Seoul Massage Prices
Massage prices in Seoul, South Korea
Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea with a population of nearly 10 million, represents one of Asia's most unique wellness destinations. The city seamlessly blends ancient Korean healing traditions with cutting-edge modern spa technology, creating a wellness culture unlike anywhere else in the world. At the heart of Seoul's massage and spa scene is the jjimjilbang (찜질방) - traditional Korean bathhouses that operate 24/7 and serve as social hubs, wellness centers, and even budget accommodation. These multi-story complexes feature gender-segregated bathing areas with various temperature pools, communal sauna rooms with different therapeutic themes (salt rooms, jade rooms, ice rooms), and co-ed relaxation spaces. Beyond jjimjilbangs, Seoul offers luxury hotel spas, traditional Korean medicine clinics practicing anma (Korean massage), and high-end beauty spas featuring Korea's world-renowned skincare brands like Sulwhasoo. The city's wellness scene caters to all budgets, from 10,000 KRW ($7.50 USD) jjimjilbang entries to 500,000+ KRW ($375+ USD) luxury spa packages.
Korean Jjimjilbang Culture
Jjimjilbang culture is deeply woven into Korean daily life. Families spend entire days at bathhouses, friends meet for late-night sauna sessions, and travelers use 24-hour facilities as budget accommodation. The practice of ttaemiri (body scrubbing) by professional scrubbers (called seshin or ttaemiri ajumma) is a rite of passage and regular wellness ritual. Unlike Western spa culture focused on quiet relaxation, Korean bathhouses are social, lively spaces where eating, sleeping, watching TV, and socializing are encouraged. The communal nudity in gender-segregated bathing areas reflects Korean cultural comfort with the body and collective wellness.
Price Guide
Budget-Friendly Options (₩10,000-30,000 / $7.50-22 USD)
- Jjimjilbang entry (sauna, pools, sleeping area): ₩10,000-15,000
- Basic body scrub (ttaemiri): ₩20,000-30,000
- Neighborhood massage shops: ₩30,000-50,000 per hour
- Foot reflexology: ₩20,000-40,000 per hour
- Jjimjilbang overnight stay: ₩10,000-15,000 (entry fee only)
Mid-Range Experiences (₩50,000-150,000 / $37-112 USD)
- Premium jjimjilbang with body scrub and massage: ₩60,000-100,000
- Professional massage (60-90 minutes): ₩70,000-120,000
- Korean traditional medicine massage (anma): ₩80,000-150,000
- Beauty spa facial treatments: ₩80,000-200,000
- Spa packages (2-3 hours): ₩100,000-200,000
Luxury Treatments (₩200,000+ / $150+ USD)
- Sulwhasoo Spa signature treatments: ₩250,000-500,000
- Luxury hotel spa packages: ₩300,000-600,000
- Premium beauty spa full-day packages: ₩400,000-800,000
- Couples spa experiences: ₩500,000-1,000,000
Popular Massage & Spa Venues in Seoul
1. Spa Lei (스파레이)
Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul (near Gangnam Station)
Specialties: Women-only jjimjilbang, Korean body scrub, foreigner-friendly
Price Range: Mid-range (₩15,000-80,000 / $11-60 USD)
Website: spalei.com
Spa Lei is a women-only facility highly rated for foreigners visiting Seoul. The clean, modern facilities include multiple temperature pools, various sauna rooms, a food court, and sleeping area. Entry costs around ₩15,000, with body scrubs ranging from ₩35,000-50,000 and massage services ₩60,000-80,000. English-speaking staff and excellent sanitation standards make this a top choice for first-time jjimjilbang visitors.
2. Sulwhasoo Spa (설화수 스파)
Location: Gangnam Flagship Store & Lotte Hotel Seoul
Specialties: Luxury Korean skincare spa, traditional herbal treatments
Price Range: Luxury (₩250,000-500,000 / $187-375 USD)
Website: sulwhasoo.com/int/en/spa
Sulwhasoo Spa represents the pinnacle of Korean luxury skincare, offering treatments using traditional herbal ingredients like ginseng and camellia. The premium Korean luxury skincare brand provides anti-aging focused face and body programs at their Gangnam flagship store and Lotte Hotel Seoul locations. Professional aestheticians deliver signature treatments using Sulwhasoo products. Reservations required; English service available.
