Naked With Strangers: My Korean Spa Experience
If you know nothing else about South Korea, you must know that they rule the spa scene.
One of the things that intrigued me the most about the prospects of living in South Korea was indulging in the true blue Korean spa experience, or the jjimjilbang.
While I love being naked and the liberation that comes with baring the skin I'm in, showing love and feeling love for the body that gets me through this life, thinking about that part of the jjimjilbang experience filled me with anxiety. Because, as much as I love spas, the idea of being naked in a room full of Korean women was rather intimidating.
To those of you who may be unfamiliar, the jjimjilbang is a Korean public bathhouse and sauna that’s separated into two parts. First, is the co-ed communal area that includes ice rooms, saunas, sleeping rooms, restaurants, and more. Second, is the gender-segregated bath and shower room where you can lay in hot tubs, use the steam rooms, or get the famous Korean scrub. In Korea, the jjimjilbang is for everyone – young couples, old people, families, and friend dates with your besties.
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As a black woman living in Korea, I already had garnered my fair share of stares, gawking, and the occasional creeping hand trying to touch my hair. I definitely didn’t want to deal with that while trying to bask in a space that's meant to allow me to relax.
But one holiday weekend, my boyfriend and I took a trip down to the south of Korea to Busan, and that's where my life was forever changed. Busan is home to what CNN has called Korea’s “most outrageous sauna,” the Spa Land Centum City. I wouldn’t say it’s "outrageous", but going there was definitely one of the best experiences I’d had in Korea.
After changing into the standard jjimjilbang pajama spa uniform, my boyfriend and I spent an hour or so lounging in the saunas, cooling off in the ice room, and eating smoked eggs with tea. We both kept remarking on just how awesome the experience had been so far and how we needed to come back more often. But I was still hesitant about what was yet to come, the wet and dry sauna/shower rooms.
As I got undressed in the locker room, I noticed that no one was really paying me any attention at all - actually, no one even looked my way. Everyone there was just enjoying themselves, chatting with friends, helping each other wash their backs, or just relaxing in their own world. All of the fear and anxiety I felt about being naked in a spa full of women was for nothing. Feeling confident, I stepped into the sauna, and it was pretty much game over. I took an awesomely long shower, washed my hair, sat in the hot tubs, and went to the steam room.
It felt so liberating and relaxing! But what really threw my experience into OMG YES, I MUST DO THIS ALL THE TIME NOW territory was the Korean body scrub.
A woman clad in black underwear guided me to a wet massage table where she proceeded to put soap all over my body and with a Brillo pad-type scrubber, scrubbed me so hard I thought she was trying to take the black off of me. It was both amazing and terrifying. She scrubbed literally everywhere, no holds barred. I regularly exfoliated on my own at home, but it was no match for this scrub. After she finished, she rinsed me off with warm water, and then gave me a scalp massage, which was the icing on the cake. My body had literally never felt so smooth. It was like I was a newborn baby! And from that day forth, I made a vow to myself that I’d try to go to a Korean spa at least once a month.
I now have my Korean spa game down to a science. I go regularly and am no longer afraid of being naked around strangers. If anything, it’s made me realize even more so that women come in all shapes and sizes, and honestly no one really cares what you look like.
In the U.S., there are Korean spas sprinkled everywhere in most major cities. When I lived in LA, Wi Spa and the women’s only Olympic Spa were the hot spots. Wi Spa is basically the Disneyland of Korean spas and is open 24/7. They have a computer room, a restaurant, a gym, a nail salon, and more. Olympic Spa is for women only, which makes it a great place for a squad get-together. With massages, scrubs, manicures and facials, you could be there all day!
And for my friends on the east coast, have no fear! My friend Tiffany from TiffanyandLupus gave me her recommendations for the NYC area:
- Spa Castle Premier 57 in Midtown. It's a Korean spa with a sleek minimalist design that provides ultra comfort. Most jjimjilbangs are family friendly, however, you have to be at least 18 to enjoy this one.
- King Spa & Fitness in NJ is one of my favorite jjimjilbangs! Children are welcome, as long as an adult accompanies them. The beauty of this spa is that it's open 24 hours. You can spend the night sleeping on a plush reclining chair bed! But find a spot to sleep by 9 pm or else you'll be left to find a not so comfy floor spot.
Have you ever been to a Korean spa? What did you think? Let us know in the comments.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Curate The Vibes With These Black-Owned Candles For Every Mood
Black women of the 90s and early 2000s had incense, and Black women of today are fully embracing our luxury candle era. Candles have become just as important as our perfume selections, and as a luxury candle connoisseur, I keep all of my favorites in stock in my storage closet.
Whether you’re moving out for the first time and want to try new scents or looking to set the mood for a self-care day or sexy evening, consider these Black-owned candle brands to curate the vibe you’re looking for.
If You’re Feeling Bad & Bougie
The Original Candle
If you’re the bougie friend of the group, this candle is for you. Hanifa has become a staple luxury brand; with celebs like Tracee Ellis Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Naomi Campbell, and Danielle Brooks seen in her designs, they have become everyone's favorite brand. They recently launched their first candle, The Original. The candle is infused with notes of mandarin, orange blossom, caramel, sandalwood, jasmine sambac, and vanilla.
When Wash Day Comes...
"Wash Day" Candle
Cavo
Need some inspiration to get up and section that hair so you can get to washing? Not to worry. This pineapple, mango coconut milk, and sugar candle will have your house smelling as good as your favorite conditioner.
Wellness Girl Necessity
Sunday in Brooklyn Candle
If you’re a girl who loves clean scents that clear the energy in your home and feel like the best Sunday you ever had, you need this candle. Infused with wild basil and lemongrass, it’s guaranteed to help you find your zen.
For Sunday Brunch If You’re Hosting
Champagne Showers
Champagne Showers is the perfect candle for a birthday celebration, Sunday brunch night in, or toast to your next big win! The candle includes a blend of bright bergamot, peach fizz, and creamy woods. It’s a bubbly fragrance that’s as sophisticated as our girl, Jackie Aina.
After You Listen To SZA
"After A Good Cry" Candle
Cavo
Let the tears flow, and let the healing begin. This rainwater, lavender, vanilla, and bean and bourbon candle is just what the doctor ordered if you’re getting over a breakup. But once you’re done crying, just remember you're worthy of much more, okay?
For The Lover Girl Era
"Love" Luxury Candle
If you’re done crying and have found the one you’ve been waiting for, let this candle burn as warm as your love for your new boo. Harlem Candle Co.'s "Love" fragrance represents a dramatic, romantic theme with both masculine and feminine accords melding beautifully together, infused with crisp apple and watery green notes.
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