Onyang Hot Spring Hotel

I'm only reviewing the men's sauna. The outdoor area was my favorite, with a big pool, rocks, and bamboo that made it feel peaceful. Inside, there are the pools you'd want, and the temperatures were satisfactory: hot was 41.6 and cold was maybe 21, though it didn't feel very cold. It's a little dated, but the historic side is the best part. It's said to be one of Korea's oldest, over 1,000 years old, and has changed many times over the years. There are dry and wet saunas, though I didn't see anywhere to lie down. Parking shouldn't be an issue, although it was busy when I went and I don't know if that's typical. You can use the sauna without staying at the hotel. It cost 9,000. I'd say it's worth going to be able to say you visited a sauna over 1,000 years old, but the nearby Jimjilbang is one of the best around and just as old. It doesn't have the royal titles this place does, so this one has a tough comparison.

The pools were good, though not as nice as those at regular saunas. The room felt very small for what it cost, and there were no toothbrushes or razors. At the sauna you have to buy your own toothbrush or razor, and they don't provide shampoo or rinse either.

Would I stay here again? No. Would I recommend it? No. I booked because of the hot spring and hoped to relax for my birthday. The place was a real disappointment. At check-in, the receptionist's tone changed as soon as they realized I was a foreigner. I'd been late that day and spent a few hours on a Zoom meeting with colleagues. By the time I was done, it was late and the restaurant had closed early, so I had to rush out in the rain to find dinner. Nearby there wasn't much to see, it was winter, and most shops closed early. The SPA was closed, along with the massage center, basement restaurant, and gym, apparently on a whim. They should have told me at check-in so I could plan. The only thing they said then was that the SPA cost 9k KRW, payable in the basement on entry. They did tell me it was closed, but only the next morning, when I asked. Their outdated website gave no facility closing information. Neither did the welcome book with its torn brochure, and there was no notice at the check-in counter about Tuesday closures. Even the Wifi password was a tiny sticker on the side of the modem. Who can read that? It wouldn't take much effort to print it, laminate it, and put it in the welcome book. No genius required. After 11 in the afternoon, they were already calling to hurry me out, even though checkout was at 12. The hotel didn't seem busy with travelers, either. I wouldn't have chosen this place without the hot spring. They can apparently close it whenever they like. Imagine booking a hotel for its hot spring, then finding the facility shut when you get there. Hotel Hot Spring without the hot spring. I wasted my youth coming here. Better to go to a jimjilbang or another SPA. There still hadn't been any apology letter from management by day 7, even though I'd written them a long complaint and handed it to the front desk staff. Why come to an old, dilapidated place when there are better hotels elsewhere?

The hot spring water is the standout, despite the hotel's old facilities. This is a historic hot spring hotel, known since the early Lee Dynasty, around 1,400 years ago, especially for recurring skin and eye problems. It's in the best spot in the city for transport and shopping. The hotel was built a long time ago and is spacious, so there are different room types and room conditions. I'd suggest booking above the 3rd floor for a better view and a cleaner room.