Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dharmasister]

I've read a few threads about publics bath houses but what about just a regular spa. Can you get just a plain old massage. In the U.S. there are little shops popping up where you can pop in and get a 15 minute back rub or a foot massage. They practically drag you in off the street in some of these places. I really like the place I go (the Woodhouse Day Spa) where I can get a 45 minute deep tissue massage, a mani & a pedi all for $150. Do they have this sort of thing over there?

[JBomb]

yes. Many of the more fancier jjimjilbang have these services and at a fraction of the price you would pay in the US. Look for the bigger ones and they will have places to get a good rub down in the shower and bath areas. Some of these can be quite the ordeal and a bit rough, but the places that are a little higher class offer a lot more of a pleasurable experience. Otherwise you might as well take a scraper to your entire body to get the idea of what to expect. Here in Busan, Spaland in the Shinsegae Mall is probably your best bet for a nice shower and bath, then everything from facials to massage to chilling out on big comfy chairs and napping the afternoon away. You will go to a locker room area segregated by gender where yes you will get naked. You then have a shower and a dip in the numerous baths. The baths are also gender specific and naked. You then go for a rub down or head back to your locker to put on the jumpsuit they give you to head to the common area that will have more saunas and other things like relax rooms, beauty salons and massage areas. Don't be shy though in the baths. You will get the odd gawker but just relax and enjoy. There are numerous body types in there and everyone is into just relaxing. My mother was a bit on the nervous side and I finally talked to her into it and she regretted not having a chance to go more once she left. I am a big fan of just going for a weekly shower and a dip though with a bit of a steam room on the side before a nice lay down. This is dead cheap and there are plenty of these about. They cost from 4000 Won for the small bath houses to 7000 Won for the big fancier ones. I usually frequent Naenjong Ocheonjang by my house which costs about 5000 Won for a shower and a dip. The so-called Biggest Spa in Asia, Hurshimchang by Ocheonjang Subway Station is also well worth a visit. You can also get half decent "Sports Massage" in some places with oils and things for 60 000 Won, but be careful. Some of these masquerade as glorified brothels. A giveaway is the double spinning barber poles. Other than that, be sure to check the tourist sites for cities and towns as they usually have details on spas under leisure. The ones in Seoul tend to be a bit expensive, but I really like the one by the train station. Many people also use spas as a place to crash for the night as well so go ahead and do it. Pamper yourself. It is my favourite way to recharge for week ahead.

[dharmasister]

WOW!! That's a lot of info. Way more than I was able to find at Seoulstyle.com or Bundang Expat. Thank you. It sounds great. And very reasonably priced. I have fibromyalgia and regular massages really help ease my muscle aches. Here in the U.S. I am lucky to get one once a month. At that price I'll be hitting the spa once a week!!! A couple of quick questions - are they fairly sanitary and most importantly

[JBomb]

They are usually quite sanitary. Again the more upscale ones like Spaland and Hurshimchang are more so, but all the places employ armies of old ladies and men who clean the place up nightly. Koreans also are meticulous about scrubbing every inch of their body before they get into the baths. Do the same. Other than a hotel it is the only chance in this country to get a good "stand up" shower. The water in a lot of places also uses natural springs for its supply so it is super nice for your skin. Did wonders when I buggered my knee playing volleyball last year. In regards to the "double spinners" those so-called barber shops, feel free to give them a try. Just expect less of a rub down and more of a rub down if you know what I mean.