There is no better place than Korea’s looks-obsessed capital to indulge in a day dedicated to your health and beauty. Seoul abounds in places to treat yourself to a manicure, a massage, a hair treatment, or a relaxing soak in a traditional Korean sauna. Below, we’ve picked 7 of the best beauty destinations in the city—so get there, grab a towel and get ready to get gorgeous.
1. Coco Lounge | Yongsan
Walk into Coco Lounge’s boudoir shop and you’ll be greeted by the owner’s two dogs. Apart from cuteness overload, this girly one-stop full service nail and massage parlor also provides eyelash extensions and tanning.
This is a perfect chill out lounge for those who are looking for a great place to gather together for some manis and a good massage. Order a latte from next door and kick back with a spa pedicure or gel manicure—best new designs and trendy colors guaranteed.
2. Spa Lei | Seocho
Not your average jimjilbang, this traditional Korean sauna is a luxurious, ladies-only spa frequented by the Gangnam crowd. The pinewood bath area is decorated like an oasis, with a saltwater pool, ginseng, mineral and rose baths as well as a slimming and massage area.
Check out the restaurant that serves good-quality Korean food and the juice bar for the health conscious.
3. Decleor | Yongsan-gu
This Hannam favorite may not look like much from the outside, but is one of the best-kept secrets in Seoul. Owner Suzee is a highly trained technician in beauty therapy and does a killer facial with slimming face massage.
She’ll also throw in extras with her facials such as hair treatment, back and leg massage, and a host of other surprises. Using all Decleor products from France, this is seriously the best facial in Seoul—you will see instantly a difference in your complexion.
4. Banyan Tree Spa | Jung-gu
The eponymous Banyan Tree Hotel & Spa is perfect for the stressed out and the weary. Enjoy the fresh facials, relaxing massages and fabulous packages on offer, as well as a great range of body scrubs and rain showers.
All treatments include a foot soak and 30 minutes of calm time. For hotel guests and members, the Banyan Tree sauna (separate from the spa) is arguably the best in Seoul and should not be missed.
5. Soo Spa | Yeouido
A fresh and innovative spa. Regular promotions such as the “Chocolate Spa Package” are a hit with clients, and all treatments allow complimentary access to the sauna area with baths, steam rooms and saunas.
Best thing about this spa? Paul (the highly coveted French patisserie) and the Park Café (offering fresh dishes all day and weekend buffets) are in the same building, a great way to end—or start—your day of pampering.
6. Dragon Hill Spa | Yongsan
A favorite with locals and tourists alike, the Dragon Hill jimjilbang is a seven-floor extravaganza fitted with indoor and outdoor baths, charcoal saunas, crystal salt rooms, ginseng and cedar baths, as well as a heated pool and play area for the kiddies.
Other extras include a nail bar, golf, cinema, rooftop garden with barbeque restaurant, indoor Korean restaurant, and plenty of snack and resting areas.
7. Tan California | Gangnam
The beautiful and the buff frequent for their gorgeous body color fix. Specializing in tanning machines and spray tanning, your desired shade will be discussed before choosing the strength and type of machine you prefer.
Extra tanning lotion can be added for an even darker glow, and face masks provided for those who don’t wish to tan their face. State-of-the-art products and equipment make this the best choice for anyone that is serious about tanning.
