Busan Massage Prices
Massage prices in Busan, South Korea
Busan, South Korea's second-largest city with a population of 3.4 million, is a stunning coastal metropolis that combines beach culture with traditional Korean wellness practices. Unlike Seoul's fast-paced urban energy, Busan offers a more relaxed, seaside atmosphere while maintaining the same high standards of Korean spa culture. The city is famous for its beautiful beaches—particularly Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach—and its spectacular jjimjilbang (찜질방) facilities that rival or even surpass those in Seoul. Busan's crown jewel is Spa Land Centum City, widely considered the best jjimjilbang in all of Korea, featuring 23 hot spring pools and elaborate themed sauna rooms. The city's spa scene benefits from natural hot springs in the region, with many facilities using genuine thermal waters. From luxury beachfront hotel spas like Cimer at Paradise Hotel to neighborhood bathhouses in Seomyeon and Nampo-dong, Busan offers diverse wellness experiences with ocean views and a distinctly coastal vibe. Prices range from ₩9,000 ($6.75 USD) for basic jjimjilbang entry to ₩500,000+ ($375+ USD) for luxury resort spa packages.
Spa Land Centum City - Korea's Best Jjimjilbang
Spa Land Centum City, located within the world's largest department store (Shinsegae Centum City), is widely considered the finest jjimjilbang in all of Korea. This massive facility features 23 different hot spring pools, 13 themed sauna rooms, and uses genuine thermal waters from 1,000 meters underground. The modern, luxurious facilities include jade rooms, salt rooms, ice rooms, and extreme heat rooms, along with a food court serving Korean specialties. Entry costs ₩16,000-20,000 for 4 hours, with body scrubs ₩25,000-35,000 and massages ₩60,000-100,000. Visitors can easily spend an entire day here, and the facility is English-friendly.
Price Guide
Budget-Friendly Options (₩9,000-30,000 / $6.75-22 USD)
- Neighborhood jjimjilbang entry: ₩9,000-12,000
- Basic body scrub (ttaemiri): ₩20,000-30,000
- Local massage shops: ₩30,000-50,000 per hour
- Foot reflexology: ₩20,000-40,000 per hour
- Haeundae Spa Center entry: ₩9,000 (bath only)
Mid-Range Experiences (₩50,000-200,000 / $37-150 USD)
- Spa Land Centum City entry: ₩16,000-20,000 (4 hours)
- Spa Land body scrub: ₩25,000-35,000
- Spa Land massage: ₩60,000-100,000
- Hurshimchung Spa packages: ₩80,000-150,000
- Professional massage (60-90 minutes): ₩70,000-120,000
Luxury Treatments (₩200,000+ / $150+ USD)
- Paradise Hotel Cimer Spa treatments: ₩200,000-500,000
- Luxury hotel spa packages: ₩300,000-600,000
- Beachfront resort spa experiences: ₩250,000-500,000
Popular Massage & Spa Venues in Busan
1. Spa Land Centum City (스파랜드 센텀시티)
Location: Shinsegae Centum City Department Store, Haeundae-gu
Specialties: Korea's best jjimjilbang, natural hot springs, themed saunas
Price Range: Mid-range (₩16,000-100,000 / $12-75 USD)
Website: shinsegae.com/store/centum/spaland
Widely considered the best jjimjilbang in Korea, Spa Land features 23 different hot spring pools, 13 themed sauna rooms (jade, salt, ice, etc.), and natural thermal water from 1,000m underground. Entry costs ₩16,000-20,000 for 4 hours, body scrubs ₩25,000-35,000 for 30 minutes, and massages ₩60,000-100,000. Located inside the world's largest department store, the modern, luxurious facilities are English-friendly with a food court serving Korean specialties. Visitors can easily spend an entire day here.
2. Hurshimchung Spa (허심청 스파)
Location: Haeundae-gu, Busan
Specialties: Large jjimjilbang, multiple water spas, relaxation facilities
Price Range: Mid-range (₩12,000-80,000 / $9-60 USD)
A huge jjimjilbang facility featuring more than 12 different water spas, water massage features, various temperature pools, and themed sauna rooms. Entry costs ₩12,000-15,000, body scrubs ₩25,000-30,000, and massage services ₩60,000-80,000. The family-friendly facility near Nongshim Hotel offers excellent water spas and good value for relaxation and rejuvenation.
3. Cimer Spa - Paradise Hotel Busan
Location: Paradise Hotel Busan, Haeundae Beach
Specialties: Luxury beachfront spa, ocean spa pool, thalassotherapy
Price Range: Luxury (₩200,000-500,000 / $150-375 USD)
Website: p-city.com/front/cimer/overview
A luxury beachfront hotel spa featuring an ocean spa pool (seasonal Dec-Feb), aqua spa facilities, sauna and fitness center, indoor pool, and ocean-view treatment rooms. Professional spa services include thalassotherapy treatments using seawater and marine elements. Located directly on Haeundae Beach, this five-star luxury experience includes a swim-up bar. Reservations recommended.
4. Haeundae Spa Center
Location: Haeundae-gu, Busan
Specialties: Affordable jjimjilbang, convenient beach location
Price Range: Budget (₩9,000-50,000 / $6.75-37 USD)
An affordable option near Haeundae Beach offering bath only for ₩9,000, full jjimjilbang access for ₩12,000, body scrubs ₩20,000-25,000, and massages ₩40,000-50,000. The basic but clean facilities are popular with beachgoers and offer good value for money. Walk-in friendly and convenient for those staying near the beach.
