Dongnae Hot Springs (Busan): how to soak like a local in Oncheonjang + prices, hours, and tips

Dongnae Hot Springs is Busan’s classic hot-spring neighborhood—centered around Oncheonjang in Dongnae-gu—where you can do a real Korean-style soak (gender-separated bathhouse), try a big-scale spa facility, or simply relax at a public outdoor footbath near Geumgang Park. The area’s hot-spring culture is described by Busan’s official tourism site as having a long history dating back to the Silla period.

Below is a practical, first-timer-friendly guide to visiting Dongnae Hot Springs—with the most useful places, what they cost, when they’re open, and the common mistakes to avoid.

What “Dongnae Hot Springs” actually means 📍

When people say Dongnae Hot Springs in Busan, they usually mean:

• The Oncheonjang (온천장) / Dongnae hot-spring district (easy access on Busan Metro Line 1), and
• The flagship facility Hurshimchung (Heosimcheong) Spa, plus smaller neighborhood bathhouses nearby.

Busan’s tourism site frames Dongnae Hot Springs as a long-established district and highlights its mineral-rich water (commonly associated in local tourism messaging with relief for aches like arthritis/neuralgia).
(Think of this as cultural context, not medical advice.)

The best ways to experience Dongnae Hot Springs ✅

Option A: Hurshimchung (Heosimcheong) Spa — the “big, easy, iconic” choice ♨️

If you want the most straightforward “this is what people mean by Dongnae hot springs” experience, start here.

Why it’s popular

• Large-scale hot-spring facility with multiple bath types and amenities.
• Very easy to reach from the subway.

Hours

• 05:30–22:00 (year-round)

Prices (service fees)

• Weekdays: 15,000 won (middle school to adults) / 11,000 won (elementary)
• Weekends: 18,000 won (middle school to adults) / 12,000 won (elementary)

How close is it to the subway?

• About a 9-minute walk from Oncheonjang Station (Line 1), Exit 1.

Option B: Dongnae Outdoor Footbath — the “free, chill, 20-minute reset” 🐉🦶

If you want a small taste of hot-spring culture without committing to a full bathhouse routine, Busan’s official site lists a Dongnae outdoor footbath (with hot water shooting from a dragon sculpture).

Hours (seasonal)

• Mar–Oct: 10:00–17:00
• Nov–Feb: 11:00–16:00

Closures (important)

• Closed every Wednesday and Friday
• Also closed during Jul 20–Aug 31 (summer) and Jan 1–31 (winter), plus national holidays, bad weather.

Location (official address)

• 21, Geumganggongwon-ro 26beon-gil, Dongnae-gu, Busan (Oncheon-dong).

Option C: Neighborhood bathhouses near Oncheonjang — the “local, no-frills” route 🧼

Around Oncheonjang, you’ll also find smaller spas/bathhouses. They can be great if you want something simple and less “destination spa.” (Quality varies—peek inside, check prices at the door, and pick what feels comfortable.)

Quick comparison table 💳⏱️

How to get there 🚇🚌🚕

By subway (the default best option) 🚇

For the main hot-spring experience:

• Take Busan Metro Line 1 to Oncheonjang Station → Exit 1 → walk ~9 minutes to Hurshimchung.

By taxi 🚕

Say:

• “Oncheonjang / Hurshimchung (Heosimcheong)”
  Taxi is especially useful late at night or in winter.

By bus 🚌

If you’re targeting a specific place (like the footbath), buses can be convenient—but routes change. Most travelers find subway + short walk simplest.

Hours / operating times ⏱️

Hurshimchung (Heosimcheong)

• 05:30–22:00, year-round

Dongnae Outdoor Footbath (public)

• Seasonal hours + multiple closure rules (Wed/Fri, summer/winter blocks, holidays, weather).

Tickets / prices 💳

Here’s the most reliable “planning math”:

• Hurshimchung: 11,000–18,000 won depending on weekday/weekend and age group.
• Footbath: free.

What to expect inside a Korean hot-spring bathhouse (first-timers) ✅⚠️

The big “surprise” for tourists: you bathe nude (gender-separated) 🚿

Traditional Korean bath areas are typically separated by gender and no swimwear is used in the bathing zone. If that’s uncomfortable, start with the footbath option first.

Basic flow (keeps you from feeling lost)

1. ✅ Pay / get a key or wristband
2. 👟 Put shoes in the shoe locker
3. 🧺 Change in the locker room
4. 🚿 Shower thoroughly before entering any pool
5. ♨️ Soak in warm/hot baths (start mild, then hotter)
6. 🧊 Cool down (cold bath / rest)
7. 🧴 Rehydrate + repeat

Tips and common mistakes ⚠️✅

Tips (what makes it great)

• 🕔 Go early (right after opening) if you want fewer people—Hurshimchung opens at 05:30.
• 🧴 Bring basics: hair tie, small toiletries, simple skincare.
• 💧 Hydrate before and after. Hot baths can wipe you out (in a good way).
• 👣 If you only have 30 minutes: do the Dongnae outdoor footbath (but check closure rules first).

Common mistakes

• ❌ Not checking footbath closures (it’s closed Wed/Fri + seasonal blocks).
• ❌ Going straight into the hottest bath immediately (start warm, build up).
• ❌ Wearing yourself out in the hot pools and forgetting to rest/cool down.

FAQ ❓

Is Dongnae Hot Springs the same as Hurshimchung?
Hurshimchung (Heosimcheong) is the most famous large facility in the Dongnae hot-spring area, but “Dongnae Hot Springs” can refer to the wider Oncheonjang district.

What’s the easiest way to get there?
Take Busan Metro Line 1 to Oncheonjang Station, Exit 1; Hurshimchung is about a 9-minute walk.

How much does it cost?
Hurshimchung ranges from 11,000–18,000 won depending on weekday/weekend and age group.
The public Dongnae footbath is free.

When is the footbath open?
Seasonal hours, plus closures (Wed/Fri, summer/winter blocks, holidays, bad weather).

Conclusion

Dongnae Hot Springs is one of the easiest “local Busan” experiences to add to any itinerary: quick access via Oncheonjang Station, a flagship full-scale soak at Hurshimchung, and a free public Dongnae footbath for a short reset. If you want one relaxation stop that feels distinctly Korean—and not just another photo spot—Dongnae is the move.