List of Thermal Springs in KOR
Map of Thermal Springs in KOR
Guide to South Korea’s Natural Thermal Springs
South Korea has seen a massive boost in tourism in recent years, thanks in large part to the K-Pop culture that has taken the world by storm. However, while traveling in this high-tech country, many visitors discover the wonders of hot springs in the nation.
These hot springs take the form of waterparks, spas, and outdoor retreats. Since the entire landmass of South Korea is the rough equivalent of the state of Indiana, it’s also convenient for most tourists to get from one side of the country to the other to experience the many hot springs sites.
Hotels with Mineral Bathing
Onyang Hot Spring Hotel is located on the west coast of South Korea. This is a four-star hotel sitting on a site of hot springs tourism since 1,400 AD. Myths about the therapeutic nature of the water here have circulated for ages, mostly focused on healing both eye and skin diseases.
The hotel offers both indoor and outdoor options for bathing in the hot springs. Previous guests have said that though the historic hotel has throwback vibes, the rooms and bathing areas were meticulously clean.
Despite its name, Suanbo Hot Spring Land is a hotel with an attached restaurant and sauna. It’s child-friendly and one of the bathing areas is called the “family bath.”
Many of the rooms available for rent come with their own jetted tubs, in case soaking in the family bath area isn’t the kind of relaxation you’re looking for. If you don’t want to utilize the mineral water at the hotel at all, you can simply take a less than ten-minute walk to Nakcheontang Hot Springs.
Other hotels with hot springs:
- Suanbo Saipan Hot Spring Hotel
- Paradise Spa Dogo
- Bugok Oncheon
- Mungang Sulfur Hot Springs
- Hanwha Resort Baekam Hot Springs
Public Baths
Deokgu Oncheon Spa World is a health club located on the eastern coast of South Korea. Despite many of the hot springs pools being indoors, they’re lined with tropical trees and beds of planted flowers. There is a large outdoor basin as well, spectacularly held within walls of sheer, white rock.
In addition to these public areas, there are private rooms for rent where individuals, couples, or entire families can enjoy the geothermal water. These therapeutic waters are infused with both calcium and iron.
Farther down the west coast you’ll find Yeongil Bay Hot Springs, a sprawling complex with a koi pond, restaurant, and indoor geothermal baths (which are the hottest in the nation). There’s also a barber available to guests.
The complex is especially popular with hikers who utilize the paths in Pohang and then end their efforts by relaxing in the hot springs. The water here is rich in fluorine and zinc, which leaves the skin feeling notably softer.
Other Public Hot Springs:
- Uljin Sulfur Spa
- Osaek Carbonated Hot Spring
- Sanbangsan Mountain Carbonate Hot Springs
- O Won Cheoksan Footbath
- Hurshimchung Spa
- Baegam Hot Springs Special Tourist Zone
- Ganghwado Seongmodo Mineral Hot Spring
- Sol Beach Yangyang Ocean Play
- Seorak Waterpia
Visit South Korea
Traveling to South Korea can be particularly convenient if you’re leaving from the US, Australia, or the UK since citizens of these countries don’t need visas if they plan to stay for less than 90 days. However, there are so many great hot springs options in the small country that you may just want to stay longer. I
f you can plan your visit for when the cherry blossoms bloom or when the Ginko tree leaves change color, you’ll have Insta-worthy views from your perch in the geothermal baths.
Learn more about visiting South Korea.
