Did You Know You Could Get a Traditional Thai Massage in Korea?

I’ve always loved massages, so imagine my surprise when we discovered Mong Thai, a 24-hour Thai massage parlor, in the same building as our hotel in Haeundae, Busan. What a nice bonus for our weekend getaway. South Korea has embraced wellness as both a luxury and a necessity. You can find everything from $20 foot massages to luxury spa packages. K-beauty spas and skin clinics are everywhere, along with massage parlors offering different treatments. There are plenty of ways to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

Table of Contents

• The Art of Massage– in General
• My First Korean Thai Massage
• The Experience
• The 5 Senses
• The Cost of a Massage Today
• The Wellness Scene in South Korea
• Final Thoughts
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What Is a Thai Massage?

Thai massages are a little different from the massages most people are used to. They combine stretching, acupressure, and rhythmic pressure to loosen tight muscles and improve flexibility. The therapist uses their hands, elbows, knees, and sometimes their feet. You might find yourself twisted and stretched in ways you never expected.

Our first Thai massage was quite an experience. It was more active than a typical massage, but we loved every minute. During our time in Chiang Mai, Steven and I booked 90-minute massages almost daily. Sometimes, he went twice, once in the morning and again at night. We enjoyed them so much that massages became part of our daily routine. When we returned home, I started looking for places offering traditional Thai massages. I wanted to find that same combination of stretching, pressure, and relaxation again.

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My First Korean Thai Massage

We booked our massages for midnight, giving us plenty of time to explore the nearby walking street. After dinner and a little shopping, we returned to the hotel and headed upstairs.

The scent of lemongrass greeted us as soon as the elevator doors opened. Soft music played in the background, and fresh flowers decorated the hallway. A friendly receptionist welcomed us with warm tea before showing us to the showers. The lighting was soft, the atmosphere was peaceful, and we were ready to relax.

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The Experience

After a quick foot cleansing, we entered a room with two low beds. Steven settled in first and looked ready to fall asleep. Our masseuses started with gentle stretches before moving into deeper pressure. Mine worked on tight muscles I didn’t even realize needed attention. Before long, I drifted in and out of sleep. A few times, I woke myself up snoring.

Neither masseuse was Thai, but both knew the basic techniques. The massage included stretching, pressure points, and plenty of attention to tired muscles. Steven prefers a firmer massage, so he would have liked more pressure. I enjoyed mine and appreciated having time to relax after a busy evening. By the time we finished, I was ready to head downstairs and crawl into bed.

The 5 Senses

One thing I appreciated about Mong Thai was the attention to small details. The warm tea, fresh flowers, and comfortable leather chairs made the waiting area inviting. We noticed the prices were higher than what we paid in Thailand. However, we were happy to treat ourselves during our weekend away.

A midnight massage is a perfect way to welcome sleep. The warmth of the room, gentle pressure, and quiet music made it easy to relax. It was almost like having a massage at home. We simply slipped into our robes, pressed the elevator button, and returned to our room. No traffic, no long walk, and no need to get dressed again. Just a short elevator ride and a comfortable bed waiting for us.

The Cost of a Massage Today

Prices have gone up since my first visit years ago. In 2025, you can still find a decent Thai massage in Daegu or Busan for around 70,000 to 90,000 won ($50–65). Hotel spas can run much higher—up to 250,000 won ($180) for 90 minutes. For locals, massages are often part of a weekend spa routine, not just a special occasion, but for me, I save the hotel spas for birthdays or anniversaries.

**Important Note

Tipping isn’t common in Korea, but leaving a small cash “thank you” is becoming more accepted at foreigner-friendly spas.

 Final Thoughts

Was it as good as Thailand? No, but it was close enough to scratch that itch for deep relaxation. And while I still dream of $13 Thai massages, Korea offers something different: a wellness culture that treats self-care as an everyday priority. That mindset has rubbed off on me.

The next time I book, I’ll look for places that employ Thai therapists, but for convenience and atmosphere, Korea’s massage scene still delivers. If you are looking for Mong Aroma, use the local name, 몽아로마마사지 해운대 / Haeundae Massage.

Have you tried a Thai massage in Korea? Did it feel authentic to you?

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