A South Korean hotel has apologized after newlyweds discovered that outsiders could see into its mirrored sauna.

An upscale South Korean hotel has apologized for a design flaw that allowed people outside to potentially see into the sauna area.

The Grand Josun, a newly opened five-star hotel on Jeju Island, issued a statement after a local blog revealed that the sauna’s blinds had been raised for part of the day, allowing passersby to see into the women’s sauna from the street.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to our guests regarding the women’s sauna at the Grand Josun Jeju Hill Suite, where a missing mirror coating on some windows and issues with the blinds’ operation led to privacy concerns,” the statement, posted on February 18, explained.

“The sauna’s operation has been temporarily halted as we thoroughly inspect the issues and take swift action to address them,” the hotel added.

The hotel clarified that a special coating on the sauna windows prevents visibility during the day, but does not work the same way at night, which is why the blinds are meant to be lowered after dark.

A Korean blogger shared his experience at the hotel, which went viral after he posted it on February 15.

“I went on my honeymoon to Jeju Island and stayed at a newly opened five-star hotel, but what should have been a memorable trip turned into one of the worst experiences of my life,” the blogger wrote, recounting how he and his wife had enjoyed the pool and sauna facilities.

He continued: “On my last day, while taking a walk, I noticed that I could see inside the sauna from outside. I could clearly see the thermometer inside, and from various vantage points, including the hotel entrance, walking path, parking lot, and even hotel room balconies, I could see the showers and bathrooms.”

“My wife and I were horrified to realize this. The thought that we may have unknowingly exposed ourselves in the bathrooms and showers in front of others still gives me chills, and we are now seeking therapy for the trauma,” he added.

According to Yonhap News Agency, local Seogwipo police were called after guests lodged complaints with the hotel staff. The blogger also mentioned that the hotel manager was unavailable due to the Lunar New Year holiday.

Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to investigate whether anyone was exposed while using the facilities or if there were any unauthorized photos or videos taken from outside the hotel.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, steam and dry saunas remain closed, while general hot tubs are available with limited capacity. With borders closed to non-residents and strict quarantine measures in place, many Koreans are opting for domestic vacations this year.