3. Aquafield Goyang (아쿠아필드 고양)
Location: Goyang, Gyeonggi-do (50 minutes from downtown Seoul)
Specialties: Modern jjimjilbang, indoor waterpark, spa treatments
Price Range: Mid-range (₩15,000-100,000 / $11-75 USD)
Website: aquafield.co.kr
One of the cleanest and most modern jjimjilbangs in the Seoul area, Aquafield Goyang features eight different jjimjil spa rooms, indoor waterpark facilities, and multiple temperature pools. Entry costs ₩15,000-20,000, body scrubs ₩35,000-50,000, and massages ₩60,000-100,000. The family-friendly facility can be reached within 1 hour from Seoul, with additional branches in Hanam and Anseong.
4. Sparex Sauna - Dongdaemun Good Morning City
Location: Dongdaemun, Seoul (Good Morning City complex)
Specialties: 24-hour jjimjilbang, traditional Korean bathhouse
Price Range: Budget to mid-range (₩12,000-70,000 / $9-52 USD)
Website: sparex.co.kr
A traditional Korean-style jjimjilbang operating 24 hours year-round in the convenient Dongdaemun shopping district. Entry costs ₩12,000-15,000, body scrubs ₩25,000-35,000, and massages ₩50,000-70,000. The facility features multiple sauna rooms, sleeping facilities, and a food court, offering good value and a traditional experience near major shopping areas.
5. Siloam Sauna (실로암 사우나)
Location: Jung-gu, Seoul (near Seoul Station)
Specialties: Large 24-hour jjimjilbang, family-friendly
Price Range: Budget to mid-range (₩12,000-60,000 / $9-45 USD)
A famous large-scale jjimjilbang operating 24 hours near Seoul Station, making it convenient for travelers. Entry costs around ₩12,000, with body scrubs ₩25,000-30,000. The family-friendly facility includes play areas, arcade and gaming rooms, multiple floors with various sauna rooms, and food and beverage facilities. It's a popular budget accommodation option.
6. Cheongdam Massage Spa
Location: Gangnam-gu, near Apgujeong Rodeo Station
Specialties: Affordable body and foot massage in luxury Gangnam area
Price Range: Mid-range (₩50,000-120,000 / $37-90 USD)
Website: cheongdammassagespa.com
Offering affordable wellness in the expensive Gangnam district, Cheongdam Massage Spa provides luxury massage experiences without high prices. Body massages cost ₩60,000-100,000, foot massages ₩40,000-60,000. The clean, modern facility near Apgujeong Rodeo shopping features professional therapists and English-friendly service.
7. Four Seasons Hotel Seoul Spa
Location: Gwanghwamun, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Specialties: Luxury hotel spa, international treatments
Price Range: Luxury (₩300,000-600,000 / $225-450 USD)
The five-star luxury hotel spa at Seoul's newest luxury hotel offers international spa treatments and Korean-inspired therapies. Located in central Gwanghwamun, the opulent facilities feature professional therapists, couples treatments, and refined residential-inspired luxury. Reservations required.
8. Park Hyatt Seoul Spa
Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Specialties: Luxury hotel spa, wellness treatments
Price Range: Luxury (₩250,000-500,000 / $187-375 USD)
The five-star luxury hotel spa features gorgeous city views, an international spa menu, and Korean treatments. The refined luxury experience includes highly personalized service and professional spa services. Reservations recommended for this Gangnam location.
9. History of Whoo Spa (후 스파)
Location: Various locations in Seoul
Specialties: Luxury Korean royal court skincare spa
Price Range: Luxury (₩200,000-450,000 / $150-337 USD)
The premium Korean skincare brand based on royal court beauty traditions offers signature facial treatments using traditional herbal ingredients with an anti-aging focus. Professional aestheticians provide treatments in a luxurious atmosphere at multiple Seoul locations. Reservations required for this unique Korean luxury spa experience.
