When traveling to Korea, whether you’re into shopping for K-beauty products or indulging in Korean cuisine, you’ll probably want to try a sauna experience too—have you ever wondered what those saunas are like that K-drama heroines always run off to when they storm out of the house? Today, travel expert Xiu will not only give you a general overview of the process and some helpful tips but also highlight several highly rated saunas in Seoul and Busan to share with you all.
Process
The process at most saunas is largely similar. Before choosing where to go, take a look at the general sequence of steps to follow.
Notes
? Prices may vary depending on the duration or time of day
? Except for the bathing pools, you must wear the special sauna attire provided by the facility
? Always pay attention to your physical condition and avoid staying in the sauna area for too long; if you feel unwell, leave, rest, and get some fresh air
? Stay hydrated and maintain nutrition, as both are easily depleted during sauna sessions
? Public areas are co-ed, so if you’re shy, consider wearing undergarments
Seoul
Silloam Bulgama Sauna | Google Rating: 4.2
SILOAM is arguably the highest-rated sauna in Seoul. Not only is it super conveniently located, but it’s also open 24 hours a day, making it extremely convenient for travelers with limited time. The entire facility has six floors—from B1 to the 5th floor. The large bathing area is in the basement, the first floor is for changing, the second floor is for resting, the third floor is for entertainment, the fourth floor has the sauna rooms, and the fifth floor is for sleeping. This is a very authentic sauna that even locals come to relax and unwind.
? Address: 49 Jungnim-ro, Jungnim-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
? Transportation: Take subway lines 1 or 4 to Seoul Station, exit 1, and walk 5 minutes; or take subway lines 2 or 4 to Jongno 3-ga Station (also known as Chongjeongno), exit 5, and walk 5 minutes
? Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
? Fees:SILOAM Fee Schedule
? Website:http://www.silloamsauna.com/index.php
Dongdaemun SPAREX (B3F) | Google Rating: 3.9
SPAREX is located in the Dongdaemun area, near a bustling shopping district. This sauna is hidden on the B3 floor of the Good Morning City building. SPAREX has a fairly large space with spacious resting areas, allowing you to choose your favorite spot to sit or lie down and do what you like. They also offer storage for large luggage—an extremely thoughtful service for those who want to stay overnight but aren’t sure where to leave their bags.
? Address: 247 Jangchungdan-ro, Gwanghui-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
? Transportation: Take subway lines 4 or 5 to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, exit 14, and you’re there
? Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
? Fees: 5 AM–8:30 PM: Adults ₩9,000, Children ₩5,000 | 8:30 PM–5 AM: Adults ₩12,000, Children ₩7,000
?Website:http://www.silloamsauna.com/index.php
Myeongdong MUD Sauna｜Google Rating 3.7
In addition to the sauna, this Myeongdong MUD also offers many other services such as massages, beauty treatments, and more. Most visitors opt for the basic package (which includes body scrub, full-body mineral mud mask, sauna, etc.), but this is only available for female customers. Male guests can enjoy massages here, so it’s a great spot for a group of sisters. Highlights include natural mud masks, cucumber or seaweed face masks, facial hair removal, and even a Hanbok experience. If you're looking to give your whole body a deep cleanse, don't miss Myeongdong MUD～
?Address: 22 Myeongdong 8na-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
?Transport: Take subway Line 4 to Myeongdong Station, exit 6, and walk about five minutes
?Hours: 9AM–1AM next day (last entry at 11PM)
?Price: Basic package ₩80,000, with additional discounts available for advance bookings
?Website:https://myeongdongmudsauna.com/?lang=zh
Yongsan Sauna｜Google Rating 3.7
When it comes to saunas in Seoul, Dragon Hill Spa (Yongsan Sauna) is definitely not to be missed. Known as the largest sauna in Seoul, it's a top choice for both tourists and locals. With its vast space, numerous and comfortable sauna and resting areas, first-time visitors—especially fans of Korean dramas—might exclaim, “Wow, it’s just like in the dramas, an authentic sauna!” It’s highly recommended to come here to relax your body and legs after sightseeing or shopping.
?Address: 40-712 Hangangno 3(sam)-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
?Transport: Take subway Line 4 to Yongsan Station, turn right at exit 1, and you’ll see it in the distance
?Hours: Open 24 hours
?Price: Fees vary depending on entry time and whether it’s a weekday or weekend; adults start from ₩13,000 (>Click to see more)
?Website:http://www.dragonhillspa.com/zh-hans/
Busan
SPA LAND Centum City｜Google Rating 4.4
SPA LAND is located inside the Shinsegae Centum City shopping mall, spanning two floors. The first floor features saunas and heat therapies, while the second floor has restaurants, skincare treatment rooms, and more. The sauna area offers up to 17 different types from various countries or with different properties—you can enjoy them one after another. XD For those driving, there's also a free four-hour parking benefit!
?Address: 35 Centumnam-daero, U-dong, Haeundae, Busan, South Korea
? Transportation: Take subway Line 2 to Centum City Station
? Opening Hours: 6 AM–12 AM (last entry at 10:30 PM), closed once a month in alignment with department store holidays
? Fees: Basic unit is four hours; weekdays adults ₩15,000, students ₩12,000 | weekends adults ₩18,000, students ₩15,000 (gt;Click here to see more)
? Website:Introduction by the Korea Tourism Organization
Heuksimjeong Spa｜Google Rating 4.3
Heuksimjeong Spa is located inside a hotel in Busan and is known for having the highest magnesium content in its hot springs among all of Korea, which offers certain relief for women’s health issues, muscle pain, nerve discomfort, rheumatism, and more. In addition to the hot springs, Heuksimjeong also features various temperature saunas to either open or close your pores; if you’re traveling with a group of friends or extended family, there are also party rooms available for rent.
? Address: 23 Geumganggongwon-ro 20beon-gil, Oncheon 1(il)-dong, Dongnae-gu, Busan, South Korea
? Transportation: Take subway Line 1 to Oncheonjang Station, exit 1 or 3, then walk 5–7 minutes
? Opening Hours: Hot springs 5:30 AM–12 AM (last entry at 11:30 PM) | Sauna 6:30 AM–11 PM
? Fees: Weekdays adults ₩10,000, elementary school students ₩8,000 | weekends adults ₩12,000, elementary school students ₩8,000 (gt;Click here to see more)
? Website:https://www.hotelnongshim.com/ch/index.php?pCode=Hurshimchung
Hill SPA｜Google Rating 3.9
Compared to other saunas, Hill SPA is a bit less accessible by transportation, but it still maintains a high rating and draws many visitors — mainly because of its stunning ocean view. This spa has three floors: the second floor is for female bathing areas, the fourth floor is for males, the third floor contains various communal spaces, and the fifth floor features a small terrace and foot spa. Located on a hillside, Hill SPA offers great views so you can soak in the baths while enjoying the sea.
? Address:?17-7 Dalmaji-gil 117beon-gil, Jung-dong, Haeundae, Busan, South Korea
? Transportation: Take subway Line 2 to Haeundae Station, exit 5, then walk 10 minutes
? Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
? Fees: Bathing adults ₩8,000, children ₩5,000 | Sauna adults ₩10,000, children ₩8,000
? Website:http://hillspa.ivyro.net/
Korean spas, as a traditional part of Korean culture, have proliferated extensively, making it incredibly hard to choose. Today, travel expert Aimee.H from Tripresso has selected several Google-highly-rated spas, each with its own unique features. You can choose the one that best suits your preferences in terms of features, operating hours, and location for the ultimate spa experience.
By Aimee.H | Tripresso Travel Editorial Team