What to expect during a Korean body scrub?

Author: Helene Waelchi DVM  |  Last update: Sunday, August 31, 2025

“Seshin” is an intense Korean cleaning process that entails soaking in hot water then getting VIGOROUSLY scrubbed with a thin, sandpaper-like loofah mitt to rid the body of all the gunky dirt and layers of dead skin that accumulate naturally. Scrubbed. All Over.

What happens during a Korean body scrub?

Using traditional Korean exfoliating mitts, your therapist will vigorously scrub away dead skin cells. The full-body exfoliation removes impurities, leaving your skin silky smooth and rejuvenated.

What do you wear to a Korean body scrub?

Scrubs are done in a semi-private station in the bath house. While we do encourage you to go completely nude, you are allowed to wear a bathing suit bottom, should you wish. You'll leave with softer skin than you ever could imagine.

Should I shave before a Korean body scrub?

However, you should wait at least 24 hours after shaving before getting a body scrub. This is because shaving can cause microscopic abrasions and irritation to the skin, and exfoliation could make it worse.

Do you wear clothes during a body scrub?

You need to be nude in the bathhouse; you can't wear a bathing suit or underwear. But that's part of the experience, and it's really not weird when everyone else around you is nude too and not paying attention to you. Also, the body scrub therapists are in their underwear. It's just what's comfortable for them.

Korean Spa Etiquette {The Dos and Don'ts}

What are the unspoken rules of a Korean spa?

If you're going to the baths, you need to remove all your clothing, bringing only a small towel and toiletries with you (wear your locker key on your wrist). If you're going to the sauna, change into the pajamas provided. The cardinal rule here is that you need to wash before getting into the baths.

Is a Korean body scrub worth it?

Overall, a Korean body scrub is an effective spa treatment that offers a variety of benefits for your skin and overall well-being. Whether you are looking to exfoliate your skin, reduce stress, or improve your overall skin health, a Korean body scrub is worth trying.

How painful is Korean body scrub?

The only thing that wasn't scrubbed was the inner layers of my lady parts and palms of hands. Otherwise, she got into every crevice of my body. The scrub was not painful at all (make sure to soak in the baths for a while prior and use bar soap when you shower). I felt so clean afterward and relaxed.

How often should you get a Korean body scrub?

To see improvements in the areas listed above, you should get a scrub once a week to keep your skin healthy or at least once a month. Regular weekly scrubs improve skin appearance, blood circulation, and muscle relaxation. To book an appointment with our experienced professionals, click here.

What should I bring to Korean spa?

Here's a list of items to bring:
  • Towels: Bring a large bath towel for drying off and a smaller towel for modesty while walking between facilities.
  • Toiletries: Carry your own soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, and toothpaste. ...
  • Change of Clothes: Pack a clean set of clothes to wear after your bathhouse visit.

How much to tip at Korean spa?

Tipping at a spa in South Korea

Although in many places around the world it is appropriate to leave a small tip to your therapist, in South Korea there will be no such expectation. Instead, be polite and respectful to the staff, and thank them at the end of the session.

What to do before a Korean body scrub?

WASH YOUR BODY

Soap won't be used during the scrub down – so wash up beforehand. I strongly urge you to use bar soap, rather than the shower gel variety – as the latter will make your body too slippery and smooth rather than leaving you with a squeaky clean and rubbery feeling.

What to expect from a full body scrub?

The full body scrub treatment uses rich oils and natural exfoliants to let your skin breathe. The esthetician will apply an exfoliant scrub in circular motions from the neck down, to grind away stagnant cells and buildup on your epidermis.

How many minutes should I leave body scrub?

Scrub your skin for no longer than 30 seconds. Rinse liberally with warm water. If you want to shave, shave afterwards (exfoliation lifts dirt and dead skin cells out of the way, allowing for the blade to glide more smoothly over the skin)

What is a Korean full body massage?

What Is Korean Relaxation Massage? Practised on a futon or mat on the floor, this ancient technique follows a sequence of vibrations, rotations and gentle muscle stretching across the entire body.

Do you shower after a body scrub?

Should you wash your body after Body Scrub? Make sure to rinse your body carefully to remove any dead skin cells or excess scrub particles.

What does a Korean body scrub entail?

The intense Korean cleansing process (called “seshin”) entails soaking the body in hot water, then rubbing it with a “Korean Italy towel” – a colorful, thin loofah with a sandpaper-like texture – to rid the body of all the gunk, dirt and layers of dead skin that accumulate naturally.

Do you massage or body scrub first?

Exfoliating first will help you to get a closer shave by removing any clogging dead cells from the skin's surface. Now that you know how to use a body scrub, you can perform a body scrub massage to achieve soft, glowing skin, and make yourself feel pampered and relaxed.

Do Korean exfoliating towels work?

They are abrasive, which is why they work so well for manual exfoliation. Korean towels are inexpensive, reusable, require no lotions, potions, or goo for results. Perfect for people with sensitive skin who react badly to chemicals in store-bought scrubs. Plus, they work better than any home-made or store-bought scrub.

Is Korean body scrub worth it?

A Korean body scrub rejuvenates your skin, refreshes your body, and calms your mind. Whether you're a skincare aficionado or just looking to try something new, this indulgent ritual is an absolute must-try.

Should you shave before a Korean scrub?

We recommend allowing several hours between shaving and receiving any service that involves an exfoliation (body services, scrubs, facial) to decrease the risk of skin irritation or discomfort.

What do you wear for a body scrub?

What do you wear for a body scrub massage? Your technician will ask you to disrobe for a full body scrub massage. We will provide you with a paper gown if preferred. If you feel more comfortable wearing undergarments, let your technician know — we can provide paper underwear during the treatment.

How long is a Korean body scrub?

The 90-minute body scrub (there are 60-minute and 30-minute ones as well, mind you) involved not just a head-to-toe exfoliation, but also a shampoo, massage, and a cucumber facial (for $125, it's well worth it).

What to expect in Korean spa?

Normally, there is a wet area called Mogyoktang where you are completely naked, separated by gender. Then, there is also a dry area that both sexes use together. It consists of saunas, relaxation areas, gaming stations, cafeterias, and other facilities.

What do Koreans use to remove dead skin?

Simply put, the chemical exfoliant uses exfoliating acids to dissolve dead cells from our skin. Two super common ingredients in Korean-made chemical exfoliants are salicylic acid (BHA) and glycolic acid (AHA), true stars of K-Beauty.

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