Korean Massage Price Guide 2025: Complete Cost Breakdown
How much does massage cost in Seoul? Complete price comparison by type and location
📋 Quick Price Overview
- • Traditional Korean Massage: ₩40K-80K (60-90 min)
- • Swedish/Relaxation Massage: ₩50K-100K (60-90 min)
- • Thai Massage: ₩45K-90K (60-120 min)
- • Aromatherapy Oil Massage: ₩60K-120K (60-90 min)
- • Deep Tissue/Sports Massage: ₩70K-150K (60-90 min)
- • Couples Massage: ₩100K-250K per couple (60-90 min)
Korean Massage Price by Type (2025)
💰 Complete Price Comparison Table
| Massage Type | 60 min | 90 min | USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Korean | ₩40-60K | ₩60-80K | $30-60 |
| Swedish/Relaxation | ₩50-70K | ₩70-100K | $38-75 |
| Thai Massage | ₩45-65K | ₩65-90K | $34-68 |
| Aromatherapy Oil | ₩60-80K | ₩80-120K | $45-90 |
| Deep Tissue/Sports | ₩70-100K | ₩100-150K | $53-113 |
| Hot Stone | ₩80-110K | ₩110-150K | $60-113 |
| Prenatal Massage | ₩70-90K | ₩90-130K | $53-98 |
| Couples Massage | ₩100-180K | ₩150-250K | $75-188 |
*Prices per person unless otherwise noted. Couples prices are total for 2 people.
🔍 Detailed Breakdown by Massage Type
🇰🇷 Traditional Korean Massage (₩40-80K)
What it is: Full-body massage using acupressure techniques, focusing on meridian lines and energy flow. Involves stretching, joint manipulation, and deep pressure on key points. Performed clothed or with minimal draping.
Price breakdown by duration:
- 60 minutes: ₩40,000-60,000 ($30-45)
- 90 minutes: ₩60,000-80,000 ($45-60)
- 120 minutes: ₩80,000-100,000 ($60-75)
🌿 Swedish/Relaxation Massage (₩50-100K)
What it is: Western-style massage using long, flowing strokes with massage oil. Focuses on relaxation, stress relief, and improving circulation. Gentle to medium pressure. Popular with tourists.
Price breakdown:
- 60 minutes: ₩50,000-70,000 ($38-53)
- 90 minutes: ₩70,000-100,000 ($53-75)
🧘 Thai Massage (₩45-90K)
What it is: Traditional Thai yoga-style massage with assisted stretching, acupressure, and compression. Performed on floor mat, fully clothed. Great for flexibility and energy.
Price breakdown:
- 60 minutes: ₩45,000-65,000 ($34-49)
- 90 minutes: ₩65,000-85,000 ($49-64)
- 120 minutes: ₩80,000-110,000 ($60-83)
🌸 Aromatherapy Oil Massage (₩60-120K)
What it is: Gentle massage using essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus, rose). Focuses on relaxation and aromatherapy benefits. Very popular in luxury spas.
Price breakdown:
- 60 minutes: ₩60,000-80,000 ($45-60)
- 90 minutes: ₩80,000-120,000 ($60-90)
💪 Deep Tissue/Sports Massage (₩70-150K)
What it is: Intense massage targeting deep muscle layers, knots, and tension. Uses firm pressure and slow strokes. Ideal for athletes or chronic pain.
Price breakdown:
- 60 minutes: ₩70,000-100,000 ($53-75)
- 90 minutes: ₩100,000-150,000 ($75-113)
Seoul Massage Prices by District
Location significantly affects massage prices in Seoul. Here's a district-by-district comparison:
💎 Gangnam (Most Expensive)
Average Prices: ₩60,000-150,000 per session
Premium massage parlors with luxury interiors, celebrity therapists, and high-end products. English-speaking staff common. Expect to pay 30-50% more than other districts but get top-tier service.
