Local legend says a limping white heron landed in a warm puddle here centuries ago. After a few days of soaking, the bird flew away completely healed.
That same water still bubbles up from under Busan today. Dongnae Oncheon is a district built around these natural, mineral-rich hot springs. Kings used to travel here to soothe aching joints. Now, the neighborhood is filled with bathhouses.
The biggest is a giant spa called Hurshimchung, built to handle several thousand people at a time.
If you aren’t ready to strip down, just walk outside. The city runs free open-air foot baths right on the street. You can roll up your pants and soak your feet alongside the locals.
When you’re done soaking, follow the local weekend ritual. Find a nearby restaurant and order Dongnae pajeon. It’s a thick, soft pancake packed with green onions, oysters, and shrimp, meant to be eaten warm with a bowl of milky rice wine.
