The nation’s first nudist forest spa will be opening late this month in South Jeolla Province, allowing “free spirits” a chance to walk among nature in their birthday suits.

Woodland, a forest spa offering various cypress related treatments, will open its newest venue, Vivi Ecotopia, on July 30. 

The idea of a nudist forest drew much media attention after the announcement to open the venue nearly a year ago.

The park, to be located in Jangheung-gun, will offer free admission but visitors will be required to purchase paper shorts or gowns, which must be worn at all times when navigating trails in the park.

Once inside the some 15 mud huts, stilt houses and caves to be built throughout the area, guests will be allowed to truly bare all and enjoy what the park officials call “forest healing,” a form of aromatic nature treatment utilizing phytoncides.

Phytoncides are antimicrobial compounds naturally released by trees and vegetation.

In order to prevent possible problems, park officials have decided to segregate the areas for sexes, but families will be permitted to enter their own hut.

The venue is densely surrounded by bamboo trees, to avoid possible peeping-toms.

“To fully benefit from the phytoncide treatment, studies have shown that the chemical needs to be absorbed through the skin’s respiratory system,” said a park official.

“We expect an average of 60-70 people a day, but we can accommodate up to 200,” he added.

By Robert Lee (robert@heraldcorp.com)