Guide
Best Korean Spas in San Francisco
What you'll learn
- Discover the best Korean spas in San Francisco, Palo Alto, and the South Bay.
- Explore top-rated Bay Area jjimjilbangs including Kabuki, Imperial, Bay Spa, and Immersion Spa with hot tubs, saunas, body scrubs, and relaxing wellness experiences.
Looking for the best Korean spas in the San Francisco Bay Area? Whether you want a traditional Korean body scrubA seshin-style treatment where a skilled technician uses an Italy towel to vigorously exfoliate your entire body — one of the signature experiences at a Korean spa., hot and cold pools, a relaxing sauna day, or a modern wellness experience, the Bay Area has several standout Korean spas worth visiting.
This guide covers the best Korean spas in San Francisco, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, and the greater South Bay area (including what makes each spa unique and what first-time visitors should know before going).
Why Korean Spas Are So Popular in the Bay Area
Korean spas (also called jjimjilbangs) combine traditional Korean wellness culture with modern relaxation.
Most Korean spas include:
Hot and cold soaking pools
Steam rooms and dry saunas
Gender-separated bathing areas
Co-ed relaxation spaces
Korean body scrubs
Massage treatments
Quiet spaces for rest and recovery
Unlike a traditional American day spa, Korean spas are designed for lingering. Guests often spend several hours rotating through pools, saunas, and lounges for a full-body wellness experience.
If you’re new to Korean spas, don’t worry — many Bay Area locations are beginner-friendly and welcoming to first-time guests.
San Francisco Spas:
Kabuki Springs & Spa
Located in San Francisco’s historic Japantown neighborhood, Kabuki is one of the city’s most well-known urban spa experiences. While it blends Japanese-inspired aesthetics with modern wellness culture, it remains a favorite among Bay Area spa-goers looking for a peaceful soaking and sauna experience.
Kabuki is especially popular for:
Its serene atmosphere
Large communal bath area
Steam room and sauna access
Quiet environment for solo visitors
Massage and skincare services
The spa offers gender-separated bathing days as well as select co-ed bathing times, making it more flexible than many traditional Korean spas.
Why People Love It
Kabuki feels calm, upscale, and intentionally quiet. It’s often recommended for first-time visitors who may feel intimidated by larger or more traditional Korean spas.
Good to Know
Reservations are strongly recommended
Quiet voices are expected throughout the spa
Swimsuits are only permitted during co-ed bathing times
Located near restaurants and shops in Japantown
Imperial Day Spa
Imperial Day Spa is one of the closest experiences to a traditional Korean spa in San Francisco itself. Located near Japantown, it has long been known for affordable access to sauna facilities, body scrubs, massages, and communal relaxation.
Visitors often come here for:
Korean body scrubs
Steam and dry sauna rooms
Hot and cold soaking tubs
Traditional Korean spa atmosphere
Budget-friendly spa access
Compared to more luxury-focused wellness spas, Imperial has a more classic neighborhood Korean spa feel.
Why People Love It
Imperial is often appreciated for being more approachable and less polished than luxury spa chains. Regular visitors value the authentic feel and straightforward experience.
Good to Know
Gender-separated wet areas
Nudity is expected in bathing areas
Body scrubs are a major highlight
Great option for first-time Korean spa visitors wanting a traditional experience
Greater San Francisco Area / South Bay / Palo Alto / Santa Clara:
Bay Spa
Located in Santa Clara, Bay Spa has become a favorite South Bay destination for people looking for a more traditional Korean spa experience outside San Francisco.
The spa typically includes:
Hot and cold pools
Dry and steam saunas
Body scrub services
Massage treatments
Relaxation areas
Because it’s located in Silicon Valley, Bay Spa draws a mix of locals, professionals, and travelers looking to decompress after work or long weeks.
Why People Love It
Bay Spa offers a more relaxed, neighborhood-style experience without the crowds often found in larger spas.
Good to Know
Ideal for South Bay residents
Traditional Korean spa etiquette applies
Many guests spend several hours rotating between pools and saunas
Immersion Spa & Sauna
Immersion Spa & Sauna in Palo Alto combines modern wellness design with Korean spa traditions. The spa features updated facilities and a contemporary atmosphere while still incorporating core Korean spa experiences.
Highlights include:
Hot jacuzzi and cold plunge pools
Steam sauna
Dry sauna
Himalayan salt room
Jade room
Korean body scrubs and acupressure massage
Immersion Spa emphasizes a more polished and modern experience while still maintaining the relaxing flow of a traditional jjimjilbangA large Korean bathhouse and spa complex with heated sauna rooms, baths, and communal lounge areas — often open 24 hours. Families and friend groups frequent these for a full day out..
Why People Love It
Guests often praise the clean, modern environment and relaxing atmosphere. It’s especially popular among Peninsula residents looking for a wellness-focused spa day.
Good to Know
Spa passes are available for full-day access
Free robes and towels are provided
Nudity is required in gendered areas
Outside clothing is not permitted in spa areas
Guests must be age 15 or older for spa access
Tips for First-Time Korean Spa Visitors
Pro Tip
Kabuki - Quiet upscale spa experience
Imperial - Traditional Korean spa feel
Bay Spa - Relaxed South Bay neighborhood spa
Immersion Spa - Modern wellness-focused spa day
If you’ve never visited a Korean spa before, here are a few things to know:
Most wet areas are gender-separated
Nudity is standard in gendered bathing sections
Showering before entering pools is expected
Guests usually rotate between hot pools, cold pools, and saunas
Many visitors stay for several hours
Body scrubs can be intense but are incredibly popular
The experience may feel unfamiliar at first, but many first-time guests quickly discover why Korean spas become part of people’s regular wellness routines.
Final Thoughts
The San Francisco Bay Area may not have as many Korean spas as Los Angeles or New York, but there are still several excellent options for soaking, sauna, and deep relaxation.
Whether you want a quiet upscale atmosphere in Japantown, a traditional Korean body scrub experience, or a modern South Bay wellness spa, these locations each offer something unique.
If you’re planning your first visit, start with the spa that best matches the kind of experience you want: relaxing luxury, authentic tradition, or all-day wellness recovery.