Korean baths are becoming more and more popular in the United States, With searches such as the “top 6 korean spas in koreatown, LA: saunas, aido treatments and hot springs”, mega-complexes in major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York are drawing in new clients with their assortment of saunas, steam rooms, and pools with different temperatures.
Whether it’s the specific dress code, the comprehensive skincare procedures, or the communal dining practices, embracing these cultural nuances guarantees that you get the most out of your Korean spa experience. If this is your first time visiting a Korean spa (called jjimjilbang in Korean), here are some things to keep in mind before you go. Prepare to unwind, rejuvenate, and enjoy the Korean spa experience like a pro.
Table of Contents
Nudity is the Norm
You should know that the spa’s segregated portions require you to be completely naked. This includes removing slippers and jewellery. Really bare. Not simply physically but also existentially. Strip to the point where you don’t mind being fully naked in front of a large group of strangers. Own it. Overcome your feelings of overwhelm. It’s startling, strange, and then not. If you try to sneak in with that small piece of clothing, you will be pursued and you will be forced to remove it.
Hygiene
Don’t put on makeup or try to be cute. When you get to the spa, the first thing you’ll do is take a shower because of hygiene, and then you’ll spend the rest of your time switching between steam rooms and saunas — or until you leave. You don’t want a smear of melting mascara to detract from your newfound glow. Shower once you’ve undressed. If you want to exfoliate, use bar soap rather than shower gel. Shower gel makes your skin too greasy to exfoliate properly. Korean spas take great pleasure in being clean, and so do their patrons.
Prepare for Scrubs
Prepare for rejuvenating scrubs at a Korean spa. Exfoliation is a key component of the experience, and spa attendants frequently perform it. Don’t be shocked by the intensity; these washes leave your skin wonderfully smooth.
Embrace these cultural practices and remember that it is a standard element of the spa experience. If you are sensitive to harsh physical exfoliation, inform the spa personnel ahead of time. The scrubbing session is an important ritual that contributes to the entire restoration process during your visit.
Don’t be Shy
This isn’t a public pool, and the bathing area dress code is simple: wear nothing at all. If you wear a bathing suit, you will stand out, assuming you are even let in. If all of this is making you concerned, the bathing sections in Korean spas are gender segregated. However, the communal areas, which frequently contain some hot rooms, are co-ed. In those areas of the spa, you’ll wear the t-shirt and shorts provided when you check-in.
Decorum
There’s always a vibe at the spa, and you should respect it. People of all ages visit the Korean spa to unwind. While there is a social element to the experience, it is not a party. Silence is important. Take your buddies and detox together, but keep the conversation to a minimum. That could imply bringing a book or devising a system of hand signals for emergency communication.
Conclusion
With these tips in mind, navigating your way in a Korean spa becomes a pleasurable experience. Embrace the nudity, savor the scrubs, and immerse yourself in the unique sauna culture. However, remember to stay hydrated and follow spa-specific regulations. With these suggestions and more information you can find on TravelWiseWay, your Korean spa experience will be both relaxing and culturally enriching.
