Everything in South Korea’s second largest city (after Seoul) is better than you think it’s going to be, and you’ll want more time to explore and enjoy.
Case in point is Spa Land Centum City, a gigantic, modern jjimjilbang (Korean-style sauna/spa) located inside Shinsegae Department Store Centum City, reportedly the world’s largest department store, which opened four years ago.
Before seeing Spa Land, I had set aside an hour for a visit — the usual amount of time I allot for soaking and scrubbing at a Korean bathhouse.
Coming from Seoul, I was skeptical about how different one jjimjilbang could be from any other. The capital, after all, is well known for its extravagant spas.
Boy, was I mistaken.
A spa like no other
Centum City’s Spa Land takes the jjimjilbang concept to an entirely new place.
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“Young ladies are the most sensitive,” she said in an amused voice when I squeaked a little. “The older ladies always ask for the hardest pressure.”
I emerged red and raw, but wonderfully clean.
It was the best extra ₩20,000 ($18) I’ve ever spent in spa.
Next time I’ll plan on three hours for a visit.
Make that four.
Spa Land, Centum City, 35 Centumnam-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea; +82 51 745 2900; open daily, 6 a.m.-midnight
