Korean Dictionary
How to say "Hot spring" in Korean
“Hot spring” in Korean is 온천 (pronounced "Oncheon").
온천
Oncheon
Usage & Context
Geothermally heated spring water, popular for bathing and relaxation. Korea has numerous hot spring resorts, particularly in Chungcheongnam-do (아산 온양온천), Busan area (동래 온천), and near Gangwon-do mountains. Unlike Japanese onsen culture, Korean 온천 is often combined with 찜질방 (sauna/bathhouse) facilities.
Example Sentence
겨울에 온천욕을 하면 정말 따뜻하고 편안해요.
Taking a hot spring bath in winter is really warm and relaxing.
How to use 온천 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Hot spring” is 온천, romanized as Oncheon.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 온천.
Pronunciation Guide
The word '온천' (Oncheon) is pronounced 'ohn-chun'. 'On' sounds like the English word 'on', and 'cheon' is like 'chun' in 'lunch' but with a slightly softer 'ch' sound.
More Example Sentences
Discussing weekend plans with a colleague.
주말에 가족들과 온천 여행을 계획하고 있어요.
I'm planning a hot spring trip with my family this weekend.
Relaxing at a hot spring resort.
온천수에 몸을 담그니 피로가 싹 풀리는 것 같아요.
Soaking in the hot spring water seems to melt away all my fatigue.
Explaining Korean geography or tourism to a foreigner.
한국에는 유명한 온천 지역이 여러 곳 있어요.
There are several famous hot spring regions in Korea.
Cultural Context
Korean '온천' (oncheon) are popular destinations for relaxation, especially during colder months. Unlike the more traditional, often outdoor, Japanese onsen, Korean hot springs are frequently integrated into larger resort complexes that include '찜질방' (jjimjilbang, Korean bathhouses/saunas), spas, and sometimes water parks. This makes them a comprehensive family-friendly leisure spot. Famous regions include Asan Onyang Oncheon and Dongnae Oncheon, known for their therapeutic waters.
Editorial note
We review entries like 온천 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
온천욕을 하다
to take a hot spring bath
온천 여행
hot spring trip
온천수
hot spring water
Related Expressions
찜질방
Jjimjilbang
Korean bathhouse/sauna
목욕탕
Mogyoktang
public bathhouse
사우나
Sauna
sauna
휴식
Hyusik
rest, relaxation
More Nature Words
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