5. Westin Josun Busan Spa
Location: The Westin Josun Busan, Haeundae
Specialties: Five-star hotel spa, signature wellness amenities
Price Range: Luxury (₩250,000-500,000 / $187-375 USD)
Website: marriott.com
A five-star luxury hotel spa featuring signature Westin wellness amenities, professional spa services, fitness facilities, and ocean proximity in Haeundae. International spa treatments and Korean treatments available with high-end service standards. Reservations recommended for this excellent five-star service experience.
6. Seomyeon Neighborhood Jjimjilbangs
Locations: Seomyeon district (Busan's downtown)
Specialties: Local jjimjilbangs, authentic Korean bathhouse experience
Price Range: Budget (₩10,000-60,000 / $7.50-45 USD)
The best area for visitors staying in downtown Busan, with multiple jjimjilbang options near Seomyeon subway station. Entry costs ₩10,000-12,000, body scrubs ₩20,000-25,000, and massages ₩50,000-60,000. These 24-hour facilities offer a local, authentic atmosphere and serve as convenient budget accommodation options, especially for early morning arrivals.
7. Nampo-dong Area Massage Shops
Locations: Nampo-dong district (shopping and market area)
Specialties: Traditional Korean massage, foot reflexology
Price Range: Budget to mid-range (₩30,000-70,000 / $22-52 USD)
Located near Jagalchi Fish Market and BIFF Square, these local neighborhood shops offer traditional anma massage (₩40,000-60,000), foot massage (₩30,000-40,000), and oil massage (₩50,000-70,000). Walk-in friendly with primarily Korean language service, providing an authentic local experience convenient for sightseeing.
8. Gwangalli Beach Massage Services
Locations: Along Gwangalli Beach
Specialties: Beach massage, foot reflexology, ocean views
Price Range: Budget to mid-range (₩30,000-60,000 / $22-45 USD)
Beachfront massage shops offering ocean views during treatment, with foot massages ₩25,000-35,000 and body massages ₩40,000-60,000. Convenient after beach activities and popular as an evening destination near Gwangan Bridge views. Walk-in service with a casual, relaxed atmosphere perfect for post-beach relaxation.
9. Geumjeongsan Mountain Area Spas
Locations: Near Geumjeongsan Mountain and Beomeosa Temple
Specialties: Mountain hot springs, post-hiking relaxation
Price Range: Budget to mid-range (₩10,000-70,000 / $7.50-52 USD)
Natural hot spring facilities popular after mountain hiking, with entry ₩10,000-12,000, body scrubs ₩20,000-25,000, and massages ₩50,000-70,000. The mountain setting with natural thermal waters offers a local atmosphere less touristy than beach areas, providing an authentic Korean experience.
10. Park Hyatt Busan Spa
Location: Busan
Specialties: Luxury hotel spa, international treatments
Price Range: Luxury (₩250,000-500,000 / $187-375 USD)
A five-star luxury hotel spa offering an international spa menu, Korean treatments, professional therapists, and highly personalized service. The refined luxury experience requires reservations. Verify current operational status and exact location before visiting.
Traditional Korean Massage Types
Jjimjilbang with Hot Springs (찜질방)
Traditional Korean 24-hour bathhouse featuring natural thermal waters. Duration: 2-24 hours (can stay overnight). Price Range: ₩9,000-20,000 ($6.75-15 USD) entry.
Key Characteristics:
- Natural hot spring waters (especially Spa Land)
- Gender-segregated bathing with multiple temperature pools
- Themed sauna rooms (jade, salt, ice, charcoal, clay)
- Co-ed relaxation areas with sleeping facilities
- Ocean or mountain views at some locations
- 24-hour operation
- Food courts and entertainment
- More spacious than Seoul facilities
Korean Body Scrub - Ttaemiri (때밀이)
Vigorous full-body exfoliation by professional scrubbers. Duration: 20-30 minutes. Price Range: ₩20,000-35,000 ($15-26 USD).
Key Characteristics:
- Performed by expert ajummas (scrubbers)
- Uses special exfoliating mitts (Italy towel)
- Removes dead skin cells thoroughly
- Performed on heated marble slab
- Includes cucumber mask and moisturizing
- Busan scrubbers renowned for expertise
- Can be intense but highly effective
- Often combined with jjimjilbang visit
Ocean Spa Treatments
Spa treatments incorporating seawater and marine elements. Duration: 60-120 minutes. Price Range: ₩150,000-400,000 ($112-300 USD).
Key Characteristics:
- Uses seawater and marine ingredients
- Thalassotherapy principles
- Ocean-view treatment rooms
- Seaweed wraps and marine mud
- Unique to coastal Busan
- Available at luxury beachfront hotels
- Combines Korean and international techniques
- Focus on detoxification and rejuvenation
Practical Information
Cultural Tips for Visiting Korean Spas
- Nudity is Required: In gender-segregated bathing areas, complete nudity is mandatory
- Shower First: Always shower thoroughly before entering any pools or baths
- No Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Korea
- Hot Springs: Natural thermal waters; check temperature before entering
- Spa Land Tips: Walk-in friendly but can be crowded on weekends; arrive early
Best Times to Visit
- Spring (March-May): Pleasant weather, cherry blossoms; ideal for beach and spa
- Summer (June-August): Beach season, hot and humid; jjimjilbangs popular for cooling
- Autumn (September-November): Beautiful fall colors, comfortable temperatures; peak season
- Winter (December-February): Cold; jjimjilbangs popular for warming; fewer beach tourists