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Korean spas, known as jjimjilbang (찜질방), are day spas offering many amenities: hydrotherapy pools, ice rooms, wet and dry saunas, specialty saunas like Himalayan salt, and warm, hot, and cold-plunge bathhouses. Saunas open pores and ease aches, while cold elements boost immunity and circulation. Most spas allow only slippers or socks, no shoes.
Traditionally, jjimjilbangs have gender-divided nude bathing areas with strict privacy, as it's believed clothing toxins interfere with treatment. Seated showers are popular for scrubbing, and a Korean body scrub with special gloves gives a deep cleanse. Beyond admission, you can add scrubs, treatments, facials, massages, and food, usually paid via a wristband. Many spas also have gyms and restaurants with free WiFi. Over the years, Korean spas have opened across the U.S. Here are some of the most popular.
California, Beverly Hot Springs
Distinguished by its natural alkaline mineral hot springs (exclusive to LA, heated by geothermal heat), the well was discovered in 1910 and became a spa in the 1980s. It offers sunless spray tanning, hair removal, and eucalyptus steam rooms. Smaller in scale but one of the most serene places to relax. Address: 308 N. Oxford Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004. Price: $35 weekdays, $40 weekends/holidays.
New Jersey, SoJo Spa
Known for shuttle services and a rooftop infinity pool with city views. Free robe and lounge clothing are provided. Special pools include carbon-rich baths, a waterfall, and a foot-massage path, plus Far-infrared, white-clay, stone, and volcanic sand saunas. No one under 16 allowed; alcohol-free. Open year-round 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Address: 660 River Rd, Edgewater, NJ 07020. Price: $55 weekdays, $75 weekends/holidays.
Texas, Spa Castle
Features gold and yellow-clay saunas, a color-therapy sauna, and Far-infrared heaters. The O2 Zone has mini-games, a theater, mini golf, and video games. Multiple pools include an aqua bar, kiddie pool, mystic pool, and hinoki bath, with six dining options and reflexology treatments. Address: 1020 Raiford Road, Carrollton, TX 75007. Price: $40 weekdays, $50 weekends.
Virginia, Spa World
Leans toward a classic, traditional Korean spa, great for the whole family. Dry saunas use high heat (good for heart, blood, and skin) and there are at least seven poultice rooms such as Amethyst Gem, Blue Onyx, and Red Clay Ball. Offers authentic Korean food and a juice bar. Address: 13830 Braddock Road, Centreville, VA 20121. Price: $40, or $30 sauna only.
Washington, Olympus Spa
A women-only, wellness-promoting spa (no one under 13). Offers skincare, nail care, spa packages, and lash/brow services, plus a traditionally decorated tea cafe with organic teas. Hosts seasonal events like "Candle Night" in winter. Address: 3815 196th St SW #160, Lynnwood, WA 98036. Price: $43; birthday day passes 50% off.
Korean day spas keep growing in the U.S., with options for every taste. Admission isn't cheap, but with no time limits it's well worth it, perfect for couples, friends, and family alike. Check each spa's website for details!
Written by Monica Park