Dongnae Hot Spring District Named Korea’s Fourth Hot Spring Town
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□ On October 1, 2026, the Dongnae Hot Spring District in Dongnae-gu was recognized as the country’s fourth “Hot Spring Town” by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
○ The first three areas to become Hot Spring Towns in 2023 were Suanbo Hot Springs in Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do; Onyang Hot Springs in Asan, Chungcheongnam-do; and Bugok Hot Springs in Changnyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do. Dongnae Hot Springs is the sole addition in the second phase of the project.
○ The ministry reviewed the application documents, conducted field inspections and expert evaluations, in addition to considering available resources, accessibility, future prospects, and proposed strategies before making its final decision.
○ Pursuant to the Hot Spring Act, the Minister of the Interior and Safety grants Hot Spring Town status following a holistic assessment of water quality, efforts to promote the hot spring industry and tourism, and economic benefits to the community.
□ With a heritage dating back to 1,400 years to the Three Kingdoms period, Dongnae Hot Springs is known for its high-temperature, silica-rich spring water, which reaches up to 70.3°C. The Dongnae Hot Spring District is a signature hot spring hub in the heart of the city.
○ The district is conveniently connected by Busan Metro Lines 1, 3, and 4, as well as the Donghae Nambu Line. With well-established hot spring facilities and supporting infrastructure, it welcomes two million visitors annually.
○ It is also close to natural and historical landmarks such as Geumjeongsan National Park and Dongnaeeupseong Fortress. By linking hot spring visits with nearby points of interest, the Dongnae Hot Spring District is anticipated to encourage extended stays.
□ As a next step, Busan seeks to position Dongnae as an urban hot spring tourism destination that goes beyond traditional bathing to combine wellness, relaxation, hands-on programs, and sightseeing.
○ The Hot Spring Clinic will specialize in aquatic therapy; the Hot Spring Recreation Center will foster an environment where residents and travelers alike can enjoy hot springs.
○ The city will broaden its tourism offerings and stimulate the local economy by developing distinctive products under the Dongnae Hot Springs brand and hosting the Dongnae Hot Spring Festival.
□ Busan expects this designation to raise awareness of the significance of the 1,400-year-old Dongnae Hot Springs and further strengthen its competitiveness in the hot spring sector.
