warm tea. Then slide into one of their massage chairs. They’ll give you 15 full minutes to decompress. You can thank me later. It’s the cherry on top.

I left glowing—like, inside and out. It felt like I pressed a reset button on my body. Make sure you scrub yourself well enough because you’ll end up finding the rice bran in EVERY SINGLE CREVICE. It also starts to smell afterwards sooo….

Why Rice Bran? (쌀겨의 효능)

Let’s talk science for a second. Rice bran (쌀겨) contains 95% of the nutrients found in the grain—think B vitamins, antioxidants, and natural enzymes. When it ferments, it produces 천연 항생제 (natural antibiotics) and 열효소 (heat-producing enzymes) that:

• Boost circulation
• Help your body detox through sweat
• Increase immunity
• Improve skin texture and tone

This method originally came from Japan, and both my friend Maggie and I thought it was pretty cool that it made its way to Pyeongtaek.

Just like the rice bran bath is rooted in agricultural heritage, the Lotus Lantern Festival celebrates centuries-old Buddhist traditions through vibrant parades and glowing lanterns.

Tips for Solo & First-Time Visitors to Chorok Miso Village

• It’s okay to go solo – staff are so attentive, and it never felt awkward.
• Don’t fidget in the bath – even wiggling fingers can make the rice bran heat up more.
• Drink water before and after– hydration helps the detox.
• Bring a large towel if you prefer – the ones they offer are tiny.
• Go on a weekday – you’ll likely have the spa room mostly to yourself.

Final Thoughts: Is Chorok Miso Village Worth it?

Absolutely. Whether you’re stationed nearby, passing through Pyeongtaek, or building a wellness-focused Korea itinerary, Chorok Miso Village is an absolute gem.

As someone who has spent years living abroad as a military spouse and solo traveler—across Korea, Poland, and now Italy—I’ve learned to seek out meaningful, local experiences that nurture both body and mind. I share my stories on my blog to help women travel more confidently, and this is one of those rare finds I genuinely think more people need to know about.

I went with my friend Maggie, and we were both blown away by the care and hospitality we received. It was the kind of day that slows you down in the best way. From being buried in fermented rice bran to sipping iced coffee in a massage chair afterward, it felt indulgent, yet grounding. My skin felt incredible, and I carried this light, calm energy with me the rest of the day.

It’s female-friendly, solo-travel safe, rooted in Korean agricultural heritage, and—let’s be honest—just an incredibly relaxing way to spend a few hours.

If you’re craving something different, personal, and restorative, this is it!