Warm Up Your Body in Changnyeong Bugok 78℃ Natural Hot Spring Water When It's Cold

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Wook] There is a unique place in Korea where you can overcome the sudden Arctic cold snap that freezes both body and mind.

It is Bugok Oncheon located in Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongnam. Among Korea's leading hot springs, it boasts the highest natural hot spring water temperature of 78℃. Moreover, its medical efficacy has been proven in inhibiting skin aging and removing reactive oxygen species that cause adult diseases such as diabetes and cancer. It is also effective for skin diseases that worsen in cold and dry weather, so how about taking a trip to Bugok Oncheon this winter?

Bugok Oncheon was discovered on January 10, 1973, by the late Shin Hyun-taek. Compared to other famous domestic hot springs that were actively developed during the Japanese colonial period, Bugok Oncheon will mark its 50th anniversary next year.

In 1977, the surrounding area was designated as a national tourist site, and with the opening of the Guma Expressway, more than 5 million domestic and international tourists visited annually in the 1970s and 80s. Rapid development transformed it from a simple hot spring resort into a comprehensive tourist destination equipped with golf courses and various recreational facilities, and it was designated as a tourism special zone in 1997.

Bugok Hawaii, Korea's first water park located in the Bugok Oncheon tourism special zone, was popular as a honeymoon and school trip destination. However, as water parks sprang up nationwide, aging facilities and weakened competitiveness led to its closure in May 2017.

As overseas travel became common and travel trends changed, domestic hot spring tourism experienced a downturn, increasing calls for facility improvements at Bugok Oncheon. Furthermore, after COVID-19, the bathing industry declined into a sunset industry, prompting remodeling of establishments to cater to visitors who avoid public baths such as communal baths, aiming to revitalize hot spring tourism. In particular, kids' cafes and kids' theme rooms have captured the hearts of family tourists with young children.

Before enjoying the hot springs, a light hiking course behind the hot spring area on Deokamsan Mountain is recommended. Deokamsan is 544.5m high, not very tall, but it is the first place to see the sunrise in Changnyeong. Even hiking beginners can climb without burden, and after descending, you can relieve fatigue in the hot springs.

If even that is difficult, the Bugok Oncheon Healing Trail is recommended. In February this year, a 3.5 km Bugok Oncheon Healing Trail connected with the Deokamsan hiking trail was created. The trail goes from Geomeun Village in Bugok Oncheon through Cheongryongam and the observatory to the Nonghyup training center. It is not high and has many flat sections. It is rich in phytoncides, and you can leisurely enjoy the pine forest stretching long into the sky, hoping to blow away stress and fatigue.

County Governor Kim Bu-young said, “We will expand attractions in the Bugok Oncheon tourism special zone and properly maintain facilities within the hot spring area to attract more tourists and revitalize the local economy,” adding, “I hope this winter will be a warm and healthy trip at Bugok Oncheon.”