10 Must See Korean Hot Springs and Spas

South Korea's hot springs are typically developed complexes offering various pools and spas, rather than purely natural outdoor springs. The Korean word "Oncheon" (온천) can indicate a natural hot spring area, such as in Oncheonjang or Onyangoncheon.

In addition to hot spring baths, consider visiting a jjimjilbang, a Korean bathhouse with saunas and other facilities, for a broader cultural experience. 

Deokgu Spa World

Deokgu Spa World has been designated as “Gyeongsangbuk-do Number 1, National Health Hot Spring” by the Ministry of the Interior. Located in the heart of Eungbongsan Mountain in Deokgu-ri, the spa and hotel are home to Korea’s only renowned naturally flowing hot spring water.

It’s sometimes referred to as the Deokgu Hot Springs Hotel or the Dukgu Oncheon Resort Hotel. The pure and pristine valley where the hot spring waters originate is surrounded by interestingly carved rocks and a breathtaking canyon, providing a stunning sight for visitors.

Natural and unaltered, the temperature of Deokgu Hot Spring is a steamy 42 ℃/107 °F. Because it has a lot of sodium bicarbonate, potassium, calcium, iron, and carbonic acid, the slightly alkaline Deokgu Hot Spring is thought to be an excellent way to treat nerve pain, rheumatism, muscle pain, and skin problems

There’s a wide range of facilities at the property and various ways to enjoy geothermal water and its benefits. The top features include:

Large Indoor Hot Tub – This hot tub is big enough to fit several people and has an underwater bench around its perimeter.

Terraqua – A sizeable indoor soaking pool with jets, individual spots for people, and a prominent hot spring shower feature in the middle.

Action Spa – Another indoor soaking pool with sections with jets for people to stand, recline, or sit in. There’s also an attached 15 m/49-foot lap lane.

Kids’ Pool – A small pool with a slide for supervised children.

Private Spa Rooms – These private hot pool rooms can be rented separately for a cost and offer luxuries like secluded changing areas, TVs, refrigerators, and sauna access.

Seorak Waterpia

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Sokcho is home to Seorak Waterpia, one of the biggest theme parks in Korea, where visitors may enjoy a broad range of water-based attractions and natural hot springs. The park is set at the Seorak Hanwha Resort on Mt. Seoraksan and is supplied with naturally sourced mineral water.

The resort only uses water from an on-site hot spring for all its needs. Taking a bath in geothermal water has many benefits, one of which is that it helps your skin stay hydrated. The revitalizing effects of a day spent swimming and splashing around are immediate.

This geothermal water helps treat stress, neuralgia, arthritis, and geriatric disorders due to the high concentrations of cations (sodium, calcium, and magnesium) and anions (chlorine, carbonic acid, and sulfuric acid) found in it.

Onyang Hot Springs

Onyang Hot Springs is the oldest hot springs complex in Korea, a place where the kings of Joseon (1392-1897) recuperated and bathed, thanks to its proximity to Seoul. 90 minutes out of Seoul by car I recommend taking the train.

In the 1970s and 1980s, it was a popular honeymoon destination. The water here has a temperature of about 44-60℃ and contains substances that are beneficial for the human body. Guests can enjoy the spa in separate spaces for men and women.

The hotel is expansive and sitting on top of the source of healing hot springs culture in Korea. Get a traditional room and sleep on the heated floors. The hot springs spa was in the basement of the hotel and catered more to locals than hotel guests. It was around $4-5 for a traditional Korea bath experience with healing hot springs mineral waters.

There were several pools of bubbling water ranging from very hot to blistering hot. I also ventured out in to the cold and tried the outdoor pool and showers.

Yuseong Hot Springs

A very old hot spring area with mineral-rich water, ideal for skin conditions and muscle pain. Yuseong Foot Spa is a public natural hot spring located in an urban park in Yuseong-gu, a district of Daejeon Metropolitan City, South Korea. The foot spa is open year-round and is free to the public.

The foot spa consists of a series of outdoor “wading pools” approximately 10 inches (25 cm) deep. The main pool has an irregular outline 60 feet (18 m) long and averaging roughly 4 feet (1.2 m) wide between edges finished with stones and benches allowing visitors and passersby to sit while dabbling their feet in the water. Parts of the bottom are lined with smooth rock and pebble to provide a foot massage to those strolling through the water.

The hot spring water in Yuseong contains over 60 beneficial minerals, known to be effective for neurological disorders and chronic diseases.

By 2027, a two-story, one-basement Yuseong Hot Springs Cultural Experience Center will be completed. This center will combine relaxation with cultural experiences, offering tourist information and various cultural programs.

Bugok Hot Springs

Bugok, named after its cast-iron pot-like terrain, boasts the hottest spring in Korea with a temperature of 78°C. Bugok Hot Spring which was first discovered in 1973 is a natural hot sulfur spring. It features various attractions such as Hanol Park and fountain park for performances, a refreshing trail, golf courses, and foot baths.

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. 

Nearby attractions include Uponeup Marsh, Hwawangsan Mountain, and the Gaya Tombs.

Hurshimchung Grand Spa

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. 

Bathe 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.

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, 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.

Oreve Hot Spring & Spa

Oreve Hot Spring & Spa is the only restorative hot springs in Jeju, featuring ocean views while relaxing. The spa includes multiple themed saunas and pools. The amenities make a visit here even more relaxing.

Oreve Hot Spring & Spa has various water treatment facilities such as German Vade Pool, Kids Pool, and outdoor Infinity Pool, so visitors of all ages can enjoy health and pleasure at the same time. In particular, eight outdoor open-air baths and aroma saunas maximize the effectiveness of natural hot spring water to relax the body and mind.

Oreve Hot Spring & Spa offers a variety of poultice and sauna experiences through seven distinctive poultice spas, Finnish saunas, and cypress tree nature rooms. You can relax in the relaxation room equipped with a high-end recliner, and the country's first snow room and Himalayan salt halotherapy room offer a special healing effect.

Sanbangsan Hot Spring

A volcanic hot spring located on Jeju Island. Jeju Sanbangsan Carbonate Hot Springs is a carbonate hot spring that contains the main carbonic acid components (free carbonic acid, bicarbonate, sodium, etc.).

It is said that this enhances blood circulation, lowering blood pressure and reducing the burden on the heart. It is also beneficial for skin care and fatigue recovery, making it a perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring Jeju.

There is an indoor bath designed with glass inside as well as an outdoor open-air bath, so visitors can bathe while enjoying the view of Sanbangsan Mountain and the deep blue sea.

Yeongil Bay Hot Spring

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.

Are you traveling in other parts of Asia? Take a look at more hot springs in Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, India, Japan, Philippines, and Vietnam.