Best Beauty Treatments in Busan (Personally Tested)

I've been to Busan several times, and it's my custom to try a few beauty treatments every time I am there! Here's my review of several facials & massages in Busan that I've tried. (I actually used to sell Korean beauty products so my Mom & I would visit Korea every year to stock up. We considered trying their beauty treatments as part of my "Job", a tradition we still keep today!)

There is MUCH less choice of beauty treatments in Busan as compared to Seoul (for reviews of all the Seoul facials and hair salons, such as Juno salon, that I tried, click here.)

Overall, I found the general standard and range of beauty treatments to be higher in Seoul- probably not a surprise!- BUT the cost slightly cheaper in Busan. The therapists in Seoul are also more used to foreigners, so it is easier to give them feedback if something during the facial isn't right for you.

Note: this post is about facials and massages only. If it's a more invasive treatment you're after, there's an entire row of beauty clinics in Seomyeon, some with translators available.I have not tried any of those treatments so cannot recommend any.There have been horror stories though, so do your research first!

Tip: the spas at Haeundae Beach book out fast so book early! (I was turned away from a few spas as they were full.)

To be honest, this facial was terrible.

I very much enjoyed my stay at Lotte Hotel Seomyeon- you can read all about my stay by clicking on the link- but the Spa was the weakest point. The entire experience was not of the standard you would expect of a 5 star hotel.

Firstly, because no one at the spa spoke even a word of English, making an appointment was very difficult. (I know that I am in Korea, and don't expect everyone to speak English- I speak a BIT of Korean- but the process was unnecessarily difficult and I had to try several times via the front desk to get an appointment, as no one ever returned my call, when they said they would.)

Secondly, the staff were very unwelcoming. I had clearly booked a longer treatment via the front desk but the staff insisted on making it a shorter one (I didn't offer much resistance, but the way they did it felt rude, like my coming in for a treatment was an inconvenience to them. I had the feeling the therapist just wanted to get off work. (I had been offered, and accepted an evening slot.))

Lastly, the therapist was quite rough with my skin during the treatment. It was an extreme let down after the wonderful treatment I had at Lotte Hotel Seoul (Sulwhasoo)- not at all relaxing nor good for my skin.

I would not return and would not recommend the Lotte Busan Seomyeon Spa to anyone I know.

Note: it might just be me as the spa has 9 good reviews on Google and 1 1-star review (at the time of writing.)

I usually ask the hotel staff for recommendations and the Lotte Hotel Busan front desk lady strongly recommended I try a hair cut, treatment or spa in Busan. I didn't have time for a hair cut/ treatment but when I checked, prices did look more affordable than Seoul- something to do on my next trip!

This Head Spa in Seomyeon (Busan downtown area) includes a scalp analysis as well as head, neck, and shoulder massage- thinking about it just makes me feel so relaxed! (I also like how it's not too expensive- under $70.)

Note: I have not personally tried this Head Spa yet but am doing so on my next visit. Will update the post again then.

This was the exact opposite of the Lotte Busan spa experience- when I stayed at Signiel Hotel, the experience staying at the hotel wasn't amazing (you can read about it in the link) but the spa was!

From the interiors, to the welcome, to the treatment, everything was so professional, luxurious and soothing. I definitely want to return AND bring my Mom with me!

The Spa also has a great view of the Haeundae waterfront- you're offered a drink after the treatment and sipping on tea whilst enjoying the view and reading a magazine is just so relaxing.

However, note that the treatment here is on the pricier side- it was the priciest of all the Busan treatments I enquired about (and probably why I could get an appointment here last minute, unlike at the other Haeundae Hotel spas which were booked out, such as Sundari Spa at Paradise Hotel Busan (see top pic.))

In addition, the Spa uses Chantecaille, a non-Korean brand. (I've found this to be quite common in 5 star hotel spas in Korea, with the exception being the Lotte Hotel Seoul (Sulwhasoo).) I personally prefer trying Korean skincare products and services when in Korea!

Any questions about Busan facials and hair salons? Let me know in the comments- don't forget to join the mailing list as I will keep adding on to this list as I try new beauty treatments in Busan!