Hot Springs Near Seoul (2026): Onyang, Icheon and How Korean Hot Springs Work

Korea has a long hot-spring tradition, and a soak in mineral water is one of the best ways to warm up on a winter trip. Korean hot springs (온천, oncheon) are usually indoor bathhouses filled with naturally hot water, often in old spa towns or spa hotels. Several are reachable from Seoul in a day, including one at the end of a subway line.

Last checked: October 2026. Prices and opening hours vary by bathhouse; check before you go. Dollar figures use about 1,330 KRW = 1 USD (October 2026).

First time in Korea? Start here: our step-by-step guide from landing to your first day.

How do Korean hot springs work?

A Korean hot spring bath works much like a jjimjilbang bath area: you pay at the front desk, get a locker key and towel, undress in a single-gender changing room, shower thoroughly, then soak in pools of different temperatures. The difference is the water: certified hot spring water, naturally heated, often with minerals people believe are good for the skin and joints. Some spa resorts add mixed-gender outdoor pools or water parks where swimsuits are worn.

Onyang Oncheon (Asan): the easiest from Seoul

• What: one of Korea’s oldest hot-spring towns, with water around 57°C at the source. Kings of the Joseon dynasty came here to bathe.
• Getting there: subway Line 1 runs to Onyangoncheon Station (about 2 hours from central Seoul), or take the KTX to Cheonan-Asan Station and transfer. The bathhouses and spa hotels are around the station.
• Price: public bathhouses are inexpensive; spa hotels near the station include the bath for guests.

Map — Onyangoncheon Station: Google Maps · Naver Map (Naver Map is still the most reliable app for walking, bus and subway directions in Korea)

Icheon and other spa towns

• Icheon, about 1.5 hours southeast of Seoul, has had popular hot springs since the early 1900s and is also known for ceramics and rice. Spa resorts there combine indoor baths with outdoor pools.
• Further away: spa towns in Chungcheong-do and the Gangwon mountains pair hot springs with skiing, a good winter combination. Search “온천” in Naver Map for current options and reviews.

How much does a hot spring cost?

Prices change by season and day of the week; check the venue’s site or Naver Map before you go.

What is the hot spring etiquette?

• Shower thoroughly before entering any pool.
• Bathing is nude in the single-gender bath; swimsuits are only for water-park or mixed outdoor areas.
• Tie up long hair and keep towels out of the water.
• No photos in changing rooms or baths.
• Drink water and take breaks; hot water and saunas are tiring.
• Skip the hottest pools if you’re pregnant, have heart or blood-pressure problems or have been drinking.

How do I plan a hot spring day trip?

1. Morning: subway or KTX to Asan (Onyang).
2. Midday: a long soak, then lunch near the station.
3. Afternoon: back to Seoul, or stay overnight in a spa hotel and continue south.

Prefer to stay in the city? A jjimjilbang in Seoul gives you a similar experience without the trip.

Are hot springs accessible?

Larger spa hotels and resorts usually have elevators and easier access; older public bathhouses may have stairs and slippery floors. Ask ahead about handrails and seating in the bath area if you have mobility needs.

FAQ

Are Korean hot springs mixed-gender?
The main baths are separated by gender and nude. Mixed areas exist only at some spa resorts, where swimsuits are worn.

Can I go to a hot spring with tattoos?
Usually yes in Korea, but large tattoos may draw attention; policies vary, so ask if unsure.

What’s the closest hot spring to Seoul?
Onyang in Asan is the easiest by public transport, at the end of subway Line 1.

Sources: Korea Experience – Korea’s best hot springs (2026) · 10 Magazine – Korean hot springs · Stars and Stripes – Korea’s hot springs (archive)
Photos: Jpbarrass / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain · Jpbarrass / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain · Choikwangmo9 / Wikimedia Commons, CC0