When you think of wellness in Korea, a spa or sauna usually comes to mind. I tried a modern Korean spa at Spa Gogyeol in Seoul and had a relaxing experience, which was well-worth the visit.
The Spa Gogyeol Services
Spa Gogyeol specialises in Korean massage techniques inspired by traditional concepts of yin/yang, something they developed and trademarked.
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There are 3 types of services: Gogyeol Package (face and body), Facial Care and Body Therapy.
Each service can be customised to different needs and body parts. You can check out their full catalogue here.
Their technique manages five ‘energies’ in the body – nerve, respiratory, abdominal, buttock and foot – which you can target individually or together.
The starting price is 120,000 won and will vary depending on what you’re targeting.
I tried the Gogyeol Package 2 (290,000 won). It was a 120-minute face and body package, including a scalp massage and facial.
How To Book Spa Gogyeol
Spa Gogyeol takes reservations via Whatsapp. They speak English and are foreigner-friendly!
You have to pay a 50,000 won deposit via PayPal and pay the rest at the spa after your session.
Getting There
The spa is about a 5-minute walk from Gangnam-gu Office Station, on the fourth floor of the building.
They recommended to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to give enough time for the consultation.
The space is simple but bright, immediately creating a sense of calm.
The staff were friendly and all spoke English. I first filled out a form to indicate any pain points and concerns to focus on during the session.
I indicated stiffness in the shoulders and thighs and pore control for my face.
This was followed by a quick consult to recommend and confirm the services I would be doing.
Full Body Massage And Facial
I was then shown to the massage room. It was big but cosy, with dim lights and a soothing essential oil fragrance.
Do note you have to get fully naked for the full-body massage. They provide bathrobes, disposable underwear and a hairbrush so it was a comfortable experience.
The masseuse was professional and walked me through every step of the treatment, making sure to check in frequently.
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Each step was gentle but thorough. She used the right amount of pressure to ease the stiffness in my muscles, which was super relaxing.
The facial massage was also enjoyable! It included an exfoliating scrub and hydrating mask, which left my skin feeling clean. You can even request they apply sunscreen for you.
They used a lot of massage oils during the session. If that’s not something you enjoy, you can shower afterwards. They have a fully stocked bathroom!
I felt rejuvenated and refreshed, like I had taken a good nap. They provided traditional Korean snacks and tea after, which was a nice touch.
I think the massage improved my lymphatic system too, because I felt significantly less bloated the next day! If you struggle with bloating, I recommend getting this massage.
Premium Korean Spa In Seoul
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my session at Spa Gogyeol! The professionalism and welcoming environment created a comfortable experience that made everything memorable.
If you’re planning a wellness trip to Korea, I recommend including this service in your itinerary! Or, consider a temple stay outside the city or a trip to a jjimjilbang.
Spa Gogyeol (스파고결)
서울특별시 강남구 선릉로 132길 13 J&C빌딩 4층
3rd – 4th floor of J&C Building, 13 Seolleung-ro 132-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Nearest subway station: Gangnam-gu Office, Line 7
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*This was an independent review by MiddleClass
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