Seoul Spa

It’s been almost a year today that visited Seoul Spa and I have to say… I love this place. Perfect for self care. Although tonight was busy, I was able to get a scrub and massage with some friends tonight. Still one of my top hidden gems.

I love spas. I love korean spas. Spas are kind of a new thing ive been going to… so this review will be bias. Lol
Anyways, Ill start from checking in. If you look at the signs and ask the right questions, you know exactly what you are getting. Admissions to use the bathes, coed rooms, and gym, doesn’t include a message. Therefore, if you just want to work out, bathe, use the saunas, relax, and get clean… then only pay for admissions. Personally, Im not too big on getting fully messaged by another person lol…
I feel like most of my experience can be basically covered by the other views. However, I will mention that the PCs are now moved into the hallway kind of area. The PC room was turned into a place for storage T. T that is the single reason why I took off a star. I didnt try using the PCs because I wouldve liked to have privacy.

This was quite an experience. I had heard good things about it from friends but also heard that you have to be comfortable with nudity. Let me be clear — the scrub and massage are done naked with half naked technicians. It’s a little surreal. Also let me be clear that there are scrub beds right next to each other with naked women right next to you, no curtains. Very strange but you have to embrace the culture and experience. My skin felt great and the massage was great too. Just don’t feel weird having your boobs massaged by a Korean grandmother!! Lol! The bibimmbop was fantastic.

My salt scrub was amazing. The amount of dead skin that comes off is ridiculous. I’m a shade lighter. I enjoyed my massage afterwards. The best part was when she washed and conditioned my hair as I was lying there. Heaven. My skin is so soft. I would def go back

Had a great and relaxing time… I always get 1 large towel from locker room under sink area by the water (mens room) and spend 4 to 6 hours and get a meal. Service and front desk seem more customer friendly than a year ago.

Loved this spa! We were skeptical at first, and became more so when we couldn’t find it within the mall. But when we found it, we felt like we had found a hidden gem (one heat room is literally made of crystals)! I have never been to Korea, so coming here seemed like a welcome and exciting entrée into the culture.
We only had 2 hours. You can do that, but if you can, indulge: get a massage or a scrub, take time to relax, have food in the restaurant (the Bibim Bap was great) and spend 4 or more hours there. You don’t need to bring bathing suits — they provide a tee shirt and shorts for coed areas. Be fore-​warned, you go naked in the men’s and women’s only areas.
Cool place!

Ok, so you’ve read all the stuff about the seedy mall it’s in and you still want to come? Good decision! Ok, one more thing about the mall: no one stops for pedestrians in the parking lot and they drive fast– don’t get run over.
So, I had never been to this place or anyplace like it and the attendant was super unhelpful. I asked about a million questions. But he was friendly and didn’t seem like a native English-​speaker (get used to that, BTW), so he gets a pass. I went at 2 pm on a Friday and it was pretty dead, but there was a regular there who helped me out. I only used the women’s room as I only wanted the scrub massage. It was a little run-​down, but clean. Even with no one there, the cleaning people were running around like crazy. I have a colostomy and I didn’t want to freak out the massage therapists (? Do I call them that? I don’t know what their qualifications are) and the other patrons. No one cared or looked at me funny. The aforementioned massage therapists are middle-​aged women in their underwear, BTW. Mine seemed a little rude, but, again, I don’t know that she knew much English anyway. So the scrub is amazing. They are kind of rough, but it’s somehow really relaxing. Huge disgusting rolls of dead skin fall off and your skin glows. Then the massage. Again, kinda rough, slapping hot towels on you, digging into you with their elbows, tossing milk and water on your skin, no, it’s amazing! Holy crap, I love this place! Anyway, make sure you have cash to tip them and bring your own towels, they’re stingy about it. The benefits here are that you can get a massage without an appt. and it’s a good one, it was 80 $ for an hour plus a scrub plus the entrance fee ($ 20? I wasn’t paying attention, I wanted that damn massage!), and you can enjoy the other facilities as well. I can’t wait to go back to try everything they have to offer!

I love this place and highly recommend it! They have a variety of healing saunas from charcoal to amethyst. Each mineral has different healing properties. I have gone several times and have always found it to be clean and professional. Love the relaxation room/​open space that is in the middle of all the dry saunas. It is a great place to quietly relax. The wet saunas and hot tubs are all nude and separated by gender. I recommend going back and forth between the hottub and the cold tub. It’s good for your blood circulation. And if you have never had a scrub down you sould do it! You will not believe how much dirt you are carrying around. Also, like that there is a great Korean restaurant right inside! A great place to spend a few hours, relax and rejuvenate!

