BUSAN — The Busan Tourism Organization has introduced a fresh wellness tourism initiative dubbed "Busan On Tour," seamlessly merging open-air city sightseeing with the port city’s historic bathing culture.

Rolled out on Monday, the new bundle pairs a Busan City Tour bus pass with admission tickets to premier local hot springs and spas. The initiative taps into a growing travel trend among younger generations—dubbed "bath travel"—which pairs leisure exploration with relaxing soak experiences.

Busan’s deep-rooted spa heritage, anchored by destinations like Dongnae and Haeundae, is backed by an extensive local infrastructure. Statistics show that the city hosted 651 operating public bathhouses by the close of 2025, outnumbering the capital city of Seoul.

To turn this local asset into a compelling travel experience, the tourism board partnered with "Maekkeun Research Lab," a local agency specializing in regional bath culture branding. Together, they designed a package centered on the motto "Ride, Bathe, and Relax."

Travelers can board the Busan City Tour bus to navigate iconic coastal spots like Haeundae, Gwangalli, and Songdo before unwinding at a partner wellness facility. Participating venues include Songdo Spa Haesurang, Gwangalli Aquapalace Spa, Haeundae Club D Oasis, and Haeundae Hill Spa. These locations were strategically chosen for their close proximity to city tour bus stops along the Red, Green, and Orange lines.

The package is designed to offer a cost-effective alternative to purchasing transit passes and spa tickets separately. Pricing and operating schedules vary by venue. To mark the launch, the tourism authority is rolling out an introductory event, offering exclusive commemorative merchandise to the first 1,200 buyers.

"Busan possesses a distinct bathing culture and exceptional spa infrastructure that appeals strongly to contemporary travelers," said Lee Jeong-sil, President of the Busan Tourism Organization. "With Busan On Tour, we aim to transform local heritage into a signature tourism product through continued collaboration with the regional tourism sector."

Further details regarding itineraries, pricing, and reservations can be accessed via the official Busan City Tour website.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]