What to do before going to a Korean spa?
First things first, you take a shower before using any of the facilities. Complimentary body wash, shampoo and conditioner are provided, so scrub up before hitting the baths. In korean spa culture, they take their hygiene and cleanliness very seriously. Besides getting skincare treatments or massages, korean spa culture heavily focuses on communal relaxing. That’s why you’ll find large open areas for lounging, a sleeping/meditation room, and a media room.Korean spas are no place to be modest. People in co-ed areas usually wear a pair of shorts and a robe, but nudity is the norm the wet areas that include the pools, steam rooms and saunas. It can be a bit jarring for the uninitiated, but your nakedness is quickly forgotten.Korean queen massage (75 mins; 430,000 VND): Combines Swedish, Shiatsu and Vietnamese massage techniques to restore energy balance and health.
What makes Korean spas unique?
Unlike typical Western spas, Korean spas – known as jjimjilbangs – offer a communal, all-day experience that goes beyond just massages and facials. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, jjimjilbangs have evolved into modern-day wellness retreats, combining heat therapy, hydrotherapy, skincare, and relaxation. Jjimjilbang (Korean: 찜질방; Hanja: 蒸氣房; MR: tchimjilbang; Korean pronunciation: [t͈ɕimdʑilbaŋ], lit. South Korea which gained popularity in the 1990s.
What is the difference between a Korean spa and a regular spa?
Korean Spas: These are built around holistic healing and communal wellness. The focus is on full-body rejuvenation through various heat therapies, hydrotherapy pools, and exfoliation treatments. Traditional American Spas: These emphasize individualized luxury and pampering. Take It All Off (Or Don’t) For massages and body treatments, ideally you disrobe completely (that means underwear, too). Most spas offer paper panties to wear during body treatments (like scrubs, wraps, or self-tanning)—they don’t cover much, but enough to provide a modicum of modesty.Comfortable Clothes Comfort is key at a spa, so ensure you wear comfy clothes such as joggers, t-shirts, leggings, hoodies etc. Again, you can to feel as relaxed as possible.Stick to fabrics like cotton, jersey, or stretchable blends that allow easy movement. Consider the Temperature: If you’re getting a couples massage in a spa setting, be aware of the room temperature. For warmer settings, light clothing like a tank top or sundress is appropriate.In your specific gender level, additional towels, bathrobes, and shorts are provided. You will then store your belongings in your locker and change into the shirt and shorts provided. A Korean spa is not for the modest. To enter the spa and sauna on gender segregated floors, we ask that no clothing be worn.Most spas want you to be comfortable and relaxed, so arrive wearing loose, comfortable clothing like gym clothes, yoga pants and t-shirts. Once you are changed, you’ll be spending most of your time in a robe anyway!