As someone who goes to spa world often I thought I would try this place as its 15 minutes closer.
What a mistake — from the rude front desk guy to the smallness of the «wet area». Also just a weird vibe in the men’s wet area — made me uncomfortable.
In that area you are limited to two hot tubs, one chill pool and a sauna and steam room (complete with signs warning of inappropriate activity). No place to just sit and chill between the sauna visits.
There is NO comparison to spa world with the numerous jets and stations in the Bade pool and a much nicer facility overall.
I left after an hour and wished I had skipped the trip.

My guy introduced me to this place. I am shy and HATE all things naked and group. Yet? After a while, I just let my inhibitions … well, they never GO, but, I allowed them to relax a bit into the reality of what was happening: things that require nakedness, lol. DEFINITELY bring a bigger towel, definitely bring something to keep your tip money dry (ziplock bag), definitely bring your own flip-​flops/​thongs. Take your time; this isn’t an experience to be rushed. Relax!

If you are looking for a no-​frills Korean sauna and spa then this is the place to be. It is not expensive, the food at the restaurant is good, and there are just enough options (sauna and pools) to feel like you are getting your money’s worth.
It’s true what you read in other reviews, there could be a few repairs made here and there to put the place in tip-​top shape, but other than that I really like this place. It’s clean and quiet, has a pc-​bang, massage area, gym, and the restaurant.
Perhaps today was a bad day for the bubble tea «bubbles» but I’d avoid it if you can, try the vinegar drink instead!

I love this place. Yes, the part of the mall it’s in is not doing so well, but that allows you to feel like you are in on a secret. It’s clean, well-​run, and an affordable luxury. I love the heated floors! The restaurant is also good. I’ve been on a weekday and was the only person there for part of the time. The only downside– when I went on a Saturday, the water was only warm in the «hot» pool.

Im from los angeles and because my brother is in the naval academy he wanted a place to relax. Honestly their spa isnt that bad although its the smallest one ive been to, price isnt that bad but still expensive than most.
What i want to complain about is their food court. First how bad can korean food be? Its mostly marinated meat and soup with veggies. But what i was most disappointed about was their bulgogi. Bulgogi is marinated meat with green onions and bbq sauce. Not only did it taste bad, it had bones in it. Really sharp ones, its suppose to be boneless. I bit the sharp bone and my tooth went into shock and has been hurting for two hours until my tooth cracked in half and i look like an idiot without half my tooth. I have to get implant now which will cost me over $ 2000 because of this careless place. If i were to stay in maryland i would sue this place, theyre lucky im only writing it in the review. Before we found out my tooth has cracked we told the lady and she did appologize and offered us korean rice drinks but come on my tooth cracked in half because of their poor quality dish. If i had swallowed this bone who knows what else would have happened. I guess i was lucky and really unlucky at the same time. This is the reason for my 1 star review. It does have nice family relaxing experience though with pingpong tables to computer pcs, its just their food and the quality thats goinng to cost me two grand.

This was my first time going to any sort of bath house like this, but i am definitely pleased with my experience so far, and intend on going many times in the future.
The saunas and baths felt so amazing, and the different poultice rooms were really awesome. (ice, charcoal, jeweled, salt and terakota). They also have places to sleep, play on computers, work out, play chess/​checkers. And a restaurant (which i haven’t tried yet, but fully intend to). I’ll definitely update this as i try all the things! I can totally see how someone would spend many hours there (we were there for two i think)
The place is very clean, i personally saw them clean the floors, and all the surfaces in the sauna/​tub area. But even before that you could tell they kept up with it very regularly.
It is located in the abandoned end of a mall, which is a bit creepy, but once you are inside the spa, all of that completely melts away!
They do have soaps and stuff there for your use when you shower, i would definitely bring your own towel if you want a bigger one. The ones they give you are really small, and basically used to sit on in the saunas and wash off. They are about the size of regular kitchen or hand towels. You will be naked in the sauna/​tubs. Think of this as a bath (thats what it is after all, you don’t wear clothes when you take showers do you?). If that bothers you, i would go somewhere else, but you’ll be missing out. Every where else you will be clothed (they give you stuff to wear), as every other part is coed.

