Dongrae Hot Spring District designated as South Korea’s fourth Hot Spring City

The Dongrae Hot Spring District in Busan has been designated as South Korea’s fourth ‘Hot Spring City’ by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. This follows the 2023 designations of Suanbo, Onyang, and Bugok hot springs.

With a history spanning 1,400 years since the Three Kingdoms period, the district is recognized for its high-quality water, reaching temperatures up to 70.3°C and containing silica. The area benefits from excellent urban accessibility via Busan’s subway lines and the Donghae Nambu Line, attracting approximately 2 million visitors annually.

Busan Metropolitan City plans to transform the district from a traditional bathing area into a specialized urban tourism hub focused on healing, relaxation, and experiential tourism. Key initiatives include the construction of a ‘Hot Spring Healing Center’ to provide professional underwater therapy, the development of complex experiential facilities, and the creation of specialized brand products and festivals to boost the local economy.