As much as we love the wave pools and rides at lively water parks, it’s the open-air baths that make us want to sit in a warm pool and relax with a view. We’ve rounded up some of the best open-air baths in Seoul and its suburbs, or even if you’re a bit further afield, for a truly wellness experience.
1. Paradise City S’mer, Incheon
Paradise City S’mer is a place where European sensibilities and Korean jjimjilbang culture meet, making you feel like you’re in a large spa in Europe.
In addition to the infinity pool, there is a virtual spa that incorporates media art, a cave spa, and an aqua club with DJ music, so there are tons of contents that can only be enjoyed inside the spa!
📍 186, Yeongjonghaeannam-ro 321beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon (Map)
2. Icheon Thermaden
Icheon Thermaden, a German-style spa located 40 minutes by car from Seoul, is a relatively large water park with hot pools, jjimjilbangs, and saunas. There are various hot water pools, including a lazy river that you can ride on a tube, so it is recommended for those who want to enjoy outdoor water play.
Thermeden also has a real open-air bath that you can use while bathing. It’s hard to find an open-air bath in the suburbs of Seoul, so let’s enjoy it at Icheon Thermeden. You can experience a jjimjilbang, sauna, and hot water pool all at a reasonable price.
📍 984, Moga-myeon, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (map)
3. Parasparra Seoul
At the foot of Bukhansan Mountain, Hotel Parasparah Seoul is a rare find in Seoul. The rooftop infinity pool and jacuzzi, which are open in winter, are popular here.
While the pool and jacuzzi are only available to guests staying at a Parasparra hotel, if you’re looking for an open-air experience while staying close to the action, Parasparra Seoul is a great place to vacation.
4. Splas Lisom
Located in Budae, Chungcheongnam-do, Splash Risom is a water park that uses Deoksan Hot Spring water, which has a history of more than 600 years. The water quality is excellent and there are about 15 open-air baths.
The same brand, Forest Lysom in Jecheon, also has open-air baths, making it a popular destination for those in need of wellness in nature.
📍 45-7, Deoksan-myeon Hot Spring Complex 3-ro, Budae-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (map)
5. Chuksan Hot Spring Recreation Village
Located in Sokcho, Gangwon-do, Chaksan Hot Spring Recreation Village offers natural hot spring water at 50 degrees without heating. The view of Seoraksan Mountain and the forest from the open-air bath is impressive, and you can have an outdoor experience while bathing rather than in a hot pool.
It is a resort facility with rooms, but you can use the sauna (open-air bath) facility separately for 11,000 won per adult. There is also a family hot spring room where families can bathe together.
📍 327, Sokcho-si Gwangjang-ro, Gangwon-do (map)
6. Ganghwa Seokmo Mineral Hot Spring
Ganghwa Seokmo Mineral Hot Spring is a place where you can enjoy an open-air bath adjacent to the beach. It is characterized by the fact that you can enjoy the open-air bath while watching the sunset over the West Sea from Ganghwa Island. You can experience a warm bath while feeling the wind, moisture, and salt of the sea.
At 9,000 won per person, it’s an affordable experience.
📍 865-17, Samsanam-ro, Samsan-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon (Map)