If you’re visiting South Korea and looking for a way to relax and unwind, you’ll want to know where to find the best hot springs in Korea. South Korea is a geothermally rich area, with many sources of naturally heated mineral water under its surface. It makes for a great way to relax and just like their neighbors in Japan, Taiwan, and China, Koreans also practice hot spring culture, especially as the temperatures drop in the winter. Officially, there are more than 400 hot springs in South Korea, but they were not all created equal, so here’s our guide to where the best hot springs in Korea are, let’s get started!
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If you’re visiting South Korea and looking for a way to relax and unwind, you’ll want to know where to find the best hot springs in Korea. South Korea is a geothermally rich area, with many sources of naturally heated mineral water under its surface. It makes for a great way to relax and just like their neighbors in Japan, Taiwan, and China, Koreans also practice hot spring culture, especially as the temperatures drop in the winter. Officially, there are more than 400 hot springs in South Korea, but they were not all created equal, so here’s our guide to where the best hot springs in Korea are, let’s get started!
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Overview of the Best Hot Springs In Korea
While there is a lot of underground geothermal water in South Korea, it rarely rises to the surface naturally. That is why you won’t find natural, outdoor hot springs like those in Iceland, or near our home base in Bansko, Bulgaria.
Hot springs in Korea are usually located within dedicated facilities, with multiple pools of varying temperatures where you can relax and enjoy the healing properties of the mineral-rich water. Public bathhouses, are called jjimjilbang in Korea and are large, gender-segregated houses. The word “Jjimjil” comes from the word for heating.
Korean Jjimjilbang usually have hot pools, hot tubs, saunas, massage tables, and showers.
Here’s an overview of some of the best Korean hot springs to visit during your trip.
- Bugok Hot Springs
- Hurshimchung Grand Spa, Busan
- Paradise Spa DOGO
- Onyang Hot Springs
- Yeongil Bay Hot Springs
- Yuseong Hot Spring
- Splas Resom, Deoksam
- Seorak Waterpia
Bugok Hot Springs (Bugok Hawaii)
Listed as a National Tourist Resort since 1977, Bugok Hot Springs is one of the best hot springs in Korea. Unlike most hot springs in Korea, this is a sulfur hot spring. They are easily recognizable for their unique smell that takes some getting used to. The water is rich in minerals such as calcium and iron and is believed to heal many health problems. Water from Bugok Hot Springs is said to provide relief from breathing issues, skin diseases, and rheumatism too.
There are many resorts in the Bugok area where you can enjoy outdoor and indoor pools, spa facilities, and saunas. The water naturally reaches 78℃, and one of the unique things to try here is eggs that were boiled in the hot spring water! If you’re here in October then there’s also a festival here to celebrate the hot springs.
You will find Bugok Hot Springs in the south of the country, about 3 hours from Busan, at the base of Deokamsan.
- Address of Bugok Hot Springs: 77, Oncheonjungang-ro, Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do. 경상남도 창녕군 부곡면 온천중앙로 77
- Opening Hours of Bugok Hot Springs: Daily 6 am-9 pm; water park 8 am-11 pm
- Entry Fees & Prices for Bugok Hot Springs: Admission KRW 58,000 for ages 14 and over, KRW 43,000 for ages 3-13
Hurshimchung Grand Spa, Busan
Hurshimchung Grand Spa is the largest hot spring-fed spa in Asia, and it is well worth a visit! The spa has over 40 custom-designed pools to pamper yourself and rejuvenate your body and mind. Bath in the Longevity Bath, the largest hot spring pool, or relax in the Yellow Ochre Room, the largest clay dome in Korea. Enjoy the Aromatherapy room, where you can relax with the unique blend of essential oils.
Hurshimchung Grand Spa is located about 10km from the city center of Busan – and if you’re visiting the area it’s a great thing to do in Busan.
- Address of Hurshimchung Grand Spa: 23 Geumganggongwon-ro 20beon-gil, Dongnae-gu, Busan, South Korea
- Opening Hours of Hurshimchung Grand Spa: Daily 5:30 am-10 pm; last entry at 9 pm
- Entry Fees & Prices for Hurshimchung Grand Spa: Admission KRW 7,900 for adults, KRW 3,000 for children
Paradise Spa DOGO
If you’re looking for a place where you can relax in a hot spring bath while kids can enjoy the water slides here, Paradise Spa DOGO should be at the top of your list of Korean hot springs to visit. This large leisure spa facility offers multiple indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, and other spa treatments.
Korea’s Paradise Spa is a fantastic place for the whole family. The outside pools with slides are perfect for children. Those who want to enjoy the tranquility of hot springs should head inside, where you can find a wooden bath and sauna.
This is a popular hot spring in Korea, so if you’re visiting in high season, make sure to book your ticket in advance to avoid long waiting times or being denied entry because they are at capacity.
Paradise Spa DOGO is located close to Asan, on the western coast.
- Address of Paradise Spa DOGO: 176-1 Dogo spa-ro, Seonjang-myeon, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea
- Opening Hours of Paradise Spa DOGO: Daily 9 am-9 pm; Fridays & Weekends have extended hours.
- Entry Fees & Prices for Paradise Spa DOGO: Rates differ depending upon packages – check the latest rates here.