Just unfortunate. I’ve been to many Korean spas and sadly this did not live up to the hyped reviews. I don’t often write extremely negative reviews unless they are necessary!
It felt… unsanitary … Again, I’ve been to different spas/​bathhouses but I have never felt the NECESSITY to shower upon arriving home.
So maybe it was just the spa? I stood in front of the small eating area and thought to myself: «should I try the food?» But before I could enter, I lost hope and went home.
I forgot to mention that the spa is located in the abandoned part of a warn down shopping mall. I felt like I was auditioning for Hustle & Flow while walking down the broken escalator. Won’t be coming back !!! –_​–
The closest thing I could find to a pro would be the young man at the desk who said «Enjoy».

Very happy here! I am a customer writing this review from inside Seoul Spa (in case the I.P. address shows up as one of the staff wrote it). I started coming here 8 months ago and I have been to Seoul Spa at least 40 times since (I should probably get the annual membership). It’s one of my favorite places — ever! The only places that comes close are Sauna Deco in Amsterdam & Russian/​Turkish Baths in NYC — probably even better than the latter.
I am truly grateful for Seoul Spa for providing me a retreat from daily life offering comfort and relaxation (open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday!). As a bonus, they offer an awesome Korean food menu that I am always looking forward to at the end of my experience. I am usually not the type to write reviews — and I feel that the current traffic level at the Seoul Spa is perfect: not too many people nor too few. And I hope this review doesn’t significantly change this equilibrium.
The facilities are extremely clean and staff is attentive. This is a solid establishment. They give you clothes and clean towels. There are private sauna and steam room for each gender. In the common area for both men & women there are multiple types of saunas aka «poultice rooms» and a cold room. There is a small gym and computer area. The entire space has wifi (except for the extreme corners). I almost am scared that the place might disappear — in which case, I really don’t know how I would cope!
There was an angry group of women that just walked out which prompted me to write this review. I have been here overnight a handful of times and late at night if noone is using the baths, the steam rooms and sauna are turned off; presumably hot water as well. I think it is ridiculous to expect hot water around the clock anywhere, especially when traffic is low i.e. late at night — after 12am. The group of women was upset that there was no hot water when they arrived at 3am and demanded their money back. They were not willing to wait for the water to heat up. I predicted that they might write a scathing review which I do not believe would be fair.
I understand as a consumer, we want the hot water around the clock, but how can this be possible if there is no one there? So I think one should have a realist expectation of some not-​so-​hot hours and be patient if you show up at 2−4am.

Being part Korean, I appreciate the ambiance and relaxation of Korean bathhouses. Since moving to the area, I strongly desired to try this place. Sadly my Groupon expired, so I was ready to pay full price.
The location of the spa is iffy, surrounded by rundown establishments. Climb up the broken escalator & you’d be surprised in what you find. Beautifully decorated, clean, & friendly staff. If you are expecting Spa World, you will be disappointed. This place is simple, cheap & … not Spa World.
I opt for the 90 minute massage and scrub combo ($ 120), so the admission was reduced to half, total $ 135. Great experience!
Note to first timers:
Clothing is not optional in the women’s bathhouse. I wish that Americans would learn to appreciate the culture, and respect other’s time for relaxation.
Read the signs. If it says No cell phones. Then it would be appreciated by other clients that you refrain from loud talking on cell phones.
This is not a time to socialize, and discuss your personal life in the poultice rooms. Again, there are other patrons who seek out this time to relax and enjoy the peace & quiet.
Last, if you decide to take a nap, please refrain from talking.

