Gudeoktang bathhouse in western Busan / Courtesy of Smooth Lab

Gudeoktang

■ Address: 66 Daeyeong-ro 85-gil, Seo District, Busan

■ Phone: 051-242-6788

■ Hours: 4:30 a.m.–7 p.m.

Stepping into Gudeoktang, a bathhouse in western Busan's Seo District, is like traveling back in time. It has retained its original form since opening in 1981, without changing a single tile.

The bathhouse has been run by a boiler technician husband and a body scrubber wife, since they took it over in 1998, maintaining its authentic, old-school charm.

Gudeoktang's vintage atmosphere has made it a sought-after filming location. Some memorable scenes from the 2009 drama "Friend, Our Legend" and the 2018 movie "The Drug King" were filmed here.

Although it is over 40 years old, it is well maintained, so it is a good place to visit for those who want to experience a piece of Korea's 1980s and '90s bathhouse culture.

Noksutang bathhouse in central Busan / Courtesy of Smooth Lab

Noksutang

■ Address: 12 Gwangbok-ro 43-gil, Jung District, Busan

■ Phone: 0507-1481-2427

■ Hours: 6 a.m.–10 p.m.

Nestled amid the hustle and bustle of Busan's iconic Gukje Market, Noksutang is the last surviving public bathhouse in the area. First opened in 1988 and thoroughly renovated in 2021, this bathhouse now boasts a welcoming atmosphere with its pristine white interior.

What makes Noksutang special is its commitment to hygiene. The owner maintains a spotless environment, even going as far as exchanging small bills for new ones — a small but meaningful gesture to offer cleanliness for every customer.

Its central location also attracts visitors looking for an authentic Korean bathhouse experience, complete with hot and cold pools, a Korean dry sauna and expert body scrub services.

Open-air cypress wooden bath at Daesung SPA Hotel in Dongnae District, Busan / Courtesy of Smooth Lab

Daesungtang

■ Address: 19 Geumgang-ro 124-gil, Dongnae District, Busan

■ Phone: 051-555-3343

■ Hours: 5:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m., closed on Wednesdays

For those seeking a blend of tradition and modern comfort, Daesungtang is the perfect choice. Located within Daesung SPA Hotel in Busan's Dongnae District, this bathhouse built on the historic site of Jeiltang, Busan's first hot spring bathhouse dating back to 1923.

Daesungtang provides a clean and contemporary bathing experience, featuring an open-air hot spring bath. For those looking for a more private retreat, the hotel offers VIP rooms with exclusive hinoki cypress wood bathtubs, especially popular among visitors seeking a luxurious and tranquil soak.