I was deeply disappointed with the massage at this high-end spa. As someone of Chinese descent who regularly gets massages in China and has had a very positive experience with Korean massage in the past, my expectations were high, especially given the premium price. This massage was the worst I've ever received, a stark contrast to the incredible traditional massage I experienced at a Korean jjimjilbang during a previous visit to Seoul.
Based on my friend's recommendation, I chose this spa hoping to replicate that amazing first experience. Despite asking the masseuse repeatedly for deeper, more targeted pressure, the massage remained superficial and lacked skill. It felt like she was simply applying fragrant oils in a beautiful setting rather than providing a true massage. The difference was glaringly obvious after having received a proper traditional massage at a spa in Insadong just the day before.
This spa seems geared towards those unfamiliar with quality massage, perhaps visitors from Europe or the United States. Anyone accustomed to regular Asian massage styles, such as Thai or Chinese therapeutic massage, would easily recognize the lack of depth and skill. I felt like I paid for the ambiance and the aromatic oils rather than the massage itself.
Therefore, I would only recommend this spa to those who have never experienced a proper massage and are seeking a relaxing, aesthetically pleasing experience. Those looking for a true therapeutic or traditional massage should...
Read moretldr; sub par quality of massage and facial for extremely premium prices. don't waste your time and money.
brought my mom to Spa Gogyeol after seeing how highly-raved the place but it was unfortunately such a let down.
while the staff were quite nice and polite, the quality of the facial and massage is definitely not worth what they were charging - extremely overpriced and definitely under delivered.
even though I fell asleep (only cos I had 4 hours of sleep the night before and 1 star for the most comfortable massage bed I've ever been in), I definitely did not wake up from the massage feeling more relaxed. In fact, if anything, I think the tension in my shoulders were worse than before.
facial wise, definitely didn't feel like it did anything more than a regular sheet mask I could've slapped on myself, would have done.
one other thing that also left a really bad impression was how they kept asking my mom for payment after the treatment was done - I had finished before her so I came out and went to the toilet first and in those 5 mins they had asked for the payment in a manner such that she felt pressured to pay first. I don't understand why couldn't they just wait for me to come back from the toilet to settle the bill - it felt like they were just trying to get things over and done with and chase us out.
my experience makes me feel like most folks who gave 5 stars only did it for the free korean tea snacks they give OR have never been to a proper massage place. highly would...
Read moreI recently visited Spa Gogyeol for a full body massage and a facial, and I have to say it was an incredibly rejuvenating experience from start to finish.
The spa itself was absolutely beautiful, with a serene and calming atmosphere.
The staff were exceptionally friendly and professional, making me feel pampered from the moment I walked in. They spoke both Korean and English which was a plus. My massage therapist, Linda, was attentive and made sure to check in with me about pressure preferences, ensuring the experience was exactly what I needed. The full body massage was both relaxing and effective, targeting tension in all the right spots.
As for the facial, it was tailored perfectly to address my dry skin and fine lines. The esthetician used luxurious, hydrating products that made my skin feel incredibly smooth and nourished. After the treatment, I noticed a visible improvement in my complexion—my skin looked dewy, refreshed, and noticeably more plump. The added bonus of a relaxing neck and shoulder massage during the facial was the exactly what I needed!
After my services, the spa offered traditional Korean snacks and warm water to enjoy while I relaxed.
Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better spa experience. The ambiance, service, and treatments exceeded my expectations, and I left feeling both relaxed and rejuvenated. Highly recommend thisSpa Gogyeol for anyone looking for an escape and some...
Read more