
Cheoksan Hot Springs Sokcho
Experience a traditional Korean oncheon with mineral-rich hot and cold pools, a sauna, and a focus on authentic, communal bathing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility

Cheoksan Hot Springs Sokcho
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a traditional Korean oncheon with mineral-rich hot and cold pools, a sauna, and a focus on authentic, communal bathing.
"A basic hot spring but does the essentials well. Everyone is naked and separated by gender. "

Bring your own toiletries
While basic towels are provided, locals bring their own toiletries. Consider packing your favorites! :shampoo:
Embrace the nudity
This is a traditional Korean oncheon. Everyone is naked and separated by gender. :womaninlotusposition: :maninbusinesssuit:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Soothing Hot Tubs
Bathing Area
Immerse yourself in naturally heated pools, with options ranging from a comfortable 40°C to a very hot 45°C. Perfect for muscle relaxation.

The Invigorating Cold Plunge
Bathing Area
Experience a bracing shock in the cold pool, often described as one of the coldest encountered. A true test of endurance!

Traditional Scrub Down
Washing Area
Participate in the ritual of scrubbing yourself clean before entering the pools, or opt for a professional scrub for ultimate relaxation.

Sauna Relaxation
Bathing Area
Unwind and detoxify in the on-site sauna, a perfect complement to the hot and cold pools.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Experience
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring your own toiletries
While basic towels are provided, locals bring their own toiletries. Consider packing your favorites! :shampoo:
Embrace the nudity
This is a traditional Korean oncheon. Everyone is naked and separated by gender. :womaninlotusposition: :maninbusinesssuit:
Learn basic Korean phrases
Staff have limited English. Knowing a few phrases will enhance your experience. :speech_balloon:
Scrub up before soaking
It's customary to thoroughly wash and scrub yourself before entering the communal pools. :barofsoap:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring your own toiletries
While basic towels are provided, locals bring their own toiletries. Consider packing your favorites! :shampoo:
Embrace the nudity
This is a traditional Korean oncheon. Everyone is naked and separated by gender. :womaninlotusposition: :maninbusinesssuit:
Learn basic Korean phrases
Staff have limited English. Knowing a few phrases will enhance your experience. :speech_balloon:
Scrub up before soaking
It's customary to thoroughly wash and scrub yourself before entering the communal pools. :barofsoap:
Locker bracelet is key
Your locker number and access are tied to the bracelet you receive. Keep it safe! :key:
Foot spa nearby
Don't miss the foot spa across the street for an affordable extra soak! :foot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cheoksan Hot Springs offers a genuine, no-frills traditional Korean oncheon experience. Visitors appreciate the therapeutic hot and cold pools and the authentic local atmosphere, though the lack of English signage and modern amenities might not appeal to everyone. It's a place for those seeking a simple, restorative soak rather than luxury.
"This was my first Oncheon experience. From other reviews I already knew not to expect anything luxurious, but overall it was a very good experience. When I was there, I was the only foreign visitor, but nobody cared. Since most of the signs are in Korean, here’s a small guide:
Buy your ticket at the kiosk or the counter. There‘ll be a number in the receipt. This is your locker number. Take off your shoes and put them in the locker with your number on it. Take out the bracelet to lock it. Go upstairs (or downstairs if you’re female) and find the locker with your number. Use the bracelet to open it. Fully undress (everyone is naked). Proceed to the area with the plastic stools, take one of those blue and grey washcloths and give yourself a good cleaning and scrubbing. You can also pay somebody for a scrubbing. After this you can enjoy the different tubs, pools and sauna.
The staff knew barely any English, but they tried to help me as much as possible when I had questions. Overall a good experience Rand with 11,000 KOW not too expensive. I recommend!"
Jonas Kremer
"A basic hot spring but does the essentials well. Everyone is naked, men and women fully separated. Not geared for foreigners but they don't mind having you there if you're polite.
Catch the #3 bus to the nearest stop, then walk 5 min down the hill to the spa. Pay 10,000 won at the front desk and receive an entrance card and a couple of small towels. Use the card to get through the turnstiles (men left, women right) to the change rooms, strip and leave your gear in a locker, head through to the washing area, grab a stool and scrub yourself well (2-10 min) before you go near a pool. The locals have buckets of toiletries; I used one of my towels as a wet scrubbing towel / cooling face towel. Option to pay extra for someone to scrub you down on a table.
After scrubbing, enjoy the pools: one hot 40°C, one really hot 45°C, one really cold (maybe 5-10°C?), and a steam room.
Change rooms offer hair dryers, moisturiser, drinking water.
Locals were friendly and curious, but there was a language barrier so we couldn't chat as much as we wanted.
Had a lovely time here after hiking all day. Would recommend it for anyone who is willing to put in a little extra effort to do it the local way, with limited English."
Jessie Burns
"Ok this is a very simple spa but I gave it 4 stars for a couple of things, is it truly a 4 star spa, depends on what you like.
Yes, very simple 3 baths hot, warm and cold. There is a sauna.
Plenty of parking and it doesn’t seem to be very crowded, I can tell a lot of locals come here. The cost is 10,000 won so not to high.
It does what it’s supposed to do very traditional compared to other spas that I’ve been to.
Why 4 stars? First, the hot isn’t anything special 47.8 but the cold it has to be one of the coldest I’ve been in, there was no temp gauge I could see but it was very cold. Second, location right across the street is the foot bath spa and you are also really close to hiking trails. Third there is a story to this place you can read about it in the pictures I posted, it’s been around for a little while and has some history.
