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Seoul’s Hot Springs

 

 

 

 

It’s the time of the year when you start thinking about hot springs. For those who are hesitant traveling far to enjoy the hot springs, we present Seoul’s very own hot springs right here in the city. Most might doubt if there really are hot springs in Seoul. But these hot springs were certified by the Seoul Metropolitan Government as real hot springs. According to Korean hot spring laws, hot springs are underground hot water with a temperature over 25 °C which can be safely used for drinking and bathing. These Seoul hot springs have passed these strict requirements. Each hot spring offers water with different qualities such as strong alkaline water, sulfur water, or germanium rock mineral water. Here are some hot spring hotels and jimjilbangs for you to enjoy and relax in with your friends and family during this winter vacation.

1. Seoul’s Rare Sulfur Hot Spring, Woori Yuhwang Spa

Located in Guui-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Woori Yuhwang Spa draws up 1,040 meter deep sulfur-rich water for their hot spring everyday. The facility isn’t very big, but this spa is garnering interest due to being the only sulfur hot spring in Seoul. In 2011, this place was also shown on Japan’s NHK channel as a sulfur hot spring.  Featuring sulfur-rich hot tubs, salt and underground tunnel sauna rooms, snack and refreshment stands, massage rooms, and more, this spa also has an outdoor foot bath and café for the relaxation of its visitors.

The large sulfur baths is divided into a bath with sulfur water and mineral water. If you’re familiar with the characteristics of such baths, it’s easy to identify which is which. The sulfur bath emits a unique smell and it’s hard to make soap bubbles as the water is too slippery. Even without the use of soap, the water will make your hair and skin feel soft and smooth. Sulfur baths are known for being effective against treating skin conditions. This fact has attracted many regulars from outside the city like Incheon and Gyeonggi-do. To increase the effectiveness of the spring, it’s suggested not to wash away the water with a towel, but let it air dry on the body.

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2. All-in-one Hot Spring and Sauna, Bongil Spa Land

Opened in 2017, Bongil Spa Land is the only spa to have alkaline hot spring water in the southwestern region of Seoul. According to the water analysis conducted by Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, the waters of this spring has a highly alkaline water with a 9.12 pH, higher than the 7.5 -8.5 pH range of most domestic springs in Korea. Alkaline hot spring baths are known to help relieve fatigue, improve skin conditions, and improve blood circulations. Their “Bohaengtang” tub is famous for treating weak knees and joints. The buoyancy of the water assists in lessening the pressure on the joints. 

Their wide communal room features “Bulgama” and “Pine” saunas, forest bath rooms, acupressure rooms, ice rooms, kid’s playground, arcade, DVD rooms, and more. Additional facilities like restaurants, barber shops, gyms, screen golf, and more can also be found within the spa as well. Holding more than 900 lockers, it’s easy to see how big this place really is. It’s a great place to come and relax with families and friends.

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3. Hot Spring With a Great Hangang River View, Vista Walkerhill Seoul

Located in Achasan, Gwangjin-gu, Vista Walkerhill Seoul is the best place to soak in a hot tub while viewing the wonderful scenery of the Hangang River. It’s especially a sight to see during snowy days. There are many facilities to explore in this 5 star hotel. The hotel uses alkalescent water for their Wellness Club's sauna, swimming pool, and foot spa, making these facilities popular among visitors, especially during the winter season. A women’s only outdoor hinoki bath is also available on its premises. “Skyard”, the hotel’s 4th floor rooftop garden is the pride of Vista Walkerhill Seoul. A space for relaxation made up of an outdoor garden, foot spa, terrace bar, and yoga deck, Skyard is a great place to enjoy the four seasons of Seoul. The foot spa uses hot spring water with a temperature ranging from 26.3℃ to 29.1℃. Dipping your feet into the warm foot baths and taking in the view is sure to wash away your exhaustion from the daily grind. During the night, the floor of the foot bath is lit up with star-shaped lights, lending a romantic atmosphere to the place.