For anyone who is curious about the inner workings of this place…
This review is part 1 of 2. Part 1 is focusing on the poltice rooms and co-​ed areas. Part 2 is the Korean bathing area and scrub (ah, yes…)
First, take any of your expectations of what you think a «spa» should be. No chunky spa robes, no water infused with cucumber, no zen-​like music playing, no lavender scent wafting in the air, no dried fruit or peanuts in a room while you wait for your massage. Forget. It.
Bottom line: «It’s what is inside that matters». Yes, it is up a non-​working escaltor on the second floor of a dying mall. But once you enter, you completely forget where you are!
Rule#1 – no shoes past the green line. They go in the lockers to your right. After you pay your entry fee ($ 15 via Groupon/​$ 30 otherwise), you get your uniform, 2 towels, and another locker room key. Men and women are pretty much segregated in the bathing rooms.
Common areas: gym area (didn’t do those), computers in the hallway, chess tables (ok), Korean style restaurant with counter service (you will build an appetite from just sweating/​bathing!), and large open area with different poltice rooms along the sides. The open area had multiple small wooden tables that I am not sure if they are for sitting or placing things in. There were larger raised platforms with reed mats with random people sleeping on (interesting, but necessary after sweating it out!) Oh, and grab a neck rest or foam brick before entering the police rooms.
Poltice rooms: what the heck are those, you ask? Separate dry saunas (jewel encrusted room, charcoal, Himalayan salt, red clay, and ice room). I’ve been here 3 times on a Sunday morning and it isn’t as crowded. I am still not sure if it is kosher to talk while other people are in the rooms.
Women’s side: typical locker rooms, bathrooms (no soap?), hair dryers, water machine. And yes, you and everyone else is nekkid! My first time and I got used to it quickly because no one cares and no one is perfect.
Restaurant: bare feet dining only. Highly suggest eating in here AFTER the scrub, otherwise, you may have to fight the urge of using the bathroom mid-​scrub down. Overall, good food! Had bulgogi and hot pot with beef soup (spiiiiiicy!!). I like sitting cross-​legged on the floor. Plenty of floor cushions.
Part 2 coming soon…

Having been to Spa World in Centerville and there being some question as to their business practices, I was thrilled to find there was a simular business closer in Baltimore. With my teenaged daughters along for the experience, we met a friend at the mall entrence closest to the spa. Of course I had read that the mall was in disrepair but I hadn’t expected the neglect to be as profound as it was. Really, when my friend arrived we joked about cutting our losses and driving to Centerville.
After walking into the mall into the only set of door not marked «do not open», written in both English and Spanish, next to the boarded up window that assured us that they were open, we found the mall to be deserted in both people and stores. We walked our way up the broken esculators while keeping eyes open for zombies. At last, next to the food court style mexican resturant, we had arrived at our destination.
When I opened that door, I felt as if I had been transported from black and white Kansas to technicolor Oz. We discovered that the floor was heated when we took off our shoes. I was able to get scheduled for a half hour body scrub easily upon check in. The aroma from the resturant was very appetizing and made me look forward to lunch.
The bathing area was small, but uncrowded around noon on Friday. There were no jetted pools but the temperature of both the warm pools (one with herbs) did offer a temperature contrast. And screams and shrieks came frequency from people using the chill pool.
My scrub was divine. I’m a large woman and every square inch of me was well exfoliated. My only complaint about my experience (other than the horrible location) is that my technician very expressly pointed out where tips are not included in service. I had told her that I didn’t have any cash on me. When we checked out to leave, the clerk told me that I could leave her a tip on my credit card. I felt very pressured into leaving gratuity and didn’t appreciate it.
The police rooms were nice. I visited about half. Our lunch was very reasonable. There were many choices. Lunch for 4 with beverages was about $ 70.
I’m not sure I’ll be back. My husband commented on how velvety soft my skin was and that he thought I should go back monthly, but when he saw the pictures we took and heard about the issue with the gratuity, he wasn’t sure.

I had totally forgotten that I’d bought a Groupon to Seoul Spa but I found out that it expired today so I decided to take myself on a date. As I made my way in this ominously dark and foggy evening, I noticed I was driving by Leakin Park. Then I realized that not only was the spa on Security Blvd, it was across from The Best Buy. Convinced I was about to be murdered, I made my way into Security Square Mall where the first thing I saw was a big piece of plywood over a barbershop window that said «PLEASE COME IN WERE OPEN» scrawled in spray paint. I bravely forged on and inside half the stores were empty, caution tape was carelessly draped over a disconcerting percentage of the fixtures, and the lights flickered dimly above. Once I got to the spa I realized two things: 1) I need to stop listening to every episode of Serial on constant loop, and 2) lounging around in a sauna for hours is the absolute best way to spend Christmas Eve Eve.
If you can get past the rough exterior, this place is a gem. Word to the wise: they very clearly do not accept expired Groupons so be sure to check your expiration date (mine was only good for 3 months, hence my confusion). I went around 6:30 on a Tuesday and it was mostly dead which was perfect because it meant I could take naps in the poultice rooms without being bothered. Next time I will definitely spring for a scrub but I wasn’t sure how the process worked so I decided to wait until next time. I will definitely be back!