Overall not a bad place if you just want to take a shower and relax but don’t think it’s going to flip the bill if you’re looking for something extra special, no Jimjilbang only shower but I recommend going across the street to the foot spa when you visit only 1,000 won."
David Dahlstrom
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the #3 bus from Sokcho city center. Get off at the nearest stop and it's a short 5-minute walk downhill to the spa.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the hot springs facility, making it convenient if you're driving.
Cheoksan Hot Springs is located close to hiking trails, making it a great destination after a day of exploring the outdoors.
If you're coming from Seoraksan, you can take a local bus or taxi to Sokcho city and then catch the #3 bus to Cheoksan Hot Springs.
Currently, there are no dedicated shuttle services mentioned. Public bus #3 is the most recommended public transport option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically around 10,000 KOW per person. This includes access to the bathing areas and saunas.
No, advance booking is generally not required. You can purchase your ticket at the kiosk or counter upon arrival.
While specific hours can vary, it's generally open throughout the day and into the evening, catering to both daytime visitors and those seeking an evening soak.
The standard admission fee covers the hot springs and sauna. Additional services like a professional scrub might incur extra charges.
It's advisable to have some cash (Korean Won) on hand, as some smaller kiosks might prefer cash payments, though credit cards are generally accepted.
🎫 🧖♀️ Onsite Experience
Expect a traditional, communal bathing experience. Men and women are separated. You'll find various hot and cold pools, and a sauna. Remember to wash thoroughly before entering.
Yes, in traditional Korean oncheon like Cheoksan, nudity is the norm. Swimsuits are not permitted in the bathing areas.
Yes, you can opt for a professional scrubbing service for an additional fee. Alternatively, you can scrub yourself using the provided washcloths.
Changing rooms typically offer lockers, hair dryers, moisturizer, and drinking water.
Locals are often friendly and curious, but be mindful of the language barrier. A polite greeting is always appreciated.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the focus is on the hot springs experience, there might be basic snack options available. For a full meal, it's best to explore dining options in Sokcho city.
It's generally not recommended to bring outside food and drinks into the bathing areas. Check for designated areas if needed.
Sokcho is known for its fresh seafood. You can find excellent restaurants serving grilled fish, sashimi, and other local delicacies nearby.
The facility primarily focuses on the hot springs experience. Dedicated restaurants are not a prominent feature, but simple refreshments might be available.
Head into Sokcho city center for a wide array of dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale seafood restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally not permitted inside the bathing and changing areas for privacy reasons. Be respectful of other visitors.
You can capture exterior shots of the facility and the surrounding natural scenery. The nearby foot spa area also offers photo opportunities.
The location is close to hiking trails and natural landscapes, offering beautiful backdrops for outdoor photography.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer lighting for exterior shots.
No, photography of the pools and other bathers is strictly prohibited to ensure everyone's privacy and comfort.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting the foot bath spa across the street as a more family-friendly alternative for a quick soak. If you do visit Cheoksan, ensure children understand the rules and customs beforehand to avoid any discomfort.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save even more, bring your own toiletries and snacks. The nearby foot bath spa is also an incredibly affordable way to enjoy a relaxing soak.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Don't be intimidated by the language barrier; a smile and a few basic Korean phrases go a long way. It's a perfect opportunity to practice mindfulness and enjoy some personal time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Traditional Korean Oncheon Experience
This ritualistic cleansing is a significant part of the oncheon experience. You'll find rows of plastic stools in the washing area where bathers scrub themselves clean. While some may find this aspect unfamiliar, it's a core element of the local custom. The staff, while not fluent in English, are generally helpful and try their best to assist visitors.
Embracing this traditional approach means letting go of inhibitions and immersing yourself in the local way of life. The simplicity of the facilities—hot tubs, a cold plunge, and a sauna—is part of its charm. It's a place to disconnect and focus on the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters.
Navigating Cheoksan Hot Springs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Fully undress and proceed to the washing area. Grab a washcloth and thoroughly clean yourself. You can also opt for a paid scrubbing service if you prefer. After your scrub, you're ready to enjoy the various pools: a hot tub (around 40°C), a very hot tub (around 45°C), a cold plunge pool, and the sauna.
After your soak, return to the changing room. Amenities like hair dryers and moisturizer are usually available. Remember to rinse off any remaining soap before leaving the bathing area. The entire process is designed for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Beyond the Baths: Nearby Attractions
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the hot springs are also in close proximity to hiking trails. This makes it a perfect destination to soothe tired muscles after a trek in the surrounding natural beauty. The area around Sokcho is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including the nearby Seoraksan National Park.
Sokcho city itself offers a vibrant local culture, with bustling markets like the Abai Village and fresh seafood restaurants. You can easily combine a visit to the hot springs with exploring these local gems for a well-rounded experience of the region.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit