What You Need to Know Before Booking a Thai Massage in South Korea

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The Art of Massage– in General

I’ve always loved massages, but South Korea took my appreciation to a new level. The country has embraced wellness as both a luxury and a necessity. You can find everything from $20 foot massages in small neighborhood shops to luxury spa packages that rival anything in Europe. These days, wellness is big business here—K-beauty spas, skin clinics, and massage parlors are everywhere, catering to both locals and expats who see self-care as part of daily life, not an occasional treat.

However, Thai massages are a little different. They involve a combination of stretching, acupressure, and rhythmic compressions, providing a unique therapeutic experience for the recipient.

“What exactly is a Thai massage?” is a question that lingers in my mind. Although it may not be as adventurous as some of our other activities, it was still incredibly exhilarating. And definitely not relaxed as other massages. But we liked it– a lot. My husband and I made it a daily ritual to indulge in a 90-minute Thai massage, and the experience left us speechless. As a matter of fact, he got a massage morning and night. As a result, upon returning home, I embarked on an extensive search to find genuine practitioners of this ancient art form.

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My First Korean Thai Massage

When I moved to Daegu, I wondered if I’d find the same authenticity I’d experienced in Thailand. My husband and I made Thai massages a ritual when we visited Chiang Mai years ago—90 minutes of stretching, acupressure, and rhythmic pressure that left us half-asleep and completely relaxed. We were hooked. Back home, I searched for real Thai practitioners, and Korea did not disappoint.

One evening, we decided to try Mong Thai Massage in Busan, located on the 4th floor of the same building as the Sunset Business Hotel. I admit, I hesitated at first. The 24-hour sign in the elevator felt questionable, but curiosity won out in the end.

The moment we stepped off the elevator, I relaxed. The soft scent of lemongrass filled the air, and calming music played over the low hum of conversation. A smiling receptionist handed us warm tea before guiding us to the showers. The spa felt welcoming, with soft lighting and fresh flowers in the hallways.

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The Experience

After a quick foot cleansing, we entered a room with two low beds. My husband settled in first, already looking half-asleep. The masseuse worked through a series of stretches and deep tissue pressure, loosening knots I didn’t realize I had. I drifted in and out of sleep, waking only to hear my own soft snoring.

But here’s the thing—unlike in Thailand, neither masseuse was Thai. The technique felt slightly mechanical, and my husband said his masseuse didn’t have the strength he prefers for deep pressure. Still, it was relaxing, and the convenience of a late-night massage after dinner on Haeundae Beach felt luxurious. In addition, many places now combine Thai massage with Korean wellness trends (like red ginseng scrubs or herbal teas).

The 5 Senses

It was a delightful encounter. The air carried the gentle aroma of incense while soothing music played in the background. A friendly receptionist warmly greeted us as we arrived. We glanced over the price list but weren’t sure if we wanted to stay, because the prices were so different than massages in Thailand.

Ten minutes later, we found ourselves sipping warm tea. The staff guided us to the locker rooms for a refreshing shower. Then, I was led into a cozy room with blossoming flowers and a plush leather chair. My husband had already settled in. After a foot cleansing ritual, we were escorted to a spacious room with two inviting beds. It was late and my recollection is a bit blurry. All I remember was that I drifted in and out of sleep, aware of my snoring on a couple of occasions.

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.

The Wellness Scene in South Korea

South Korea has taken wellness far beyond massages. Spas now combine traditional Asian techniques with modern beauty treatments. Many Thai massage shops employ certified Thai therapists, brought in specifically for authenticity, while others train Korean staff in Thai techniques.

Luxury hotels like the Novotel in Daegu and the Park Hyatt in Busan now offer full spa menus—aromatherapy, hot stone therapy, and even skin-tightening facials alongside massages. You can also find wellness cafés where herbal teas are tailored to reduce stress, boost circulation, or help you sleep better.

Neighborhood massage shops are still popular, especially for quick foot massages or acupressure sessions. But the high-end wellness industry has grown fast, fueled by South Korea’s obsession with beauty, health, and aging gracefully.

 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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