Indulge in the Ultimate Korean Sauna Experience at Busan's Spa Land

Spa Land | Introduction

Before coming to Busan, I heard a strong recommendation from a Korean colleague about the sauna at Spa land. Therefore, I made time to try it out before leaving Busan. The sauna is a traditional leisure activity for Koreans, combining public baths and steam rooms. At first glance, it seems similar to the popular hot spring baths in Taiwan, where people like to go to relax and chat. Located in the Shinsegae Department Store, this Spa land was specially recommended by my colleague, boasting six-star facilities. Ordinary saunas can be found everywhere in Korea, but the quality of space and service can vary greatly. The fees at Spa land are quite affordable, yet the facilities inside are quite impressive.

Spa Land | Experience

From the moment I bought a ticket and entered, it felt like I was at a hotel front desk. The ticket price on weekdays is 17,000 Korean Won. After paying, I went straight to the shower room to take a bath and changed into a yukata.

The shower areas are separated by gender, but the sauna rooms that follow are not; family and friends can relax together in the space of their choosing. There are many types of sauna rooms, including loess, charcoal, gemstones... and various other types that are too numerous to remember clearly, each with its own different function. The temperature inside ranges from 40 to 80 degrees Celsius, allowing the body to sweat and achieve a fatigue-relieving effect. There are signs outside each sauna room indicating the temperature, so you can choose according to your own needs and preferences. Of course, inside, there are many people lying down and resting.

The public facilities outside the sauna room are also quite luxurious. Additionally, on the second floor, there are other services available for an extra fee, such as massage services and restaurants, etc. If you want to enjoy these paid services, you can simply use the chip given to you upon entry to make a transaction, and the fee will be charged together when you leave.

Find a good spot in the resting area, sit down, and enjoy the traditional snack of eggs and sweet fermented rice.

After resting, we went upstairs for breakfast to have the Korean seafood hotpot, which was included in the ticket price. Naturally, it tasted more ordinary compared to those renowned restaurants outside, akin to the standard of department store food courts, but it was quite sumptuous nonetheless.

After relaxing for a few hours at Spaland, you can also shop around the shopping district near the New World Department Store.

Further reading

Busan in 4 Days: An Insider's Guide to South Korea's Must-Visit Spots