3 Heritage Healing Water Destinations to Explore in Korea

Many Himedi customers come to Korea for preventive health checkups, wellness, and longevity-related services. They do not yet ask much about healing water specifically, but in Europe, the United States, and Japan, mineral springs, hot springs, and spa towns have long been associated with rest, recovery, and preventive health. Korea has its own version of this tradition, often connected to royal history, natural mineral water, and local bathing culture. That is why I thought this could be a topic our customers may find interesting.

Here are three heritage healing water destinations that Himedi recommends to customers who want to explore Korea beyond clinics, supplements, and beauty treatments.

 

 

Chojeong Pavilion Temporary Palace: built in January 1444, during the 26th year of King Sejong’s reign. King Sejong stayed here to treat illnesses, including an eye condition, and is said to have completed the creation of Hangeul during his stay. (Source: Official Blog of Chungcheongbuk-do Province)

 

 

Chojeong Mineral Spring, Cheongju

Chojeong Mineral Spring is often described as one of the world’s three major mineral springs, alongside Shasta Spring in the United States and Apollinaris Spring in Germany. Located in Cheongju, it is known for its naturally carbonated mineral water, which has a cool, sparkling taste, and is said to have been discovered around 600 years ago.

What makes Chojeong especially interesting is its connection to King Sejong, one of the most important kings in Korean history. In 1444, King Sejong is said to have visited Chojeong and stayed in the area to treat an eye condition.

From Seoul, the easiest way to visit Chojeong is to take the KTX from Seoul Station to Osong Station, which takes about one hour, and then continue by taxi or private car. Chojeong is located northeast of Cheongju, so the final leg is easier by car than by public transportation.

 

 

Onyang Hot Spring Hotel: One of the most well-known and historic hotels in the Onyang hot spring district. The area has been developed for more than 50 years, so visitors should not expect a premium resort-style experience. (Source: Onyang Hotel)

 

 

Onyang Hotel’s outdoor bath (Source: official website)

 

 

Onyang Hot Spring, Asan

Onyang Hot Spring is one of Korea’s most historic hot spring destinations. It is known as a place where kings of the Joseon Dynasty visited to bathe, rest, and recover, partly because of its proximity to Seoul. This royal connection makes Onyang easy to explain to American visitors. It is not just a hot spring town. It is a place connected to Korea’s royal healing culture.

The water temperature at Onyang Hot Spring is generally known to be around 44–60°C. The water is described as mineral-rich, giving it a soft bathing quality. For visitors, the experience is less about luxury and more about stepping into a long-standing Korean bathing tradition.

From Seoul, Onyang is the most convenient destination on this list. Travelers can take a train from Seoul to Onyang Oncheon Station, or take the KTX to Cheonan-Asan Station and continue by local train or taxi. The hot spring district is close to Onyang Oncheon Station, making it practical for a day trip from Seoul.

 

 

YOU WON JAE: One of the most modern and private hot spring accommodations in Suanbo, located slightly away from the town center. (Source: official website)

 

 

Suanbo Hot Springs, Chungju

Suanbo Hot Springs offers a more nature-oriented experience. The area is known for hot spring water that rises from about 250 meters underground at around 53°C. The water is described as weak alkaline hot spring water. Suanbo is also known as one of Korea’s oldest naturally flowing hot springs, with a history connected to traditional bathing culture over many generations.

Compared with Onyang, Suanbo feels less urban and more like a retreat. Visitors can experience the hot spring water at hotels, resorts, public baths, outdoor baths, and family baths. This makes it a good option for customers who want to combine healing water, rest, and a slower travel experience outside Seoul. For American visitors familiar with spa towns in Europe or hot spring retreats in the U.S. and Japan, Suanbo may be one of the easiest places in Korea to understand as a traditional hot spring destination.

From Seoul, Suanbo takes more planning than Onyang. One option is to travel through Pangyo Station and take a train to Suanbo Oncheon Station. Another option is to take an intercity bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Chungju, then continue to Suanbo by local bus or taxi. Because Suanbo is less urban and more retreat-like, it is better suited for a half-day or overnight trip than a quick stop.

 

 

About the Author

Donkyo Seo — Co-founder & CEO, Himedi

For the past 9 years, Donkyo has helped international patients navigate Korean healthcare. Himedi is licensed by Korea's Ministry of Health & Welfare (License #A-2016-01-01-2345).