Scene from a tile mural at the public hot springs
Located in the center of Korea's only landlocked province, North Chungcheong Provice, Suanbo has been known as a medicinal hot springs since ancient times - at least for a thousand years.
Technically it is part of the municipality of Chungju which administers it as the country's only publicly held hot springs. It is some 21 kilometers south of the city proper, but is well served public bus lines and tour companies.
The entire town is a collection of resorts, hotels and restaurants. Each has access to the naturally heated spring waters that come in at 53C (127F). There is an outdoor public pool at the north end of town, but it is open only seasonallly.
At night the street leading across the river is lit with brightly colored archways. A horse-drawn carriage along this route provides a romantic experience at night. Though a bit expensive, the restaurant specialty in this area is pheasant. Try one of the tasty mushroom dishes as a cheaper alternative.
Accomodations range from the moderate to the luxurious. Several tourist information booths are staffed with friendly bilingual hostesses. The Hi-Spa is one of the newer and better-equipped spa facilites, but go across the river to Nakchang if you want a private "family" spa.
Suanbo has also become a favorite winter destination with the Sajo Ski Resort outside of town. It's easy slopes and proximity to Seoul make it a popular destination for school trips. For a more detailed description of the skiing facilites see the following waymark
Sajo Ski Resort - Suanbo, Korea
The Special Features of Suanbo Hot Springs
The temperature of Suanbo hot springs is 53 degrees Celsius, the pH is alkaline at 8.3 to 8.6 and it contains disolved sodium and sulfates to relax your muscles and treat your skin. Suanbo is the only publicly run hot springs spa in Korea.
The Origin and Special Features of Suanbo Hot Springs
The Origin of Suanbo Hot Springs
Suanbo hot springs are located in Suanbo myeon in Chungju city of Chungcheongbuk-do province. It is known that they have naturally been erupted since ancient time.
Although the accurate year of discovery is unknown, it is believed that they are in existent from the ninth year of King Hyunjong's reign (A.D. 1018) according to Volume 56 of a Korean history book, Koryeosa. It is also recorded that King Sookjong and King Sejong's royal son-in-law Yeoungchangwie and Anmaengdam in Joseon Dynasty would visit Suanbo hot springs. King Sejo's first minister, Kwonliam, did too. Joseonwangjoshilok, another history book of Joseon history, mentions that the confucian scholar Kwonsangha of King Sukjong's reign and people from all over the country were crowded in the magic fountain all the year round.
It was also named as "Myungji-chun," which has been transmitted orally from generation to generation. It means that "By taking a bat once at Suanbo extends a day for their lives. Two times extends two days.
The Special Features of Suanbo Hot Srinngs
The temperature of Suanbo hot springs is 53C. It is a weak alkalic Sodium sulfate (Na-HCO3) type hot spring. It is efficacious for neuraligia, rheumatoid diseases, gastroenteric disorders, and skin diseases. Suanbo hot spring is a tonic hot spring which contains rich minerals including Calcium, Sodium and Magnesium. It is the only hot spring directly managed and supplied by the municipal government (Chungju City).
Suanbo at night