If 2017 already has you feeling stressed AF, know that you’re not alone. Some bad news—this state of emotional tension is probably screwing you over, clearing the way for everything from headaches to cancer (thanks WebMD). Some good news—there is something you can do about it, other than going feral and leaving the modern world behind in favor of a cabin in the woods.
While the specific health benefits of spas are highly touted but generally unproven, one thing is for sure, taking time out from a busy schedule never hurt anyone. Think of it as a mental cleansing of the slate before your next big adventure. And with budget friendly Korean spas gaining popularity stateside, you won’t even have to break the bank to do it. Los Angeles, New York and New Jersey are just a few Korean spa hot spots. (Heck, Los Angeles’ Wi Spa is so popular it’s rumored that Hollywood types often use it as a defacto clubhouse). But chances are more are on the way.
Want to join the chill set? We’ve run down what to expect at your first spa visit.
The Price Point
Most obvious benefit first: entry at Korean spas are generally cheaper than their western counterpoints. (In Los Angeles entry fees run between $20-$40, although there’s usually some kind of Groupon deal going down). Many of them even run 24 hours a day, so for a small extra overnight fee you could really get your money’s worth and just never leave. If you’re there late at night you’ll probably see a few wise souls using the facilities in lieu of a hotel room.
Nudity
This is probably the biggest worry of first time Korean Spa attendees. While high school gym-like uniforms are issued for the coed areas, the gender segregated saunas and tubs are strictly no-clothes affairs. Sure it can be awkward at first, but think of it as a chance to embrace body positivity. Cover yourself with a robe or towel if you must, but remember: if the older woman in the corner shower scrubbing every inch of herself is completely unbothered by the situation, why should you be? Besides, there are more vulnerable positions to be in than laughing in the hot tub with a few friends.
Treatments
… Which brings us to treatments. Most of them take place in a single public room on plastic covered beds, which are regularly doused with buckets of warm water for both temperature control and sanitation (read: you will get wet, which is totally fine, because remember … you’re naked). Korean spas generally offer all the same treatments as their western counterparts, so facial, massage, scrub—pick your poison. Just keep in mind—masseuses believe in hard pressure. This is particularly true of the scrub, a Korean spa mainstay. Thigh, breast, wing—it doesn’t matter, everything will get vigorously worked over. Sure, it can be intimidating to see your skin come off in sheets that resemble pencil eraser shavings, but the glorious post-scrub glow will be more than worth it.
The Food