10. Neighborhood Anma Massage Shops
Locations: Throughout Seoul neighborhoods
Specialties: Traditional Korean massage (anma), therapeutic treatments
Price Range: Budget to mid-range (₩30,000-80,000 / $22-60 USD)
Local, authentic Korean massage shops throughout Seoul offer traditional anma techniques, often run by licensed practitioners. 60-minute massages cost ₩40,000-60,000, 90-minute massages ₩60,000-80,000. These neighborhood locations provide therapeutic focus and may include cupping or moxibustion. Primarily Korean language; walk-in friendly.
Traditional Korean Massage Types
Jjimjilbang Experience (찜질방)
Traditional Korean 24-hour bathhouse with saunas, pools, and relaxation areas. Duration: 2-24 hours (can stay overnight). Price Range: ₩10,000-25,000 ($7.50-19 USD) entry.
Key Characteristics:
- Gender-segregated bathing areas with multiple temperature pools
- Communal sauna rooms (salt, jade, ice, charcoal, clay)
- Co-ed relaxation areas with sleeping mats
- Food courts, entertainment areas, massage services
- 24-hour operation
- Social, family-friendly atmosphere
- Can include overnight stay
- Additional services (scrubs, massage) cost extra
Korean Body Scrub - Ttaemiri (때밀이)
Vigorous full-body exfoliation performed by professional scrubbers. Duration: 20-30 minutes. Price Range: ₩20,000-50,000 ($15-37 USD).
Key Characteristics:
- Performed by skilled practitioners (seshin/ajumma)
- Uses special exfoliating mitts (Italy towel)
- Removes dead skin cells vigorously
- Performed on heated marble slab
- Includes cucumber mask and moisturizing
- Can be intense for first-timers
- Leaves skin incredibly smooth
- Often combined with jjimjilbang visit
Anma - Traditional Korean Massage (안마)
Traditional Korean therapeutic massage based on pressure points. Duration: 60-90 minutes. Price Range: ₩80,000-150,000 ($60-112 USD).
Key Characteristics:
- Based on traditional Korean medicine principles
- Focuses on meridian lines and pressure points
- Uses hands, elbows, and sometimes feet
- Therapeutic and medical focus
- Often performed by licensed practitioners
- May include cupping or moxibustion
- Addresses specific health concerns
- Deeper pressure than Western massage
Korean Beauty Spa Facial
Advanced facial treatments using Korean skincare technology and products. Duration: 60-120 minutes. Price Range: ₩80,000-500,000 ($60-375 USD).
Key Characteristics:
- Uses premium Korean skincare brands
- Multi-step process (10+ steps common)
- May include LED therapy, galvanic treatments
- Focus on brightening, anti-aging, hydration
- Incorporates traditional ingredients (ginseng, snail mucin)
- Results-oriented approach
- Often includes facial massage and masks
- Popular in Gangnam beauty district
Practical Information
Cultural Tips for Visiting Korean Spas
- Nudity is Required: In gender-segregated bathing areas, complete nudity is mandatory—no swimsuits allowed
- Shower First: Always shower thoroughly before entering any pools or baths
- No Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Korea, including at spas and jjimjilbangs
- Bring Toiletries: Most jjimjilbangs provide basic soap and shampoo, but bring your own if you have preferences
- Lockers Provided: Secure lockers are provided for valuables; you'll receive a key or wristband
- Uniforms Provided: Jjimjilbangs provide cotton uniforms (shorts and t-shirt) for co-ed areas
- Food and Drinks: Most jjimjilbangs have restaurants and snack bars—try the iconic hard-boiled eggs and sikhye
- Overnight Stays: Many jjimjilbangs allow overnight stays for just the entry fee—bring earplugs
- Tattoo Policies: Some traditional bathhouses may restrict entry for people with visible tattoos
Best Times to Visit
- Spring (March-May): Pleasant weather, cherry blossoms; moderate crowds
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid; jjimjilbangs popular for cooling off
- Autumn (September-November): Beautiful fall colors; peak tourist season
- Winter (December-February): Cold; jjimjilbangs popular for warming up; fewer tourists