Winter travel in Korea isn’t only about snow, food, and city lights. There’s another, quieter pleasure that locals have enjoyed for centuries: hot spring travel. As temperatures drop, soaking in naturally heated mineral water becomes one of the most satisfying ways to relax, recover from travel fatigue, and experience a deeper layer of Korean history and culture.
If you’re visiting Korea in winter, these three hot spring towns are especially worth considering.
1. Onyang Hot Spring (온양온천), Asan
Korea’s oldest recorded hot spring with royal history
Onyang Hot Spring in Asan is widely recognized as the oldest hot spring in Korea, with records dating back more than 1,300 years to the Three Kingdoms period. It later became a royal hot spring reserved for the Joseon Dynasty, used by kings and royal family members. The water here is sulfur-rich, traditionally believed to help with skin conditions, fatigue recovery, and circulation.
One of Onyang’s biggest strengths is accessibility. You can reach Onyang Oncheon Station directly via Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line 1, making it one of the easiest hot spring trips from Seoul. Intercity buses from Seoul also arrive at Asan Bus Terminal, from which the hot spring area is just a short ride away. Thanks to this convenience, Onyang is ideal for a relaxed overnight stay or even a slow-paced day trip.
2. Suanbo Hot Spring (수안보온천), Chungju
Naturally hot water and a classic winter pairing: pheasant cuisine
Suanbo Hot Spring has been used since the Goryeo Dynasty and is known for its exceptionally high water temperature. The natural spring water emerges at around 50°C, and even in the depths of winter, bath temperatures often stay above 40°C, making it especially appealing during cold weather.
Beyond soaking, Suanbo is also famous for pheasant dishes, a local specialty traditionally enjoyed after a hot spring bath. The combination of mineral-rich water and hearty regional cuisine makes this destination feel distinctly seasonal and local.
Transportation has become much easier with the opening of Suanbo Oncheon Station on the Jungbu Naeryuk Line. From Pangyo Station, you can reach the area by KTX in roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a realistic winter getaway even for travelers based in the Seoul metropolitan area.
3. Bugok Hot Spring (부곡온천), Changnyeong
A legendary hot spring town rediscovering its charm
Bugok Hot Spring, located in Changnyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do, was developed in the 1970s and quickly became one of the most famous hot spring destinations in Korea. At its peak, it symbolized large-scale resort-style hot spring tourism. While its popularity later declined, Bugok has been steadily regaining attention in recent years through family baths and private soaking options, making it appealing again for modern travelers.
Bugok’s location makes it particularly convenient for travelers from Daegu, Busan, and other southern regions. You can reach the area by getting off at Changnyeong Intercity Bus Terminal and taking a taxi for about 20 minutes, or by arriving directly at Bugok Intercity Bus Terminal. It’s a great choice if you want a quieter, less tourist-heavy hot spring experience outside the Seoul area.
Why Hot Springs Belong in a Korean Winter Itinerary
Hot spring travel in Korea blends history, nature, and everyday wellness in a way that feels both traditional and practical. Whether it’s a royal sulfur bath in Onyang, naturally hot waters and local food in Suanbo, or the nostalgic revival of Bugok, these destinations show how Koreans have long embraced winter not by avoiding the cold, but by soaking right through it.
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