Hot springs in Korea: 5 unique complexes

• Thermal Effect: The enhanced metabolism and elimination of toxins through the heat of hot springs alleviate muscle fatigue and pain.
• Physical Effect: The pressure in the pool causes compression of the chest area by 1-3.6 cm and the abdomen by 2.5-6.5 cm; individuals with heart conditions should consult a doctor.
  Moreover, human body density is 1306, while water density is 1000, reducing body weight by about 1/9 when immersed in water. This effect is beneficial for people with impaired mobility function.
• Chemical Effects of Constituents: Hot springs contain numerous chemical components that have a medicinal impact on the body.
• In particular, consuming water from specific springs positively affects gastrointestinal disorders, while sulfur springs dilate blood vessels, aiding in circulatory conditions such as atherosclerosis and the consequences of a stroke.
• Furthermore, chemical components present in sources like salt springs, carbonate springs, alkaline springs, and sulfur springs are beneficial for treating skin disorders.

Welcome to Daejeon City, the establishment we are heading to is located at Yousung Hotel. The hotel is old, but of high quality, with traditions. It could easily be rated as a solid 4-star establishment.

However, what interests us is not the hotel itself, but the baths located on its premises. These baths are public, so you can use them without any issues even if you're not staying at the hotel.

The hot spring water flows along a granite stratum with a depth of 350 meters. It contains over 60 beneficial elements for the body, aiding in the prevention of various diseases: alkaline minerals like calcium and potassium, sulfur, carbonic acid, silicic acid, and radium. Notably, these alkaline hot springs are renowned for their effectiveness in treating neuralgia and age-related ailments. Yuseong Hot Springs have long been associated with cranes. During the final days of the Baekje Kingdom, a man who was the only son and heir of his family received a severe wound during a war with Silla. His mother worried greatly for her son. One day, she saw a crane with a wounded wing dip itself into a hot spring amidst snow-covered ground and then fly away as if nothing happened. She took her son there, and his wound also healed, so the legend goes.

All the water in the baths of the aforementioned hotel (and in the smaller, neighboring ones, which are also cheaper) comes naturally from the springs. Here, you'll also find dry and wet saunas that will help improve blood circulation and metabolism, aiding in the relief of fatigue and stress.

Price: around $7 for hotel guests, approximately $10 for external visitors. Open: from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM (last entry at 8:00 PM).

If you want to not only soak in the warm water, but also ride a water slide overlooking one of the best national parks - Seoraksan - I recommend to go to Seorak Waterpia.

Sorak Waterpia is a natural hot spring water with a temperature of 49℃. 3,000 tons per day are mined from a depth of 680 meters. Water contains cations such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium, as well as bicarbonate, chlorine, carbonic and sulfuric acid, so it is good for the skin, as well as for relieving physical and mental fatigue, it is recommended for insomnia, high blood pressure, neuralgia and arthritis.

From a health perspective, you have the option of what the company refers to as a "Hot-spring large bath place" – essentially, a public bathhouse with hot springs. However, if you are seeking entertainment in the style of a water park, it's worth considering the Spa as well.

There's an open-air hinoki bath, an enclosed area with tubs and saunas, and a modern changing room – all as usual.

Operating hours are from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (timings vary by day of the week and season, please inquire in advance). The cost is 10,000 won (approximately $9 USD).

The hot springs of Tokku are a complex concept. Here you will find a decent hotel with soft alkaline water; but this region of South Korea is famous for its sulfur springs.

The Sulfur Springs of Deokgu (덕구유황원탕, Deokgu Yuhwang Wonthang) are said to boast the best water quality.

The springs are extremely popular with local residents, from the moment they open until they close, the parking lot of these form-factor baths is constantly filled with cars. The institution is by no means new, but the quality of the water attracts both regular customers (locals) and visitors to Tokku.

The world's largest department store is located in South Korea, in Busan. It's called Shinsegae. In addition to all kinds of goods, it also offers other entertainment, in particular, a spa. “An urban oasis with natural spring water,” as it calls itself, this complex provides the opportunity to take advantage of all kinds of steam rooms: charcoal (design made from natural charcoal), red clay, Roman (therms, practically), in the form of a pyramid, hammam, salt bath , traditional Korean pulgama, Finnish; as well as exotic: Wave Dream Room, Body Sound Room, SEV Room. The stylish design of the common room with traditional baths with water of different temperatures creates a feeling of peace and relaxation. Here you will also find a restaurant.