Sejong, November 3, 2025 — The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has issued a corrective order against the Korea Association of Massage Therapists for fixing service fees and directing its members to comply.
The KFTC found that in January 2024, the association’s general assembly voted to raise the standard massage fee from KRW 50,000 (approximately $35) to KRW 60,000 ($42) for a 60-minute session and instructed affiliated massage centers to apply the new rate.
According to the Commission, this conduct violated Article 51(1)(1) of the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act, which prohibits business associations from determining, maintaining, or changing prices collectively. The KFTC ordered the association to cease the practice and notify its members of the corrective measures.
The agency said the decision restores conditions for independent price setting among massage operators and is expected to promote fair price competition in the massage service market.
