[WEEKEND GETAWAY] 4 hot springs in Korea to soak away the winter chills

There are several hot springs in Korea, from family friendly options in Gangwon to natural springs in North Gyeongsang, and Busan's only hot spring to an ideal spot for group visits in South Chungcheong.

Seorak Waterpia at Hanwha Resort Seorak in Sokcho, Gangwon, is famous for Spa Valley, where the themes were designed after the world's famous outdoor hot spas. [CHOI SEUNG-PYO]

Bath salt, bath bombs and bubble baths. Taking a long rest in the warm water infused with fragrant substances is a common ritual to relax, especially when the muscles tend to tense up in the cold. Why not soak into a natural hot spring to enjoy healing powers before the cold exits?

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety designated 10 hot springs in Korea as recuperation spas, whose titles are harder to get since they require a strict standard to abide by. The water temperature should be as warm as at least 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) or the water should contain sulfur or carbonate to a certain extent. Also, the venue should be equipped with health facilities and accommodation options that undergo regular maintenance. The chemicals released in the hot springs are known to help with rejuvenation of the body and mind including skin care and improving pain from diseases.

If you're seeking some real repose away from the daily fatigue, keep an eye on these four recuperation spas selected by the Korea JoongAng Daily.

Seorak Waterpia 설악 워터피아

Seorak Waterpia at Hanwha Resort Seorak in Sokcho, Gangwon [CHOI SEUNG-PYO]

Seorak Waterpia at Hanwha Resort Seorak in Sokcho, Gangwon, was the first to become designated as a recuperation spring since the government introduced the concept in 2008. With a variety of attractions like the wave pool, slides and waterfalls, there are a variety of things to enjoy for adults and children. Although extreme activities are not available during the winter, the outdoor hot spring zone Spa Valley stays open throughout the cold and provides entertainment to visitors.

The main theme of the place is the world's iconic hot springs combined, like Iceland's Blue Lagoon, Italy's Fosso Bianco and Australia's Mornington Peninsula Hot Spa. The hot spring's water temperature reaches as high as 50.7 degrees Celsius (123.3 degrees Fahrenheit) and the spring draws 3128 tons of water every day. At night, Spa Valley turns more aesthetically pleasing with around 100 light installments lighting over 15 hot springs. It is rising as a hot spot not just for those searching for benefits of the recuperation spring but among Gen MZs wanting to take pictures while resting in warmth outdoors.

@hanwharesort_story

111 Misiryeong-ro 2983beon-gil, Sokcho, Gangwon(강원도 속초시 미시령로2983번길 111)Operation hours: Ticket booth, 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. (Break from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.)Spa Valley, 10 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. (One hour break from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.)Price: Until Mar. 3, Day pass with Night Spa: 80,000 won ($60) for adultsNight pass with Night Spa: 72,500 won for adults From Mar. 30 to Apr. 26,Day pass with Night Spa: 77,500 won for adultsNight pass with Night Spa: 56,000 won for adultsPhone number: 033-630-5800Website: https://www.hanwharesort.co.kr/irsweb/resort3/tpark/tp_intro.do?tp_cd=0100

Club D Oasis클럽디 오아시스

Club D Oasis in Haeundae, Busan, runs an outdoor hot spring with an ocean view. [BAEK JONG-HYUN]

Club D Oasis in Haeundae, Busan, is a new spa and water park that opened last year and is home to the first and only recuperation spa in the city. The spring water contains a rich amount of chloride, potassium, sodium and calcium, not to mention the brand-new facilities promising entertainment for the visitors. The outdoor infinity pool, jjimjilbang (Korean-style spa) are a part of the package. The water park uses 17,597 square meters (4.3 acres) of land across four floors ㅡ from the third to the sixth-floor ㅡ at LCT, which is a 101-story skyscraper in Haeundae.

Cheongsudang, the outdoor spa area on the fifth floor, is where you can enjoy the hot springs from an ocean view. Named under the theme Mirage, it is located next to a special lounge on the terrace. You can either wear a swimsuit or a Korean-style dry sauna outfit.

From Mar. 11 to 29, the water park and indoor and outdoor spas go under major renovation, so make sure to visit earlier if you expect to enjoy the palpable contrast of the hot and cold weather.

@clubdoasis LCT, 30, Dalmaji-gil, Haeundae District, Busan(부산광역시 해운대구 달맞이길 30 LCT)Operation hours: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Price: All-use Pass Ticket (7 hours), 79,000 wonWaterpark Ticket (6 hours), 69,000 wonSpa Ticket (5 hours), 30,000 wonPhone number: 1566-8007Website: https://www.clubdoasis.com/en

Dukgu Hot Spring and Spa덕구온천

Dukgu Hot Spring and Sauna in Uljin County, North Gyeongsang, is the only hot spring in Korea that uses naturally generated waters. [BAEK JONG-HYUN]

Dukgu Hot Spring and Spa in Uljin County, North Gyeongsang, is the only hot spring in Korea that uses naturally generated waters straight from the ground. Unlike other spa facilities that retrieve water through a motor's digging-and-extracting procedure, Dukgu Hot Spring produces over 2,000 tons of water every day at 42 degrees Celsius without human intervention. Dukgu Oncheon Resort Hotel is home to a hot spring and spa. The water temperature is around 42 degrees Celsius, an untouched warmth provided without additional heating or tempering down with water.

Heading to Dukgu Hot Spring includes a short climb up Dukgu Valley, a peaceful place that overlooks the view of Mount Eungbong. If Uljin County is far away from your home, you may consider staying the night over at the resort hotel that has other additional water facilities. Family groups are commonly found here since there are private hot springs designed for family groups.

@dukgu42.4c924 Deokguoncheon-ro Buk-myeon, Uljin County, North Gyeongsang (경상북도 울진군 북면 덕구온천로 924)Operation hours: Hot spring, 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Spa World, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Time extended to 8 p.m. during weekends and public holidays)Price: Hot spring, 10,000 won for adults and middle school students and higher, Spa World, 24,000 won to 36,000 won depending on the season and the time of the weekPhone number: 054-782-0677Website: https://www.dukgu.com/dg/

Splas Resom스플라스 리솜

Splas Resom in Yesan, South Chungcheong [SPLAS RESOM]

Across provinces with local government units, North Gyeongsang and South Chungcheong are the two regions that have the highest number of hot springs in Korea. Out of them, Splas Resom in Yesan County, South Chungcheong, is one of the recommended places for a group visit. A full-on water park awaits the visitors with waterslides and youth pools, and calmer tubs for those wanting to relax in peace. The outdoor hot springs with multiple themes are not to be missed. The water is from Deoksan Hot Spring, which has a history of 600 years and produces hot waters of 49 degrees Celsius. The water is also very rich in silica, a type of mineral that is known to be beneficial for the health of the skin and the joints.

Those who stay the night at the resort can also enjoy a spa session as water is available in all rooms.

The spa and sauna facilities will be on a temporary halt due to the renovation and maintenance from March 25 to April 5.

@resom.resort45-7, Oncheondanji 3-ro Deoksan-myeon, Yesan County, South Chungcheong(충청남도 예산군 덕산면 온천단지3로 45-7)Phone number: 041-330-8000Price: Waterpark: Monday to Friday, 48,000 won, Saturday to Sunday, 53,000 won for those born before 2012Sauna: 12,000 won Website: https://www.resom.co.kr/spa/main/main.asp

BY CHOI SEUNG-PYO, KIM DONG-EUN [kim.dongeun@joongang.co.kr]