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Wednesday 22 May 2013

Inside South Korean Spa Culture


A daytime view of within Spa Land at Centum City in Busan.
In certain countries, spas are a rare indulgence. In Korean culture, though, they’re necessary to the social scene.

And there’s lots of variety. Some South Korean spas - or jim jil bang - are tranquil and soothing, like Spa Land at Centum City in Busan (the architecture addititionally there is stunning). Other spas really are a displaced section of a Vegas casino that’s collided with a World Wrestling Entertainment-style road show. You’ll find common themes and etiquette expectations wherever you wind up, though. Something else cool: It’s simple to find cheap spa breaks, as little as $15 U.S., to lounge around for some hours.

Let’s run through what a South Korean spa is much like:

The Entry

There’s typically a front desk area. You’ll pay your fee and obtain a key, some slippers along with a robe/pullover sort of thing. If you’re having a person of the opposite gender, this is when you head to separate locker rooms. Keep that key along with you at all times: You also use it to purchase food and drink. It tallies your purchases electronically, and also you settle up at the end. It beats toting your bank account around with you, too. Yes, Korean culture could be pretty hi-tech!


Another nice look at the interior of Spa Land.
The Locker Rooms

This is when a lot of Americans might have trouble - the nudity here's pretty explicit … typical for Korean culture, however, many travelers might find it odd. Firstly you shower, then head (still naked) in to the steam room, the hot tubs and also the saunas. Westerners like me might also scratch their heads over a few of the local showering customs: Apparently, lots of Koreans prefer to shower seated. That explains the reduced shower heads in the hotels!

The most popular Area

Done with the saunas? Placed on the spa garb the front desk people issued during check-in. Meet your opposite-gender friend(s), striking the many relaxing rooms. Like what?

There are many rooms common to South Korean spas, because both versions have a different flavor and purpose. This informative article sums up the characteristics of the jim jil bang pretty nicely. Probably the most interesting rooms was pyramid shaped, that we associate more with Egyptian culture than Korean culture.

Conclusions

Do your homework when choosing a South Korean spa. Some frown upon children, while some welcome them. Korean culture could be pretty sedate, but sometimes it embraces the noise. The adults-only establishments, though, is going to be quieter. Whichever you prefer, there’s something for everybody. But know what you’re getting into.

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