Hot Springs in Korea 2026/27: Where to Go Without a Car and How They Work
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Most visitors know Japan for hot springs and never think to look in Korea. But Koreans have been soaking in natural hot water for centuries. Kings of the Joseon dynasty traveled to Onyang to bathe, and today whole towns grew up around their springs.
What you will not find is the Japanese style of quiet mountain inns with outdoor pools. Korean hot springs are more practical: big public baths, spa parks with water slides, and free foot baths in the street. Some are a subway ride from Seoul.
Checked on October 28, 2026. Prices and hours differ by place and change often. Check the official page or at the counter before you go.
Hot springs you can reach without a car
Onyang, Asan: the old royal spa town
Onyang is the classic. It is the end of a long ride on subway Line 1 from Seoul, and regular trains from Yongsan get there faster. Coming out of Onyangoncheon Station, you are in a small old town full of bathhouses and spa hotels. There is a public foot bath near the station where you can sit and warm your feet.
Prices are low. One Onyang hotel lists its large hot spring bath at 12,000 won, and 10,000 won for guests. Nearby Asan also has big spa parks with outdoor pools, where swimsuits are worn.
Yuseong, Daejeon: free foot baths
Yuseong is a hot spring district inside Daejeon, an hour by KTX from Seoul. Take the Daejeon subway to Yuseong Spa Station and walk to the outdoor foot bath park, which is free. Steam rises off the long stone channels, and in winter you see office workers and grandparents sitting side by side with their trousers rolled up. Hotels around it have full baths.
Dongnae, Busan: a city spa
In Busan, Dongnae is the old hot spring quarter, at Oncheonjang Station on Busan Metro Line 1. The big name is Hurshimchung, a huge spa with dozens of themed baths. A February 2026 article gives its hours as 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day; check before you go. Dongnae was recently named one of Korea’s official “hot spring cities.” See our Busan itinerary to fit it in.
Icheon: a spa park near Seoul
Termeden in Icheon, south-east of Seoul, is a spa resort with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and a nude bath area. It is the easiest real spa day out from Seoul, about 1.5 hours by bus.
Seorak Waterpia, Sokcho
At the foot of Seoraksan, Seorak Waterpia is a hot spring water park with outdoor pools you can sit in while looking at the mountains. In winter it pairs well with the cable car. See our Sokcho guide and Seoraksan guide.
Sanbangsan, Jeju
On Jeju’s south-west coast, the Sanbangsan carbonated hot spring has bubbling mineral water and outdoor pools. It is a good half day if the weather turns on a Jeju trip.
Three kinds of hot spring places
Public bathhouses, called oncheon tang, are like the bath area of a jjimjilbang: split by gender, fully nude, very cheap. Spa parks and water parks are mixed and you wear a swimsuit. Hotel baths are usually nude and split by gender, and guests often get a discount.
If you are not sure, ask at the counter: “Swimsuit?” and point. Many spa parks rent or sell swimsuits and swim caps.
Etiquette
The rules are the same as in any Korean bathhouse. Shower properly before you get in. Tie up long hair, keep your towel out of the water, and do not take photos. Nobody stares; older Koreans have been doing this their whole lives.
Tattoos are less of an issue than in Japan, but some places still ask people with large tattoos to cover up or stay out. Ask if you are unsure.
Getting there
Use the subway, trains and buses. Line 1 reaches Onyang with a T-money card, and the KTX reaches Daejeon and Busan quickly. Our Seoul subway guide explains the basics.
Use Naver Map or KakaoMap for routes. Google Maps does not give full transit directions in Korea, and both apps need mobile data. An eSIM is the simplest way to stay connected.
When to go
December to February is hot spring season. Koreans call the feeling siwonhada: sitting in very hot water and sighing that it feels “cool” and refreshing. A soak after a cold day of sightseeing, or after skiing, is the best way to feel it. Pair a hot spring with our ski resorts guide or snow in Korea guide.
Checklist
- Decide between a nude bathhouse and a swimsuit spa park
- Bring a swimsuit and swim cap for spa parks
- Shower before you soak
- Drink water; hot water dries you out
- Check hours and prices before you travel
FAQ
Does Korea have natural hot springs?
Yes. Onyang, Yuseong, Dongnae in Busan, Icheon and others have natural hot spring water, used in public baths, spas and hotels.
Is there a hot spring near Seoul?
Icheon is about 1.5 hours by bus, and Onyang is reachable by subway Line 1 or train from Seoul. Both make an easy day out.
Do you have to be naked at Korean hot springs?
In public bathhouses and most hotel baths, yes, and they are split by gender. Spa parks and water parks are mixed and you wear a swimsuit.
How much does a hot spring cost in Korea?
Public baths are often around 10,000 won. Spa parks and water parks cost more. Check each place.
Are tattoos allowed at Korean hot springs?
Rules differ. Many places are relaxed, but some ask people with large tattoos to cover up. Ask at the counter.
The short version
Korea’s hot springs are practical, cheap and close. Ride Line 1 to Onyang, soak your feet for free in Yuseong, try Hurshimchung in Busan, or spend a day at a spa park in Icheon or below Seoraksan. Bathhouses are nude and split by gender; spa parks need a swimsuit. Go in winter, shower first, and say “siwonhada.”
