The most recent transformation occurred after the 1993 Daejeon Expo, when Yuseong Hot Spring, along with destinations like Gyeongju and Jeju Island, was designated as a domestic tourism special zone. This was the peak of its popularity, with visitors from Seoul and other regions flocking to the area. As a result, hotels, restaurants, and other facilities flourished, and new developments expanded and beautified the neighborhood.
However, as tourism trends shifted over time, many hot springs across the country transformed into large-scale spa complexes or water parks. In contrast, Yuseong Onsen maintained its traditional onsen facilities, and as a result, it faced a decline in visitors and entered a period of stagnation.
The closure of the iconic Riviera Hotel in 2018, followed by the closure of the Yuseong Hotel earlier this year after 109 years of service, has further contributed to the sense that the once-thriving Yuseong Onsen is shrinking in stature.
Despite these changes, Yuseong Onsen's core remains strong. The longstanding Kyeongryong Spatel has continued to operate steadily, and the foot bath facility, established over a decade ago, remains popular among locals. The former site of the Riviera Hotel is now being redeveloped into a mixed-use complex, and the Yuseong Hotel is set to be transformed into a luxury spa hotel as part of Shinsegae’s new "Starfield Village." These upcoming changes signal a new phase for Yuseong Onsen, as it reinvents itself once again.
In the midst of these transformations, the nearby Bongmyeong-dong area has seen the rise of trendy cafes and boutiques, offering a fresh and vibrant aspect to Yuseong Onsen’s traditional setting.
Today, it may be difficult to immediately spot the traditional hot spring facilities in the area, but the onsen waters still remain as precious as ever. While the buildings and structures may change, the hot spring water itself remains constant. The water continues to flow from a depth of about 200 meters underground, maintaining temperatures between 27°C and 56°C, as it has for centuries.
Yuseong's hot spring water is slightly alkaline, with a pH of 7.5 to 8.5, and is renowned for its high silica content (over 40 mg/L), which contributes to its reputation as a silica hot spring. The water is rich in more than 60 beneficial minerals and is free of heavy metals. Its qualities include a temperature range of 25°C to 53°C, with a pH of 8.89. The water is exceptionally soft, and visitors often report that after soaking, their skin feels smooth, and their fatigue is completely alleviated. The hot spring water is known for its therapeutic effects on various conditions, including skin diseases, nervous system disorders, gastrointestinal issues, obesity, diabetes, and gynecological ailments.
Those who have visited Yuseong Onsen often remark on the distinct quality of the water. After soaking, they say their skin feels smoother and their fatigue is completely washed away. This consistency is the hallmark of Yuseong Onsen—despite all the changes in the surrounding area, the water itself remains unchanged.
The primary reason people come to Yuseong Onsen is to enjoy its hot spring water, and today, just as in the past, the water continues to flow from deep underground, filling the onsen baths. While the appearance of Yuseong Onsen may have changed over time, the most important element—the hot spring water—has remained steadfast.
No matter how much the appearance of Yuseong Onsen may evolve, visitors can still enjoy the therapeutic benefits of its exceptional hot spring water at any time. This is why Yuseong Onsen remains one of the best hot springs in Korea, offering an experience that continues to delight and rejuvenate visitors.