Like Hot Springs? Here are some of the other hot springs we’ve visited on our travels
- In Turkey head to Pamukkale
- In Japan, the spa town of Kinosaki is fabulous
- In Costa Rica, head to the volcanic area of Arenal
Onyang Hot Springs
Operating for over 600 years, Onyang Hot Springs is Korea’s oldest hot spring facility. This historical spot has been well-known since the early Lee dynasty for its healing properties. Water is rich in radium, and it is an alkaline hot spring like most in Korea. You will find naturally heated mineral water pools in a couple of hotels in the area. The oldest and most popular is Onyang Hot Springs Hotel, a 4-star hotel, with a full spa experience. You can book a room and experience at Korea’s Onyang Hot Springs Hotel here.
Guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor pools filled with healing mineral waters. Onyang Hot Springs’s outdoor pools are especially stunning when it is snowing. Onyang Hot Springs is located in Asan, in the western part of Korea.
- Address of Onyang Hot Springs: South Korea, Chungcheongnam-do, Asan-si, Oncheon-daero, 1459
- Opening Hours of Onyang Hot Springs: Daily 6 am-10 pm
- Entry Fees & Prices for Onyang Hot Springs: Admission KRW 7,000 adults, KRW 3,500 children
Yeongil Bay Hot Springs
The Yeongil Bay Hot Spring is a public hot spring facility that dates back to 1988. The hot spring was discovered accidentally while drilling for oil. Today we have this grand hot spring facility near the popular Unjesan hiking trail.
The water temperature in Yeongil Bay Hot Springs may be considered low by some hot spring enthusiasts. It is around 35℃, but the healing mineral-rich water makes up for a somewhat lower temperature. You can enjoy hot springs baths, or other spa facilities such as a sauna, red clay ondol room, or a sleeping room. There is a restaurant on-site and a snack bar at Yeongil Bay.
Yeongil Bay Hot Springs is located in the southeast of Korea, just outside Pohang city.
- Address of Yeongil Bay Hot Spring: 21, Unje-ro 386beon-gil, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 경상북도 포항시 남구 대송면 운제로386번길 2
- Opening Hours of Yeongil Bay Hot Spring: Daily 5:30 am-10 pm.
- Entry Fees & Prices for Yeongil Bay Hot Spring: Admission KRW 6,000 adults, KRW 4,000 children
Yuseong Hot Spring
Unlike others on the list, this Yuseong Hot Spring is not a grand spa facility. Instead, it is a charming public hot spring foot spa! The hot spring is free to visit and enjoy, especially in autumn and winter when it is cold outside. You can sit on the wooden benches and soak your feet in hot mineral-rich water.
The pool bed has been resurfaced with pebblecrete, so you get a foot massage as well! It’s a great way to relax after a day of walking around and exploring. However, if you’re looking for a spa experience, consider one of the hotels with hot springs in Yuseong. A popular one is the historical Yuseong Hotel, dating back to the beginning of the 20th century.
Book a room at the hot springs hotel in Yuseong here.
Yuseong is located in Daejeon, Korea’s 5th largest metropolis.
- Address of Yuseong Hot Spring: 574 Bongmyeong-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea
- Opening Hours of Yuseong Hot Spring: Daily 7 am-11 pm
- Entry Fees & Prices for Yuseong Hot Spring: Free
Splas Resom, Deoksam
Splas Resom is the perfect destination for families with children or anyone who wants to combine a water park experience with healing hot spring waters.
This large Korean-style waterpark is filled with natural mineral water from the Deoksam hot spring. The outside pool offers an entertaining experience with waterslides of different heights and lengths, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
Those who want a more relaxing experience should head inside, where you will find a fully equipped spa. Their Vital Therapy center will make sure you are relaxed and rejuvenated with their signature wellness programs.
Korea’s Splas Resom is located about an hour and a half south of Seoul.
- Address of Splas Resom: 45-7 Oncheondanji 3-ro, Deoksan-myeon, Yesan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea
- Opening Hours of Splas Resom: Daily 9 am-6 pm
- Entry Fees & Prices for Splas Resom: Packages available, see more here (use Google Translate)
Seorak Waterpia
Another blend of a hot spring spa and a waterpark in Korea, Seorak Waterpia features indoor and outdoor hot pools, filled with naturally heated mineral water from an on-site hot spring. It is an alkaline hot spring, so you don’t have to worry about the smell. It’s located at the foot of Seoraksan mountain (one of our favorite places to hike in Korea)
Seorak Waterpia is one of the largest water parks in the country, with multiple fun waterslides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. If you’re wanting to relax, then you can do so in a hot water therapy pool, a cave sauna, or a wood spa. With plenty of spa activities, you can easily spend a whole day here.
Seorak Waterpia is located on the northern coast of Korea.
- Address of Seorak Waterpia: 111 Misiryeong-ro 2983beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
- Opening Hours of Seorak Waterpia: Daily 10am-7pm
- Entry Fees & Prices for Seorak Waterpia: Admission KRW 60,000 for a day pass.
Thanks to Louis F for the content in this article.
Final Words on the Best Hot Springs In Korea
With so many hot springs throughout Korea, you won’t want for opportunities to relax your muscles and enjoy the healing properties of naturally heated mineral waters. A day soaking in hot springs will help you recover from fatigue and muscle pain. The minerals in the water can make your skin feel softer than ever! From fun, family-friendly waterparks to beachside hot springs and luxurious spas, there is a perfect hot spring in Korea for every type of traveler.
Stock images in this article are courtesy Deposit Photos.
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