🛍️ Myeongdong (Tourist Area - Medium Price)
Average Prices: ₩45,000-100,000 per session
Tourist-friendly area with competitive pricing. Many shops offer package deals and discounts for foreigners. English service standard. Good balance of quality and price.
🎨 Hongdae (Young & Affordable)
Average Prices: ₩40,000-85,000 per session
University area with younger vibe and budget-friendly prices. Less fancy but good quality. Smaller, indie massage shops. Walk-ins often accepted.
🏘️ Itaewon (International Vibe - Medium-High)
Average Prices: ₩50,000-110,000 per session
International district popular with expats. Western-style spas common. All staff speak English. Slightly higher prices but very foreigner-friendly.
💰 Local Neighborhoods (Best Value)
Average Prices: ₩30,000-70,000 per session
Areas like Mapo, Seongsu, Yeouido offer the best value. Cater to locals rather than tourists. Limited English but authentic Korean experience at lowest prices.
Hidden Costs & Extra Fees to Know
Advertised prices may not include everything. Be aware of these potential extra costs:
⚠️ Tip (Not Required but Appreciated)
Tipping is NOT expected in Korea but becoming more common in tourist areas. If you loved the service, ₩5,000-10,000 tip is appreciated but totally optional.
🛁 Facility Usage Fee (₩5-15K)
Some spas charge separate entrance fee for sauna, shower, or locker room access. This is separate from massage cost. Always ask beforehand.
🕐 Peak Hour Surcharge (₩10-20K extra)
Weekends (Friday-Sunday) and evenings (6-10PM) often cost 20-30% more. Book weekday afternoons for best prices.
🌟 Premium Therapist Fee (₩20-50K extra)
Requesting specific "master" or "celebrity" therapists costs extra. Senior therapists with 10+ years experience charge premium rates.
🎁 Product Upsells (₩10-100K)
Therapists may recommend special oils, creams, or package deals. These are optional add-ons. Feel free to decline politely.
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- • Book online for 10-30% discounts (Naver, KBeautySeoul, Klook)
- • Weekday daytime slots are cheapest (Monday-Thursday, 2-5PM)
- • Ask about first-time customer promotions
- • Package deals (3+ sessions) save 20-40%
- • Local neighborhood shops offer same quality at 30-50% less
- • Avoid Gangnam if budget-conscious - head to Hongdae or Mapo
How to Book & Payment Methods
📱 Online Booking (Cheapest)
- ✅ KBeautySeoul: English interface, instant confirmation, best prices
- ✅ Naver Booking: Largest selection, Korean interface (use translator)
- ✅ Klook/Trazy: Tourist packages, sometimes bundle deals
- ✅ KakaoTalk: Direct message salons for booking
💳 Payment Methods Accepted
- ✅ Cash (most preferred, sometimes 5% discount)
- ✅ Korean credit cards (all locations)
- ⚠️ Foreign credit cards (major places only)
- ✅ Mobile payment (KakaoPay, NaverPay)
- ❌ Foreign mobile pay (Apple/Google Pay rarely accepted)
💡 Important Booking Tips:
- • Book 2-5 days in advance for weekends
- • Confirm total price including all fees before booking
- • Ask about cancellation policy
- • Bring cash as backup payment method
- • Arrive 10 minutes early for consultation
- • Request English-speaking therapist when booking
Budget Planning Guide
💰 Budget Option
₩30-50K
($23-38 USD)
- ✓ Local neighborhood shops
- ✓ 60-minute traditional Korean
- ✓ Weekday afternoon slots
- ✓ Basic facilities
⭐ Mid-Range (Best Value)
₩60-90K
($45-68 USD)
- ✓ Myeongdong/Hongdae area
- ✓ 90-minute aromatherapy
- ✓ English-speaking staff
- ✓ Nice facilities + shower
💎 Luxury Experience
₩120-200K
($90-150 USD)
- ✓ Gangnam premium spas
- ✓ 90-120 min couples massage
- ✓ Master therapist
- ✓ Luxury amenities + tea
Book Your Seoul Massage Today! 💆
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