Illegal Massage Parlors in Korea: Who Gets Punished?
Creatrip Team
a month ago
A traveler visited a cheap massage parlor during a domestic trip and worried it might be operating illegally. Under Korean law, only certified massage therapists (안마사)—usually visually impaired people meeting specific requirements—may run or perform massages at licensed establishments. Operating an unlicensed massage business can lead to up to 5 years in prison or a fine up to 50 million KRW; performing massages for profit without certification can bring up to 3 years’ imprisonment or a fine up to 30 million KRW. Corporations or owners can also be held liable if they negligently allow unqualified staff to work. There are real cases where owners were fined for hiring unqualified workers. Ordinary customers are not criminally punished simply for using an unlicensed parlor, but can be charged under other laws if they commit additional offenses there (for example, engaging in paid sex could violate the anti-prostitution law). If a booked service is canceled, blanket no-refund rules may be invalid as unfair terms, and customers could reclaim payments in some cases.
