South Korea, and many Asian countries, have hot springs that will elevate your vacation experience to a whole new level. You have options ranging from public to private hot springs, with some hotels having theirs. Tours to South Korea feature popular spots like the Island of Jeju, the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. You can find hot springs not too far from the areas these attractions are. Here are some top hot springs in South Korea and neighbouring countries.
Woori Yuhwang Spa
Since the first place most tourists visit in South Korea is Seoul, it makes sense to know one of the top hot springs in the capital city. The Woori Yuhwang Spa is a highly sought-after wellness spot as it is the only sulfur hot spring in the entire city. It draws over 3,000 feet of deep water, rich in sulfur daily.
Located in Guui-dong, this hot spring is patronized by tourists and locals alike, drawing many visitors despite its small size. The available space is well utilized with hot tubs and underground tunnel sauna rooms, providing customers with the desired sulfur-filled water. Many go to this hot spring to rejuvenate their bodies, while some only relax. The spa has long opening hours as it is open for sixteen and a half hours daily.
Since the space is filled with items dedicated to K-pop stars, this is recommended as one of the best places to visit in Seoul, especially if you are into K-pop culture. You can take lovely photos in front of the decorated tables and truly immerse yourself i the event, meeting and communicating with other K-pop fans.
During the K-POP IDOLS CAFE EVENTS TOUR, our English-speaking guide will warmly accompany you. Additionally, four to six vehicles will be provided so that you can comfortably enjoy the event without having to worry about finding these places separately.
Tenzan-no-yu Onsen
When searching for great hot springs beyond South Korea, neighbouring Japan is one of the top places to go. Mostly called onsen, hot springs are an integral part of Japanese relaxation culture, and there are hundreds of them across the country. You will likely be required to remove all clothing before entering the water, so avoid popular spots. Hop on an Osaka to Kyoto train and go straight to Tenzan-no-yu onsen. This spa-resort has one of the best onsens in Kyoto and one of the few natural hot springs in the area.
The water at Tenzan-no-yu is drawn from over 1,000 metres underground and is the first ever calcium chloride and sodium spring in the whole Kyoto basin. The water in the onsen is believed to hold many therapeutic qualities, including being great for the skin. The large spa complex allows you to choose from the hot springs available, including a carbonated spring bath, foot baths and a fish spa. There are saunas, a highly-rated restaurant, and indoor and outdoor baths for visitors to enjoy.
Deokgu Oncheon Spa World
Public baths are popular in South Korea; some have hot springs. Deokgu Oncheon Spa World is one of the country’s top public baths with hot springs. It is primarily used as a health club, and the setting reflects this use. The indoor pools are lined with tropical trees and beds of flowers, while the outdoor basin is housed within walls of plain white rock. The stunning architecture adds a picturesque quality to the spa, which has been designated as a National Hot Spring by the Ministry of the Interior.
Deokgu Oncheon Spa World’s indoor and outdoor pools are open to the general public, and people from all over enjoy the therapeutic water with little fees. However, you can rent one of the private rooms designed for individuals, couples and families that prefer to have their spaces all to themselves. These private rooms also have the same geothermal water infused with calcium and iron. The therapeutic nature of this hot spring is enhanced by the amount of minerals it contains, which include sodium bicarbonate, potassium, calcium, iron, carbonic acid and alkaline.
Seorak Waterpia
Seorak Waterpia is one of the most visited attractions in the South Korean city of Sokcho, and there is a reason for that. The park is one of the biggest theme parks in the country and features many water-based attractions. Most notably, it has natural hot springs, which draw locals and tourists alike. The hot springs at Seorak Waterpia have naturally sourced mineral water used for all the water-related activities in the park. The minerals in this water include sodium, calcium, magnesium, chlorine, sulfuric acid and carbonic acid.
Located at Seorak Hanwha Resort on Mount Seoraksan, this hot spring gives an experience you won’t forget in a long while. The water is rich in minerals that will revitalize your body and keep your skin hydrated, even if you don’t believe in its healing properties. Some believe that geothermal water helps treat stress, arthritis, neuralgia, and geriatric disorders. The Korean Ministry of Security and Public Administration has recognized the hot springs for healing. Like many hot springs in popular spots, this one is not clothing-optional. You must wear a swimsuit to get in.
Onyang Hot Spring Hotel
At the end of our list, we have one of the most famous hotel hot springs in South Korea. Onyang hot spring hotel is a four-star hotel built on a site that has been home to hot springs since 1,400 AD. Since the hotel was built on the site, it now has indoor and outdoor bathing options for guests looking to enjoy the hot springs. The hotel also gives off old vibes but is clean, as previous guests have mentioned in reviews.
The hot spring at this hotel has many myths surrounding it, with many people visiting to test them. They are mainly about the therapeutic nature of the water and its healing properties. Many believe it cures eye and skin diseases. Whether you believe these myths or not, what is most believable is that you will feel noticeably more relaxed after visiting this hot spring. You will also notice your skin being more hydrated and your stress level decreased. These are reasons many visit the hot spring and others across the country and beyond.
Hot springs are popular relaxation spots in most Asian countries, including South Korea. Different countries have set temperatures that qualify hot springs; differentiations must be made between natural and non-natural. The water from hot springs is believed to hold healing properties for various diseases, including arthritis, neuralgia, stress, geriatric disorders, and eye and skin diseases. These hot springs attract locals and tourists alike.
